Craig McLeish made his pitch to become St Mirren’s next permanent manager after they secured their Premiership status via a narrow playoff victory over Partick Thistle.
The Paisley club were at risk of falling into the Championship for the first time since 2018 but a Marcus Fraser volley midway through the second half settled a tense two-legged tie to deny Thistle who stumbled in the playoffs for a fifth successive season.
McLeish was put in temporary charge following former manager Stephen Robinson’s departure to Aberdeen in March but couldn’t prevent Saints from finishing in 11th place after a poor run of form, especially in the post-split fixtures.
The St Mirren board and chief operating officer, Keith Lasley, will sit down in the next few days to discuss the plans for next season and McLeish believes he’s made a strong case to continue in the role on a permanent basis.
Craig McLeish wants the chance to continue as St MIrren manager after their play-off win
He said: ‘I absolutely want the job. I think everyone knows that by now. Whatever the club decides to do, I’m fine with that. I can’t control those things.
‘I stepped in at a difficult moment for the club. I’ve done everything we could to stay in the league and we’ve managed to do that. That was the remit when I got the role and I’ve loved every minute of it. The players have been brilliant with me and whatever the club decides, that’s up to them.
‘I’ve just been in a really privileged position and I’m delighted that Keith and the board gave me the opportunity to run with it. Again, they stepped up at that moment and said they would trust me with it. I’m glad that they did.
‘I’d have loved to have avoided this type of situation. But there have been so many positives throughout my spell in charge and whatever happens now is up to the club. They all know my feelings on it and my standards on it.
‘I’ve loved every minute of this. Even tonight, it’s difficult as well. It’s not the most enjoyable game but I just feel so comfortable out there. The club know my standards on it and me and Keith will have conversations over the next few days. I’ve known Keith for years, even before he was probably at the club, because his boy was within the academy. I’ve got a really good relationship with him.’
Alex Gogic hugs St Mirren matchwinner Marcus Fraser after their play-off win
It has been a big step up for 36-year-old McLeish who was promoted from his pathway role in the club’s youth academy but he insists he hasn’t felt the weight of expectation, even over the last few weeks.
He added: ‘I’m not just saying this but I’ve felt no pressure. I love every minute of it. I love just doing what I do. I’ve been lucky to be able to lead the group. People talk about pressure and it’s outside noise and stuff. The biggest bit I had to learn was just to shut off the outside noise, shut off the criticism, shut off the negativity. That’s the bit that no one probably teaches you and something you’re not prepared for until you actually have to live it.
‘I’ve got so much admiration for Stephen Robinson. I wouldn’t be in this situation if he hadn’t given me opportunities, but someone like him, the longevity he’s had in the game and how they do it year in, year out. Guys like him and Derek McInnes and John McGlynn – ultimately, that’s what I want. I want that longevity in the game. It’s not pressure, it’s just part of the role.’
McLeish praised Fraser, who scored his first goal since netting in the League Cup final win over Celtic, and also goalkeeper Ross Sinclair who made a stunning late stop from a Logan Chalmers free kick.’
‘Marcus declared himself fit when we were told his season was over,’ added McLeish. ‘I can’t ask any more of Marcus, can’t have enough of that within the group and within the changing room.
Mark Wilson applauds his players after their heart-breaking play-off loss to St Mirren
‘Ross has been a credit to himself since he’s come in. We owe St Johnstone a lot of thanks. We’ve run with an emergency goalkeeper for, I don’t know how many weeks now, but it just feels like Ross is part of our group. He’s been magnificent. Not even just that save, he made some other good saves tonight. He did everything that been asked of him.’
Thistle manager Mark Wilson was naturally disappointed at the team coming up short once again.
‘There wasn’t much between the teams,’ he said. ‘That’s sport at the elite level. When we go into these games, there’s got to be a loser. We’ve come on the wrong side of it. It’s really tough because there’s only one goal in it and it’s a set piece. It’s cruel. Every player put their heart and soul into it.’
