Scottish Premier League managers start the close season of uncertainty

MANAGERS are prone to say that the work for next season begins as soon as the previous one ends, which means yesterday should have seen many occupying the seat at their desk as they contemplated the work to be done in the summer months.

But for a remarkably large percentage of Scottish Premier League managers, it is their own future which is the biggest question which needs to be addressed before thoughts can turn to strengthening squads.

Yesterday was perhaps spent in talks with their own advisors rather then the agents of players they are looking to sign. As many as five managers could qualify as being currently unsettled, with St Mirren's Gus MacPherson having already been unseated since the conclusion of the league season.

William Hill have already opened a book on how many clubs will be led by the same man in August, when the season kicks off again. Last summer saw five of the 12 teams make a managerial changes for a combination of reasons. The uncertainty is again a feature of the close season this time around. Indeed, it is more pronounced. Both Old Firm clubs could realistically begin next season with new managers.

Last year, Gordon Strachan's departure from Celtic was widely anticipated. Walter Smith, however, was very much still in contract at Ibrox. However, with the current manager of the year now operating on a month-by-month basis at a club on the perpetual verge of being sold, confidence is not high that he will step out with the champions on the first day of the next campaign.

The Celtic situation, meanwhile, is just as unclear. Neil Lennon remains in position but can hardly have been cheered by the statement released by the Celtic board almost as soon as the league season ended nine days ago. In it, Celtic chairman John Reid stressed that the search for a new manager had only just begun, despite Lennon's record of eight straight league wins while in temporary charge.

There is a feeling of impermanence running throughout the division. Even when dropping just one position below the Old Firm it is possible to sense it, although Peter Houston's achievements with third-placed Dundee United means it is surely only a matter of time before the etching of the Tannadice club's name on the Scottish Cup is followed by the scrawling of his signature on a long-term contract. But others remain a lot less sure about the future.

NEIL LENNON

Appointed: February 2010

Tasked with: Steadying the Celtic ship following Tony Mowbray's sacking. In limbo after being told the club were only just turning their attention to the search for a new manager at the end of the season.

Success rating: Can't have done much more in the league after a straight run of eight victories. But is damaged by a 2-0 defeat in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Ross County, whose limited performance in Saturday's final against Dundee United did not offer the Celtic interim manager much comfort. But Lennon has a strong application, one which included an overdue victory over Rangers.

Stay or go: Celtic are clearly looking at other options, but might find Lennon is the best candidate who the club can afford and who wants the job.

PETER HOUSTON

Appointed: December 2009

Tasked with: Keeping Dundee United ticking over following Craig Levein accepting the post of Scotland manager. Houston's caretaker duties looked to be truly temporary after a 7-1 drubbing against Rangers at Ibrox, after which a shell-shocked Houston withdrew his candidacy to be manager. He later changed his mind.

Success rating: Could not have done better. Third in the league and the Scottish Cup in the trophy cabinet is United's best season in a generation.

Stay or go: Has to stay. He doesn't foresee problems in forthcoming discussions, but did include one proviso after Saturday's Scottish Cup final: "I won't take a team which will lose five players."

CRAIG BROWN

Appointed: December 2009

Tasked with: Providing stability at Motherwell following the brief tenure of Jim Gannon, whose refusal to tie himself down to a long-term contract had itself allowed uncertainty to breed at Fir Park. But Brown and assistant Archie Knox are also working in similar fashion, something they – and the club – appear at ease with. "There's no need for a contract," said Brown this week. "There is good understanding and good mutual respect."

Success rating: Like Lennon and Houston, Brown did little wrong. Not only sealed a top-six berth, but also qualified for Europe due to a combination of a fifth-place finish and Dundee United's victory over Ross County in the Scottish Cup final. Motherwell had not won in six games when they took over.

Stay or go: Soon to celebrate his 70th birthday, but will stay for the foreseeable future.

JIMMY CALDERWOOD

Appointed: January 2010

Tasked with: Lured to Kilmarnock from his holiday villa in Majorca to get his hands dirty in an SPL relegation battle following Jim Jefferies' departure. Had not worked in football since leaving Aberdeen the previous summer and was desperate to be involved again, but only signed a contract until the end of this season.

Success rating: Made headlines from the beginning when leading his side to a long overdue win over Celtic, Robbie Keane et al. Though it turned out well in the end, it was not all plain sailing. Four consecutive defeats towards the end of the season helped place Kilmarnock in the mire but Calderwood's team secured a victory at Pittodrie on the penultimate day. It left them needing just a point to stay up against Falkirk on the last day.

Stay or go: Could easily go. Has already said he doesn't fancy another dogfight.

ST MIRREN

Reason for vacancy: After seven years in charge, Gus MacPherson was last week relieved of his duties in a surprise move by the club. Chairman Stewart Gilmour offered the explanation that the club needed a "different direction". But relations had soured between the management and board by a bitter bonus dispute in the run-up to the Co-Operative Insurance Cup final with Rangers. MacPherson was also known to be unhappy at the prospect of further budget cuts.

Success rating: MacPherson's seven seasons at the club saw him guide St Mirren to promotion, as well as a Scottish Cup semi-final and last season's Co-Operative Insurance Cup final. The 1-0 defeat to a nine-man Rangers team was the club's first major cup final in 23 years, but the circumstances were ultimately deflating. Still, many had tipped St Mirren for relegation but they again ensured survival with two games left.

Candidates: Derek Adams, Kenny McDowell, Jimmy Calderwood, Billy Reid, Ian McCall.

WALTER SMITH

Appointed: January 2007

Tasked with: Rescuing a team in turmoil after Paul Le Guen's unproductive spell at the club. Smith left his post as Scotland manager and inherited a very messy dressing room.

Success rating: Just over a year later he had led the club to a Uefa Cup final. Two subsequent title successes – together with two Scottish Cup and two Co-operative Insurance Cups – add up to an impressive haul. This season's achievement of retaining the title was made all the more satisfying due to the financial restrictions placed on the club.

Stay or go: Unlikely Rangers could afford better. Wants to stay if conditions are right. Hard to imagine him walking away in his club's hour of need.

BOOKIES EXPECT DEPARTURES

Odds on next SPL manager to leave their position

Neil Lennon 7/4

Jimmy Calderwood 5/2

Peter Houston 11/2

Walter Smith 7/1

Mark McGhee 8/1

Jim Jeffries 16/1

Craig Brown 20/1

Billy Reid 33/1

Derek McInnes 33/1

John Hughes 33/1

Terry Butcher 50/1

How many will still be in charge on the first day of 2010/11 SPL season? 500/1 None; 100/1 1-2; 33/1 3-4; 10/1 5-6; 7/2 7-8; 4/6 9-10; 3/1 11

• Odds courtesy of William Hill