St Mirren Extends McLeish as Interim Manager to 2026

St Mirren Football Club has confirmed that Craig McLeish will continue as interim manager until the end of the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season, following the departure of Stephen Robinson to Aberdeen earlier this month. The 35-year-old took charge at the SMISA Stadium in Paisley and has overseen mixed results in his initial games, including a 1-0 home loss to Rangers and a 2-1 victory over Falkirk.

The decision came after club officials, including Chairman John Needham and Chief Operating Officer Keith Lasley, conducted a thorough review of options. They noted the positive response from players during McLeish's tenure and his leadership qualities. Talks with potential candidates, such as former Atlanta United assistant Carl Robinson, broke down due to complications over staffing arrangements. Another experienced coach, Tony Docherty, declined an offer to join as assistant. Instead, the club has bolstered its interim setup by appointing Stuart Taylor, a former St Mirren player who made 90 appearances for the team in the 1990s, as assistant manager. Taylor brings coaching experience from English clubs including Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stoke City, and Ipswich Town.