Paris Saint-Germain's Qatari President Nasser Al-Khelaifi (L) poses along side Argentinian football player Lionel Messi as he holds-up his number 30 shirt during a press conference at the French football club Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on August 11, 2021. - The 34-year-old superstar signed a two-year deal with PSG on August 10, 2021, with the option of an additional year, he will wear the number 30 in Paris, the number he had when he began his professional career at Spain's Barca football club. (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN / AFP) (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP via Getty Images)
Craig McLeish is set to be confirmed as the permanent manager of St Mirren after agreeing a two-year contract with the Paisley club.
The deal will keep McLeish at the helm until 2028, following a successful end to the previous campaign under his stewardship.
McLeish convinced the St Mirren board that he deserves a long-term appointment after impressing the club’s hierarchy throughout his interim spell.
Directors and chief executive officer Keith Lasley conducted a thorough review of managerial options at the conclusion of the season before settling on McLeish.
The 36-year-old was initially handed interim charge after Stephen Robinson was head-hunted by Aberdeen, leaving St Mirren needing a steady hand.
McLeish, a former academy coach at the club, was tasked with keeping St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership during a precarious period.
He delivered on that challenge by guiding the Buddies through a tense two-legged play-off against Partick Thistle to secure survival.
His ability to integrate youth players into the first team also caught the eye of the board, aligning with the club’s long-term philosophy.
The club has always prioritised developing talent from within its youth academy, and McLeish gave several youngsters opportunities toward the end of the season.
McLeish is expected to be assisted by Stuart Taylor, with Jamie Langfield continuing in his role as goalkeeping coach.
Now confirmed as the permanent appointment, McLeish faces an immediate challenge as he sets about rebuilding his squad following several summer exits.
The Premier Sports Cup winners must prepare quickly, with St Mirren placed in a group alongside Dumbarton, Cove Rangers, East Kilbride, and Dunfermline Athletic.
Getting the right players in before that early cup competition kicks off will be a priority for the new permanent manager as he looks to push the club forward.
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