Ian Murray odds-on for St Mirren manager job

DUMBARTON manager and former Hibernian captain Ian Murray has emerged as the early favourite to become the next St Mirren manager after Danny Lennon was told by the Paisley club that his contract would not be renewed, despite leading the club to League Cup glory last year.

Ian Murray: Front runner. Picture Robert Perry

Lennon led Saints to an eighth-placed finish in the Scottish Premiership this season, equalling the feat he achieved two years earlier, which was the club’s highest placing since 1989, but after a meeting with directors at St Mirren Park yesterday he was told he will not be at the helm next season. Betting firm McBookie.com opened a book following Lennon’s departure and after installing Murray as an 8-1 shot, he was quickly backed down to 4-5 favourite for the post. Paul Petrie of McBookie.com said: “We were led to believe that Murray would be signing a new contract with Dumbarton, but the money for him today suggests he could be heading to St Mirren.”

Other leading contenders include Lennon’s assistant Tommy Craig and John Collins.

Lennon appears to have paid the price for some poor runs since the Hampden win over Hearts in March 2013, despite guiding St Mirren to safety for the fourth successive season. A board statement said: “Decisions like this are never easy. However, we would in particular commend Danny for his professionalism and the dignified way he has carried out his duties.”