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St Mirren Appoint Craig McLeish as Permanent Manager

The club presents the decision as a continuity-focused hire that prioritises academy development, a player trading model, and a summer squad rebuild

Overview

  • St Mirren confirmed Craig McLeish as permanent manager after his interim spell that ended with the club retaining its Scottish Premiership place via a play-off win over Partick Thistle.
  • The club will keep Stuart Taylor as assistant manager and Jamie Langfield as head of goalkeeping with added set-piece duties, signalling staff continuity during the transition.
  • Media reports conflict over the length of McLeish’s contract, with outlets citing two years, three years, or a deal running to summer 2029.
  • Immediate priorities for McLeish and new head of recruitment Gavin Miller are negotiating player contracts, replacing summer departures and preparing the squad for July’s League Cup group games.
  • St Mirren and McLeish framed the appointment as part of a long-term plan to develop academy players, build a sell-on trading model, and deliver a more data-driven style of football similar to models used by clubs such as Brentford and Brighton.