St Mirren are looking for a new manager after telling League Cup winner Danny Lennon his time in Paisley is up.
Lennon had hoped for more time to achieve his ambition of leading the Buddies into the top six but his fate was sealed at a board meeting yesterday morning.
Only 14 months ago, the former Cowdenbeath manager led St Mirren to one of the greatest days in the club’s history, a 3-2 Hampden win against Hearts in the League Cup final. But an eighth-placed finish in the Scottish Premiership this season was not enough to convince directors.
Lennon replaced Gus MacPherson, who left Paisley in similar circumstances, after leading Cowdenbeath to consecutive promotions.
He kept them up in his first season following a relegation struggle with Hamilton and, with more scope to bring in his own players, led them to an eighth-placed finish in 2012, the club’s highest since 1989.
Lennon built a talented team capable of playing some stylish football but consistency has eluded them and, after winning the cup, they were drawn into a relegation tussle with Dundee.
The 45-year-old came under intense pressure after his team’s poor run continued into this season as the Buddies won only one of 16 games after their Hampden triumph.
They then went on a good run and were the first team in the bottom six to secure their safety but it has not been enough to save Lennon’s job.
The board delayed a decision last week, meaning Lennon was unsure of his future when he went into Saturday’s final game of the season, a 1-1 draw with Hearts, which also proved to be the end for Jambos manager Gary Locke.
Speaking after the game, Lennon said: “I’ve had a fantastic four years and I’d love to go beyond that and I believe that we have the ability.
“I am my own biggest critic and I am first to admit I’ve made mistakes along the way and it is learning from those mistakes. From the first day I came in here four years ago I’m certainly a better man for that. With that learning curve I would certainly love the opportunity to take them to next level and our ambition is the top six.”