Callum Davidson in Bristol Rovers 'talks' as Joey Barton successor chance arises for St Johnstone legend

The former Saints boss is eyeing a return to football and it could come south of the border again.

Callum Davidson is claimed to be in talks over a return to management at Bristol Rovers.

The 47-year-old was sacked by St Johnstone last season after the McDiarmid Park club found themselves battling against Scottish Premiership relegation for the second successive season. But his place in the Perthshire history books is already sealed after guiding them to an unprecedented Scottish and League Cup double during the 2020/21 season.

He was assistant manager when the club won the Scottish Cup under Tommy Wright. Now the chance to return to football has emerged in England, as Bristol Live claim the former defender has held 'initial talks' over replacing Joey Barton. The controversial former Rangers midfielder was sacked after a poor start to the campaign in England's third tier and Davidson appears to be one of the names in contention for taking on the role. He has previously coached in England with Championship duo Millwall and Stoke City.

Up in Perth and his former club are looking for a replacement for Steven MacLean. The former striker was the club's successor to Davidson but a winless start to the term was compounded by a 4-0 loss last weekend at St Mirren.

Caretaker Alex Cleland guided the club to a 2-1 win over Kilmarnock on Wednesday to seal their first three points of the campaign. The Saints hope to appoint a new boss before next Tuesday's game with Motherwell.