St Johnstone have confirmed that Steven MacLean will continue as manager on a permanent basis after a successful spell as interim boss.
MacLean has signed a contract that runs until 2026 and said he was delighted to have been given the chance to continue in the role.
The former Saints player stepped up from the assistant manager position following the departure of Callum Davidson in April.
At the time the Perth club were just five points off the bottom of the table and had only won three times since the World Cup break.
Under MacLean the team had won two and drawn two of his five games in charge, moving safely clear of relegation.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity,” he said
“I met with the Chairman last night and we sorted things out very quickly. I thank him and the board for giving me this exciting opportunity.
“St Johnstone has a very special place in my heart. This club has been a massive part of my life and means so much to me.
“We have secured our SPFL Premiership status and that was my immediate goal.
“But the work for next season starts now and I will be giving my all to be a successful St Johnstone manager.”
St Johnstone chairman, Steve Brown, said: “I am delighted to get Steven secured on a three year contract.
“I’ve known him for many years and I always had him down as a leader.
“As interim manager, he hit his targets very quickly and it became abundantly clear that he was the man I wanted to lead us on a permanent basis.
“He totally gets St Johnstone from top to bottom and has an excellent rapport with our supporters. We all believe good times are ahead for our club.”
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