Kearney grateful for Buddies interview
Saints managerial hopeful Oran Kearney has thanked the club’s board for considering him for the post despite losing out to Alan Stubbs.
The Northern Irishman emerged as a dark horse to replace Jack Ross at the Paisley club and was interviewed for the position earlier this week.
However, the Coleraine gaffer came up short as the St Mirren board opted for former Hibs boss Stubbs instead.
Kearney, 39, said: “I enjoyed the preparation and the buzz of the interview itself and as many a mum always says ‘What’s for you will never pass you’.
“I’m delighted with the feedback I received from the St Mirren board and thank them for the opportunity.
“I can now look forward with no baggage in my mind – in and out of football.
“This week proved a humbling experience that in my family circle, my community and my football family, I am lucky to be surrounded by so many special people.
“I didn’t want to look back in 20 years with regret and a huge ‘What if’ eating at me in relation to how things might end up if I hadn’t pursued it.” David Campbell
Alan Stubbs insists he is ready to take St Mirren to the next level after he was officially announced as the club’s new manager.
The former Hibs and Rotherham United boss penned a three-year deal to replace Jack Ross in the Saints dugout and says he can’t wait to get down to business.
Englishman Stubbs beat off stiff competition from a number of highprofile candidates to emerge as the boards’s number one choice.
After agreeing a deal that will keep him at Greenhill Road until 2021, Stubbs said he is delighted to be taking the helm at the Premiership side.
He said: “I’m delighted to be appointed the new manager of St Mirren.
“I’m really excited by the challenge ahead and look forward to building on the good work that’s been done here already.
“Now the hard work starts to get the squad ready for an exciting season ahead.”
The 46-year-old has been out of football management since October 2016 and has been a regular on TV since.
Stubbs enjoyed a successful playing career at Everton, Celtic and Bolton before hanging up his boots with Derby in 2008.
Stubbs also won a battle with testicular cancer while paying for the Parkhead side and shortly after he began his career in coaching with Everton’s Under-21 side.
He moved into the managerial hot seat with Hibs in 2014 and led the Edinburgh club to their first Scottish Cup win in 114 years two years later.
He endured a torrid time at Rotherham having joined in June 2016, winning just once in 14 attempts before he was sacked.
St Mirren launched a search for a new boss after Ross was prized away by English League One side Sunderland.
A number of high- profile candidates were in the running for the job, but it’s understood Saints bosses were impressed by Stubbs’ vision and willingness to commit his long-term future to the club.
With the players due back to training on Monday, the new man in charge will be looking to add some fresh faces ahead of the big kick-off next month.
I’m really excited by the challenge ahead Alan Stubbs
(Adjacent to Kwik Save car park, Paisley Road West)