St Mirren chairman hopes to name new boss next week

St Mirren chairman Gordon Scott hopes to conclude his search for a new boss by the end of next week.

The Buddies owner is looking for someone to take up the reins after axing Alex Rae a fortnight ago.

But the Paisley chief has so far been frustrated, with Billy Davies, Neil Warnock and John Hughes all ruling themselves out of the running for the Saints post.

The club has received more than 50 applications for the job, while the bookmakers believe former St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson and Alloa boss Jack Ross are the leading contenders.

And Scott now says he is hoping make an appointment soon.

In a statement posted on the club's website, he said: "It has been nearly two weeks since we made the decision to change our manager.

"The process of appointing a new manager can be a lengthy one and we have spent those near two weeks reviewing the 50 plus applications we have received and trying to reduce that to a manageable number to interview.

"General manager Tony Fitzpatrick's experience has been invaluable and a couple of our existing board members have past experience when it comes to this so, as a board, we are not entirely new to it all.

"We started the process by aiming high and approached a couple of ex-English Premier League managers. It was always going to be a long shot but I believed, after meeting them, that one of them might have paid off but it wasn't to be.

"We had a few productive chats and I gained valuable insight into what it takes to be a top manager.

"After that we then looked closer to home and had another worthwhile conversation with one of the leading agents in Scottish football. One of his clients was high on our list to interview but unfortunately, as it stands, he wants another crack at trying to be a success in England and we wish him well.

"We have now whittled down our list and hope to finish the interviewing process early next week with the aim of having someone in place prior to next Saturday's trip to Easter Road to face Hibernian in the IRN-BRU Cup.

"For us it is important to get some stability and start planning for the long term."

Caretaker boss Allan McManus will take the team for Saturday's clash with Falkirk.

The Buddies currently sit rock bottom of the Ladbrokes Championship without a win from seven games.