MACLEAN MADE PERTH BOSS PERMANENTLY

STEVEN MacLEAN has been appointed St Johnstone manager on a contract until 2026.

The former McDiarmid Park striker, who spent six years at the club between 2012 and

2018, took interim charge last month after Callum Davidson’s departure.

Under threat of relegation from the Premiership, MacLean has lost just once in five matches to secure Saints’ place in the top tier for next season.

Ahead of today’s final league game of the season at home to Livingston, the 40-year-old expressed his pride at landing the job in Perth.

‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity,’ said MacLean. ‘I met with the chairman last night and we sorted things out very quickly. I thank him and the board for giving me this exciting opportunity.

‘St Johnstone has a very special place in my heart. This club has been a massive part of my life and means so much to me.

‘We have secured our SPFL Premiership status and that was my immediate goal. But the work for next season starts now and I will be giving my all to be a successful St Johnstone manager.’

St Johnstone chairman Steve Brown said: ‘I am delighted to get Steven secured on a three year contract. I’ve known him for many years and I always had him down as a leader.

‘As interim manager, he hit his targets very quickly and it became abundantly clear that he was the man I wanted to lead us on a permanent basis.’