Warnock and Davies out of the running

ST MIRREN will today commence talks with four potential candidates as they close in on appointing a new manager.

Speculation was rife earlier this week that Billy Davies and Neil Warnock were set to be interviewed for the post that was vacated by Alex Rae earlier this month. However, it emerged yesterday that both men ruled themselves out of the running for the post.

Herald Sport understands it is unlikely an appointment will be made ahead of this Saturday’s game with Falkirk unless an outstanding candidate presents himself.

Failing that, it is anticipated formal interviews will be carried out at the start of next week.

Former St Mirren manager Gus McPherson is still one of the frontrunners in the eyes of the bookmakers to make a return to the Paisley 2021 Stadium, but it is understood no approach has been made to his current club Queen’s Park. Jimmy Calderwood and John Hughes have also been linked with the post.

It is understood that Davies, the 52-year-old former St Mirren midfielder, had met club chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick last week, but he has now confirmed he will not be Rae’s successor.

He said: “I’ve met the club officials a few times over the last few weeks and can confirm that, in response to press questions, I will not be taking part in the future of St Mirren Football Club.”

Only a few hours later, the former Sheffield United and Queens Park Rangers manager Warnock also said he would not be in the running.

“I know the people in charge and, as I am in Scotland for a few days this week, I offered to come and talk to them if they felt needed advice on potential new managers or players – that kind of thing,” he said. “But there is nothing more to it than that.”