David Weir New Favourite To Manage St Johnstone

Veteran Rangers captain David Weir has emerged as the new frontrunner in the Next St Johnstone Manager Betting following the breakdown in negotiations between the club and the hot favourite Paul Cook. The current manager of Sligo Rovers was the odds-on 1/8 favourite to get the job but it was today revealed that he failed to reach an agreement with the club, believed to be due to family reasons. As a result Weir has been installed as the 9/4 favourite with Stan James to get the job.

The Saints have been searching for a new manager since Derek McInnes left them a week ago to join Championship side Bristol City. Livingston manager Gary Bollan originally topped the betting for the job but during the last few days it appeared that Paul Cook would be confirmed as McInnes' replacement. However, since those negotiations collapsed it is Rangers' 41-year-old defender David Weir who is in the frame, with Bollan also still in the running with odds of 9/2. The betting is wide open with former Saints player Paul Sheerin available at 5/1 and Ayr United boss Brian Reid priced at 6/1.

St Johnstone coach Alex Cleland and former Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris, who took charge of the team during last weekend's draw with Dundee United, will continue to be in temporary charge of the squad ahead of Saturday's match with St Mirren. Cleland is reportedly interested in the job on a permanent basis and is currently available at 7/1. Stan James have priced St Johnstone as the 11/10 favourites to win at the weekend, while St Mirren have been handed odds of 11/5, with a draw available at 5/2.

All odds provided by Stan James.