Teale - I've stated my case

Interim St Mirren boss Gary Teale says he will not make a formal bid to keep his job - because the Buddies board should already know if he is up to the task.

The relegated Paisley outfit announced earlier this week they were inviting interested candidates to apply to become Saints' full-time manager.

But chairman Stewart Gilmour made it clear Teale would be considered if he put his name forward.

However, the former Scotland winger has never hidden his desire to hold on to a post he has been covering since Tommy Craig was axed back in December.

And despite being unable to save the club from sliding out of the Scottish Premiership, he reckons he has proved his credentials are up to scratch.

He said: "I've already stated my case - I would love the job. Do I need to go and apply for it? Probably not because I feel I've done enough in five or six months to show what I'm doing more than you will get out of me sitting through an interview.

"I want the job but now it's up to the board whether they offer me it. I'm throwing it back to them to decide.

"They already know my thoughts on the job and how I can change the mentality of the club. We need to stop thinking that we are 'only St Mirren'. We have to set the targets high and have ambition.

"But I don't think I have to make a formal application. The board know me inside out.''

As things stand, Teale has just two games left in charge - starting with Saturday's Paisley clash with Motherwell.

But he hopes his future will be addressed quickly so he can start building his squad ahead of their return to the Championship.

"The players might want to stay or they might want to look elsewhere but until we know what is happening with my position, we can't really do that,'' said the 36-year-old.

"There are one or two who have come to me and asked about their situation. I've not sought them out but the ones who have asked me directly, I've let them know if I think they will be here or not.

"I always feel I am pretty honest and that is how I've been with them. But even that is not a definite answer because some of them may think, 'well he doesn't want me but the new manager might.'

"There's been time-scale on how long it will take for the board to make a decision, but I just hope for the sake of the club and to give us the best chance of getting ready for next season it is done sooner rather than later.''

Meanwhile, Saints have announced they have handed two-year contract extensions to youngsters Jack Baird, Lewis Morgan and Barry Cuddihy.