St Johnstone game-plan may be disrupted, insists Brendan Rodgers

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The Celtic Star

·28 September 2024

St Johnstone game-plan may be disrupted, insists Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers insists that St Johnstone’s gameplan against Celtic may be disrupted due to the dismissal of Craig Levein…

St Johnstone manager Craig Levein and assistant Andy Kirk during the cinch Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and St Johnstone at Tynecastle , on 25 November 2023. Photo Malcolm Mackenzie PSI

The former Hearts manager was sacked after a 2-0 defeat at Easter Road which made it four consecutive losses on the bounce.

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Andy Kirk, Levein’s no.2, will take interim charge until owner Adam Webb finds a new permanent manager. Kirk’s only previous ever managerial experiences were with Hearts Women during 2020/2021 season and Highland League side Brechin City between 2021-2023 where Levein was Technical Director.

His first game taking temporary charge was a 3-3 draw against Ross County last Saturday. The Saints blew a two goal lead with three minutes of normal time left. Worryingly for Kirk and co, Celtic have won in their last 14 visits to McDiarmid Park.

Speaking at yesterday’s media conference about Levein’s dismissal, Rodgers outlined, “I think it is shame for Craig, obviously. He is a really experienced manager and dips in and out of the media, and has done other roles, so for him it will not be a surprise because sometimes, no matter how well you are doing, if an owner wakes up one morning and you are not to be the manager, then you are out. All you can do is your best.”

He added, “Andy and the guys that are there now are obviously holding the fort and they will have the team prepared and ready for the game, so clearly, if there is a manager in place, you know their philosophy, their football ideas and of course, that allows you to understand it better.”

Aberdeen’s no.2 Peter Leven who steered the ship for the Dons at the end of last season is favourite for the permanent St Johnstone role. Saints are expected to wrap up proceedings next week with a manager announced prior to a visit to Ibrox before the international break.

Conor Spence