Danny Lennon appraisal enters realms of fantasy

TRIUMPH in a major cup final invariably induces a fever (complete with bizarre fantasies) in followers of even the most consistently successful clubs. The hysteria, however, seems to be more pronounced in those for whom the ecstasy is something of a once-in-a-generation experience.

The phenomenon has been entertainingly in evidence in the two weeks since St Mirren provided not just their own fans, but the entire country – including even sporting Hearts supporters – with a supersize measure of the feelgood factor with the exhilarating manner of their League Cup victory over the Tynecastle side.

Even so, it was impossible not to fear for the sanity of those Paisley denizens who suggested with a straight face that the Saints manager, Danny Lennon, would now be a target for such as Arsenal and Manchester City.

The speculation was, seemingly, based on the certainty that the two English giants are in a hurry to be rid of those two ‘strugglers’ Arsene Wenger and Roberto Mancini.

There is nothing impossibly fanciful about the notion of the directors at the Emirates and the Etihad contemplating a change of manager, but there is more than a hint of the certifiable about those who argue seriously that Lennon’s achievement at Hampden makes him a perfect fit.

Anyone paying attention over the past 15 years or so should have long since recognised that clubs who inhabit the billion-dollar universe and whose principal objectives each season include the conquest of Europe tend to look no further for their candidates than the shallow pool of talents who have already distinguished themselves in that field.

It is, for example, entirely legitimate to propose that, even with his background in the Scottish game, Alex Ferguson in the present day would not even be considered for the managerial chair at Manchester United. Wee Danny will just have to settle for a Spurs or an Everton.