McLeish the 'outstanding candidate' in 'thorough, data-driven' boss search

Craig McLeish emerged as the "outstanding candidate" for the manager's job after a "number of external candidates" were assessed, say St Mirren.

The Buddies have appointed McLeish - who secured top-flight survival in his interim tenure last season - on a three-year contract following a "thorough, data-driven recruitment process that aligned with the club's football strategy on and off the pitch".

Chief executive Keith Lasley said: "It was always the plan to get to the end of the season, have a short period of reflection on what had taken place in that period and also conclude the thorough process that was already running in the background. That's what we've taken the time to do.

"Ultimately, we feel as a football club, that Craig very much aligns with the club's real ambition and needs moving forward.

"I think this is a moment for the club that was always coming probably to the end of a cycle, a very successful one, but we feel as if there's a new exciting challenge ahead in the way we win as a football club.

"That is the development of young players, the development of a player trading model and the development of a style and an exciting football team for our fans to come here every weekend and watch.

"We wanted the data and the personal characteristics to reflect those key points for us moving forward and those things joined together was really part of the process for us finding the candidate that we felt was best in that role.

"We know where Craig is in his journey, he's still very early, but I think there's some really good examples, at the likes of Brentford and Brighton, that give people opportunity. We want to be that club and that's based on merit. Craig is a very driven, hungry individual."

Chairman John Needham says McLeish's appointment is "about building on the progress made during a challenging period".

He added: "Craig came into a difficult situation and results improved under his leadership. He has earned the trust of the players and leadership.

"He knows the club from the inside, having worked across the academy and first-team environment over a number of years, and understands the standards expected at St Mirren as well as the demands of the support.

"Craig's appointment fits with the club's wider football strategy of developing players, improving recruitment and building a sustainable first-team model."