Town Granted Permission to Speak to St Mirren Boss as Interviews Continue

Thursday, 10th May 2018 12:50

Town have been granted permission to speak to St Mirren manager Jack Ross as owner Marcus Evans continues his search for the Blues new boss. Ross, who was initially reported to be on Town’s radar in early April, is set to be interviewed by Evans next week.

The 41-year-old, who turned down the chance to manage Barnsley after the Tykes were given permission to hold talks in February, took charge at St Mirren in January 2017 and saved them from relegation.

This season Falkirk-born Ross took the Buddies to the Scottish Championship title by 12 points and was recently named the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year.

The one-time Hartlepool, Falkirk, St Mirren and Hamilton Academical defender, who won one Scotland B cap during his playing days, began his management career at Alloa in December 2015 having been on the staff at Dumbarton, where he was assistant manager, and then Hearts.



Ross (right) during his playing days with the Buddies

After failing to prevent the Wasps from being relegated into Scottish League One in his first half-season, Ross subsequently took them on a club record 10-game winning run the following campaign prior to his move to his current club.

TWTD understands Blues owner Evans began interviewing candidates last week - when former Tottenham and Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood was among those spoken to - and he has continued that process this week.

Evans has said he expects to name the successor to Mick McCarthy in late May or early June.

Meanwhile, Town fans can run the rule over another of the contenders to take over at Portman Road, Paul Hurst, when his Shrewsbury side take on Charlton in the first leg of the League One play-offs at the Valley this evening (Sky Sports Football 7.30pm).





Photos: TWTD/Action Images

jabberjackson added 12:51 - May 10

Just the sort of bloke we should be talking to

Go Evans...

23

BeattiesBackPocket added 12:52 - May 10

And the Mick in brigade had us believe that noone would want the job!? Hmmmm -10

Lightningboy added 12:54 - May 10

Only time will tell whether this is a risk..seen plenty of managers come from Scottish football and fail/succeed..maybe him with Burley as Director of football?..that would keep everybody happy. 10

chrisswailes added 12:54 - May 10

BBP - when did anyone, ever, say that? 12

runningout added 12:56 - May 10

stands good chance as any 4

Southamptonblue added 12:58 - May 10

I really hope I'm wrong, but I'm predicting it will be Sherwood. -8

Marcus added 12:59 - May 10

Klug would be the obvious person for director of football, he knows the club so well. 1

BeattiesBackPocket added 13:02 - May 10

Chrisswailes There have been plenty on here (Not all) bemoaning that noone would want it because of the state of the club and how Mick had been the messiah if he cant do anything noone can etc etc, who would want the job etc just because they didn't see change as maybe the right move forwards. Mick was the right person at first but past 3 years he just wasnt. I dont dislike the guy like some on here but the football was poor at best and he shouldve gone after the Lincoln game but as a club and fans we were still patient until that became untenable any longer. Whoever comes in we have to support going forwards. 9

JimmyJooJarJee added 13:02 - May 10

Exciting 5

SWGF added 13:04 - May 10

Exactly the type of manager we should be looking at; young, successful.

The St Mirren fans adore him 21

sirbobbystand added 13:04 - May 10

Who?????



we need someone better than that ? -44

BlueBlood90 added 13:05 - May 10

I like that we're going after a young manager like this. It'd be a bit of a gamble being from a low league in Scotland but I think we could all get behind him much more than a Sherwood, Grayson or Pardew etc. Not sure what style of football St Mirren play either. I've just seen Carlos Carvalhal is available from Swansea now too. Could be worth an interview. 10

howdonblue added 13:09 - May 10

No thanks to Carvalhal.



This guy seems like the sort of candidate we need to get at Portman road



Fresh thinking young manager 3

Bildestoned added 13:10 - May 10

Ah the irony of sirbobbystand's post couldn't be greater. That comment could equally have been made regarding Sir Bobby's own appointment!! 17

PortmanTerrorist added 13:13 - May 10

He has already turned down one Championship management opportunity. This may have more to do with expectations at his current Club. Could use our interest as leverage for funds needed for them to make a proper run at the Scottish Prem rather than serious interest in coming to Town. Not sure am bothered either way, but let's get someone in now and not waste this key Summer rebuild opportunity! 2

sirbobbystand added 13:20 - May 10

clearly I was only joking, town are not the team they used to be and will not attract a famous well known manager any more. Who ever ITFC appoint I will always support and give the benefit of the doubt to 2

62WasBest added 13:30 - May 10

Southamptonblue - I recall Marcus Evans saying after Jewell or Keane's departure that one thing he learnt was that a manager needs to be able to cope with the failures as well as the successes. Which is it that you think Sherwood copes best with that would seriously put him in the frame for the Ipswich job? 1

hampstead_blue added 13:37 - May 10

Shocking...........why has nobody has been pumping him on TWTD. Why did we not know this before Evans?!



I blame ......... -1

floridaboy added 13:41 - May 10

Ross or Lampard if I am honest. Having an experienced Director of Football ie someone like Burley could work really well. Plus sure Ross would want to bring a couple of his better players with him.



As for Sherwood I would rather stay at home than go and watch him! 2

rozeeboy added 13:44 - May 10

Might be worth a punt but managing a side in the second level of Scottish football can't be that difficult with a club like St Mirren can it? Pitting your wits against Brechin, Dumbarton and Greenock Morton for example.



Having said that, St Mirren only won 1 game in the last five. I guess by then they had won the league so were already on the beach.



If we are looking to Scotland, Neil Lennon is leaving Hibs. -8

jabberjackson added 13:49 - May 10

"Might be worth a punt" rozeeboy ??



This isn't a trialist we are potentially offering a 6 month contract to



The decision is enormous, we won't be taking a punt

ME will be making a massively informed choice

Doesn't matter how long he takes, as long as he makes the right decision... 7

vanmunt added 13:54 - May 10

Some good names being linked at the moment and the sort of manager that would see the Town as a good stepping stone for their careers, I would be happy with either Ross or Hurst. 6

TimmyH added 13:57 - May 10

hhhmmmm...still waiting for that mouth watering 'link' and not sure if Ross does it for me coming from Scottish Championship as a manager.



For me it has to be Hurst/Steijn/Burley & Butcher. 7

floridaboy added 14:07 - May 10

Definitely not Burley/Butcher. Been away the day to day running of a club for too long.



If some on here are saying no to Ross because of playing in the 2nd tier of Scottish football then sorry but Steijn is really not much better.



BUT definitely NOT Lennon. Absolute lunatic!! -4