News Focus
- Craig McLeish signs three-year contract to become St Mirren’s permanent manager
- At 36, he is now the youngest head coach in the Scottish Premiership
- The Buddies point to data and English clubs like Brighton as models for their decision
- History shows mixed results for young bosses, with Steven Gerrard thriving but others failing
- Supporters remain split on whether this signals ambition or a cost-cutting risk
St Mirren have confirmed Craig McLeish as their full-time manager, handing the 36-year-old a three-year contract that makes him the youngest boss currently operating in the Scottish top flight.
The Paisley club moved quickly to secure McLeish after he guided the team through the final dozen matches of the recent campaign as caretaker. The former academy coach now steps up to the role permanently, beating other candidates despite his limited senior experience.
McLeish takes over from Stephen Robinson, who departed for Aberdeen. The new manager arrives with a mandate to develop youth talent, with chief operating officer Keith Lasley stating the club aims to become Scotland’s finest development outfit.
The appointment places McLeish at the forefront of a growing trend of young managers in the division. Rangers’ Danny Rohl is only slightly older at 37, while Hibernian’s David Gray is 38. By contrast, Celtic continue under veteran leadership with 74-year-old Martin O’Neill at the helm.
History offers cautionary tales for youthful bosses in Scotland. Ian Cathro was just 30 when he took charge at Heart of Midlothian four years ago, managing only eight wins from 30 fixtures before his exit. Shaun Maloney, 38 when he joined Hibernian, secured just six victories from 19 matches and departed after a Scottish Cup semi-final loss.
Yet success stories exist. Gray has achieved a 40% win rate across more than 100 matches with Hibernian, leading them to European qualification last term. Rohl finished third with Rangers this season, though this represented a drop from the previous year’s runners-up spot.
Steven Gerrard remains the benchmark, having captured the league title with Rangers in 2021 at age 38, ending a decade-long drought. The former Liverpool captain left with a win percentage approaching 65%.
St Mirren defend their choice by referencing English models. They highlight Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler, who at 33 guided the Seagulls to Conference League qualification, and Brentford’s Keith Andrews, who enjoyed a solid first season at 45. Lasley insists McLeish represents ‘identifying talent and letting it fly’ rather than a cheap option.
The decision carries risk. McLeish’s playing career peaked in Scotland’s lower leagues, and his only prior role involved academy coaching. He kept the club up via play-off victory over Partick Thistle, though critics note the side sat just one place above the danger zone when Robinson left.
Fan opinion divides sharply. Some supporters praise the continuity and potential for long-term growth, urging patience with the new regime. Others dismiss the move as underwhelming, arguing that avoiding relegation required luck rather than tactical skill, and demanding a more experienced hand to push the club up the table.
The coming season will reveal whether St Mirren’s faith in youth reaps rewards or adds McLeish to the list of promising coaches who found Scottish football’s top tier a step too soon.