Patrick Kluivert and Guti ‘won’t be ruled out’ of manager role, says St Mirren Chairman

St Mirren chairman Gordon Scott has refused to rule out the appointment of Patrick Kluivert or former Real Madrid midfielder Guti as the club's next manager.

The high-profile duo have been linked with the vacant role at St Mirren Park after the departure of Jack Ross, who was appointed Sunderland manager last month.

And ahead of a meeting at Hampden Park, the Saints chairman answered questions surrounding their next boss for their first campaign back in the Scottish Premiership.

"I wouldn't rule them out completely but I think it's unlikely," Scott said on Kluivert and Guti.

"It's pleasing to see high-profile names linked. It shows how attractive this job is but it also shows how attractive Scottish football is right now.

"With Steven Gerrard coming in and a lot of high-profile managers, it shows that Scottish football is on the up just now."

After winning the Scottish Championship, St Mirren have returned to the Scottish top flight for the first time since their relegation in 2015.

And Scott insists the Buddies are eager to compete back in the Premiership.

He said: "We want to compete in this league and we're going to give [our next manager] the budget to compete in this league.

"At this time, we're looking for someone who can motivate the players we've got, can play good, entertaining football which is what we want to see.

"Anybody who comes in needs to know Scottish football. It's different for sides like Celtic and Rangers who can bring in players from all over the world, but we need to focus on the Scottish market and the English market to a degree."

He added: "We're doing interviews this week. I would hope to have someone in place by Friday, we'll certainly have a preferred candidate by Friday."

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