Craig McLeish has made his case to become St Mirren's next permanent manager after the club secured their Premiership status with a narrow playoff victory over Partick Thistle. The Paisley side were at risk of relegation to the Championship for the first time since 2018, but a second-half volley from Marcus Fraser settled a tense two-legged tie, denying Thistle promotion for the fifth consecutive season.
McLeish's Interim Tenure
McLeish was placed in temporary charge after Stephen Robinson left for Aberdeen in March. Despite his efforts, he could not prevent St Mirren from finishing 11th following a poor run of form, particularly in the post-split fixtures. The club's board and chief operating officer Keith Lasley are set to meet in the coming days to discuss plans for next season, and McLeish believes he has made a strong case to remain in the role permanently.
McLeish stated: '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.'
He added: '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.'
McLeish's Journey and Aspirations
The 36-year-old was promoted from a pathway role in the club's youth academy, and he insists he has not felt the weight of expectation, even during the tense playoff weeks. '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.'
McLeish also praised Fraser, who scored his first goal since netting in the League Cup final win over Celtic, and goalkeeper Ross Sinclair, who made a stunning late save from a Logan Chalmers free kick. 'Marcus declared himself fit when we were told his season was over. I can’t ask any more of Marcus, can’t have enough of that within the group and within the changing room. 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 weeks, but it just feels like Ross is part of our group. He’s been magnificent.'
Thistle's Heartbreak
Partick Thistle manager Mark Wilson expressed his disappointment after his team fell short once again. 'There wasn’t much between the teams. 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.'
