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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

New St Johnstone manager frontrunner emerges as Brown and Lynch turn down opportunity

St Johnstone Scott Brown Simo Valakari Tiernan Lynch

Simo Valakari is now the top contender for the St Johnstone managerial position after their pursuit of both Tiernan Lynch and Scott Brown failed to come to fruition. 

Lynch was initially favoured to replace Craig Levein in the vacant managerial role, with compensation settled with Larne on Saturday, but his salary demands reportedly proved excessive, leading him to stay with the Northern Irish champions.

Following Valakari's interview on Wednesday, the club's American owners recognised his strong potential to lead the Perth side.

The former Motherwell midfielder boasts an impressive background, having won the Latvian Supercup this year with Riga FC and shown he can deliver European football at previous club FK Auda, making him an attractive option for the job.

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Brown had also been earmarked by St Johnstone owner Adam Webb, but following brief talks with the Scottish Premiership outfit, the former Celtic captain opted to remain with Ayr United and even penned a new one-year extension. 

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