craig mcleish will lead the temporary coaching team for St Mirren’s imminent fixtures as the club reels from head coach Stephen Robinson’s sudden departure. Robinson and assistant Brian Kerr left Paisley on Wednesday morning ET and took up the Aberdeen role on Thursday ET, forcing an immediate coaching reshuffle. The move has prompted public responses from former player Stephen McGinn and current squad members as the club prepares for a high-profile Sunday ET match.
Craig Mcleish to lead caretakers for Rangers clash
Craig Mcleish and Jamie Langfield have been appointed to act as the caretaker coaching team for St Mirren’s upcoming match against Rangers on Sunday ET. The caretakers step in with little runway after Robinson’s exit, inheriting a squad still processing the departure but focused on results and a domestic cup semi referenced by players. Forward Jake Young described the mood as one of regrouping and professionalism as the team prepares under the temporary staff.
Immediate reactions from players and former club figures
Jake Young, St Mirren striker, said the sudden change was “a bit of a shock” but stressed that “we have just got to remain professional and it’s business as usual” ahead of Sunday ET. Young noted the squad has held meetings and returned to work, urging unity as they prepare to face Rangers on television and compete in the cup semi.
Stephen McGinn, former St Mirren midfielder and now first-team coach at Falkirk, addressed speculation linking him to the vacant Paisley job and described a turbulent period: “It’s been a whirlwind few days personally in terms of noise that just comes from nowhere. ” McGinn added that the talk had tangible effects on his other responsibilities, saying, “But professionally it directly impacted our preparation for our game on Saturday ET. “
John Needham, chairman at the club, expressed formal gratitude for Robinson’s service, saying, “I would like to place on record the club’s sincere thanks to Stephen Robinson for his tremendous contributions during his time as our manager. ” The chairman underlined that Robinson departs with the club’s best wishes after four years in charge.
What’s next
With caretakers Craig Mcleish and Jamie Langfield in place, the immediate priority for St Mirren is stabilising the squad for Sunday ET and advancing in the cup semi. The club will confront two parallel tasks: steadying match preparation under temporary coaches and starting the process of identifying a long-term successor to Robinson. Meanwhile, individuals linked to the vacancy, including Stephen McGinn, have publicly pushed back on speculation and focused on their current responsibilities.
Fans and officials will watch how quickly the interim team can steady results and whether the club moves rapidly to appoint a permanent manager; in the short term, all eyes will be on the squad’s response on Sunday ET with craig mcleish leading preparations from the touchline.
