PREMATURE CONGRATULATIONS
Celtic legend Scott Brown quizzed on St Johnstone job links and Ayr boss is CONGRATULATED by Hoops hero live on TV
He was asked outright about the vacancy
AYR UNITED boss Scott Brown has been sent premature congratulations after links to St Johnstone emerged.
Perth chairman Adam Webb dismissed Craig Levein in a shock move on Tuesday.
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The Saints have struggled so far this season winning just once in their opening five league games and falling out of the Premier Sports Cup to holders Rangers.
It was still a surprise move by the American owner who has left Andy Kirk and Alec Cleland inc charge for the weekend's clash with Ross County.
But the replacement search has begun, a whole host of names have been linked to the role - including Celtic legend Brown.
Hoops assistant manager John Kennedy has also been named among the runners and riders for the post, as has Neil Lennon.
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And they were all back at Parkhead for the Champions League opener against Slovan Bratislava.
Brown was in the TNT Sport studio for their TV coverage of the big game, accompanied by ex-Hoops favourite Johann Mjallby and host Emma Dodds.
She quickly addressed the "elephant in the room" with Brown and opened a discussion on the links.
Dodds said: "We have Celtic We have the former assistant manager and player Johann Mjallby, and we have the club's leading record appearance maker in Europe - Scott Brown.
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"Just the 127 European appearances for you Scpott and of course you're currently the manager of Ayr United.
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"You must be doing pretty well because you've today been linked with St Johnstone - shall we just address the elephant in the room straight off the bat - what do you have to say?"
Cheeky Mjallby quipped "Congratulations," as Brown began - and left his old pal in hysterics.
The Swede was a coach in Neil Lennon's management team while long-serving Brown was captain.
Brown laughed: "Cheers bug guy!"
Then had a quip of his own - but was careful to sidestep the question.
He said: "I've been enjoying it. Ayr's been fantastic. It's been really good for me.
"I obviously went down to Fleetwood and now I'm learning my trade at Ayr.
"And you never know, big man, I'm looking for a centre-half, we've had a few injuries and you might make a comeback with that new knee!"
Next Manager Odds
According to Gambling.com
- John McGlynn 6/4
- Tiernan Lynch 2/1
- Tommy Wright 5/2
- David Martindale 5/2
- Scot Gemmill 3/1
- Ian Murray 4/1
- Alex Neil 5/1
- Callum Davidson 11/2
- Scott Brown 6/1
- Billy McKinlay 15/2
- John Kennedy 8/1
- Neil Lennon 12/1
Since Brown and Kennedy were initially linked, bookmakers have now installed Falkirk boss John McGlynn as favourite for the job.
The Championship-leading boss is 6/4 according to Gambling.com - followed by Larne FC boss Tiernan Lynch.
Ex-Saints boss Tommy Wright and axed Raith Rovers chief Ian Murray are also among the other names listed.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Brown is rated a 6/1 shot and Kennedy at 8/1.
Neil Lennon, a pitchside pundit and co-commentator for TNT was also quoted at 12/1.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page