Rice is right for Buddies switch at third attempt
BRIAN RICE is thrilled to finally sign for St Mirren after revealing the club twice tried to land him as a player.
The former Nottingham Forest and Hibs midfielder joined up as Alan Stubbs’s assistant manager at the weekend and has got straight to work with the squad at their La Manga training camp.
The 54-year-old has built an impressive reputation as a coach during spells as a No.2 at Falkirk, Hibs and Inverness and is pinching himself at being back in the top flight with the Buddies.
He said: “It’s just a club that should be in the Premiership. When I played they were always in the Premier League and I used to love going to play against them.
“In fact, Tony Fitzpatrick tried to sign me when I was a player and Jimmy Bone tried to sign me but it never quite happened.
“So to eventually get here now I’m absolutely delighted.”
Rice has never worked with Stubbs or first-team coach Darren Jackson but is confident they can quickly build a rapport to help the Buddies survive in the top flight after three seasons in the Championship. Rice, who left Inverness to join Saints, said: “It’s vital to get among the players and create a spirit. It’s going to be a difficult season for everyone – some new players, new coaching staff, a new manager – so it’s important we gel quickly.
“I saw a lot of St Mirren last season so I know the players’ strengths and weaknesses.”