St Mirren boss Jack Ross kept his cards close to his chest when questioned about the Town management vacancy at his press conference having been named the Ladbrokes Championship Manager of the Year yesterday.

The 41-year-old spoke to Marcus Evans last week, the Buddies having given the Blues permission to hold talks, and is set to meet with the Town owner for a second time later this week.

“I have always tried to be frank and honest but that [the Town job] is something I am not willing or able to comment on at the moment,” Ross, who also spoke to Sky Sports News, at yesterday’s media get-together, is quoted by the Daily Record as having said when asked about the situation.

“There is always a danger in football that people take it as a sign of disloyalty or that you are not doing your job properly.

“Those who know me will know I have spent every day at Ralston [the St Mirren training ground] since the season finished trying to make sure we are in as good a place as we can be for next season. As things stand that is where I will be next season.

“The club is waiting to have communication with them [Town]. I have always been relaxed about it simply because I enjoy this job so much.

“I am excited about the fact we have a Premiership season to look forward to. That excites me as a manager because it gives me that freshness.

“The pathway to England is one players and managers want to take because of the huge resources available down there — but I am a big advocate of the game up here.

“The recent attention and profile the Scottish game has received through the likes of Steven Gerrard’s appointment at Rangers as well as the Hibs v Rangers game at the weekend [which ended 5-5] highlights the fact there are good things happening up here.

“There are good players and managers operating in Scotland and we should embrace that more.

“I’ve never had preconceived ideas about how I would want my career to go other than the fact I would like to be Scotland manager one day.

“That’s romantic for me. I always wanted to play for Scotland when I was a young boy. Now you hear young boys saying they want to play in the English Premier League.

“For me, the ultimate as a manager would be to manage my country. But beyond that it has only ever been about doing the job I’m in to the best I can.”

Ross, who was also named PFA Scotland's Manager of the Year, is now the 11-8 odds-on favourite with Bet Victor to take over at Town having moved ahead of Shrewsbury boss Paul Hurst, who remains at 2-1, the pair having previously been joint-favourites.

Scott Parker is at 12-1, Tim Sherwood 14-1, Shefki Kuqi 16-1, Simon Grayson 20-1 and Paul Cook, George Burley, John McGreal, Mark Warburton and Tony Mowbray all at 25-1.

Photos: Allan Picken

Marshalls_Mullet added 12:52 - May 15 Bobble - Mick stayed too long. But that has nothing to do with the recruitment strategy at the time, which got the appointment correct.
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Barty added 12:52 - May 15 I think it is between Ross & Hurst. I would be happy with either but would prefer Hurst.
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TJS added 13:02 - May 15 I just hope we don't muck this up and end up with neither.
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carsey added 13:02 - May 15 itfcitk I have no axe to grind with McCarthy's achievements but his football was boring and predictable and his manners nothing short of abusive towards the very people he was paid to entertain. All managers have good and bad times but but to behave the way he did was poor. Robson never did it he won people over by producing decent football and being a decent human being at Ipswich and with England.

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runningout added 13:04 - May 15 Watch another club who know what this Football malarkey game is about, nick a manager from under our nose. Don't feel confident in our illustrious interviewers
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lightingblue added 13:15 - May 15 I guess like any manager this chap is a risk, especially being so young. But it happens that thses guys can be a success. Just going on last nights results and the way Derby like to change managers, it wouldnt suprise Mr Rowett to be made available. In regards to Mcarthy, all that i didnt dislike the guy, he is now yesturdays man and been gone for a number of weeks now.Be greatful for what he did, and left not a bad squad of players. Well at least a better squad than he inherited. Please lets move on.

3

blueboy1981 added 14:05 - May 15 Why are people so impatient ?- no one can therefore say this forthcoming appointment was a knee jerk reaction to the previous incumbents departure. Had it have been otherwise, the same people would have been the first to complain. Be careful what you wish for .... !! - loads of laughs...... once again.
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Cloddyseedbed added 14:15 - May 15 Very professional in all that he does and says. I've watched him interviewed in a youtube clip about how he sets his teams up and how he deploys players. Wow, what a breath of fresh air compared to the last regime. I would welcome him with open arms. I would be pleased to have either Hurst or Ross to be honest but Ross shades it for me.
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GeoffSentence added 14:23 - May 15 There you go then, he wants to be Scotland manager. Ipswich is the obvious next step.
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Northstandveteran added 14:26 - May 15 Agreed blueboy Evans said he was going to take his time and not rush. The man is sticking to his word. He may prefer Hurst but waiting for the outcome of the Shrewsbury play off. Either way, any of the aforementioned names would come with an element of risk unless of course you want a McLaren or Pardew character to keep us ticking over? For another six years! Personally I was optimistic when all 3 of Evans managers were appointed. At the time, good choices I felt. Just sometimes, as in life, things don't work out. Clough at Leeds, Torres at Chelsea. I have full confidence that whoever Evans chooses to take the reigns, will get the full backing of the fans and the football and atmosphere in general will be an improvement over the last two years.

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Swn98 added 15:27 - May 15 Boltdzak Perhaps 100 gobby ones making a terrible season for most supporters and team.
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Swn98 added 15:30 - May 15 North stand yes perhaps he did overstay however what a foundation he has left for the incumbent manager.
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Swn98 added 15:34 - May 15 Cant help yourself Blueboy can you.
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itfcitk added 15:42 - May 15 Carsey, No one will ever compare to Bobby, Great Manager and even better man!
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blueboy1981 added 15:48 - May 15 Swn98 ......... you again ? .... just go away. To wherever your man ends up ...... assuming someone will employ him, no doubt some Club somewhere, sometime, will be desperate enough to avoid relegation.
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blueboy1981 added 15:52 - May 15 Swn98 ........ just own up to being a Budgie, which most of us know you are. True Blue ? - NO WAY. Plainly obvious for all, but you, to see - other than your cohorts of course (mustn't forget them).
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LWNR2013 added 20:12 - May 15 Do we know for sure that Hurst is on the list? Ross obviously is. Could there be an announcement after 2nd interview. And on a personal note....McCarthy has gone......
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Swn98 added 20:47 - May 15 Bluebore the more you tap away the more of a fool you make yourself look, at least give the budgie bit a rest. As it's untrue.
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blueboy1981 added 21:39 - May 15 Swn98 .......... start proving it then. The more you bleat on, the bigger fool you make yourself look - ever thought of that ? And how about 'tapping' a constructive, factual post for once ? - instead of pathetic one / two liners - at the same time make your mind up, once and for all, which way your wind blows. No doubt that would be expecting too much.
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blueboy1981 added 21:41 - May 15 ....... better still - DON'T READ MY POSTS - suits me just fine.
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Swn98 added 16:15 - May 16 W.hat a nauseas old fool you are Bluebore
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