Kilmarnock veteran Garry Hay hopes that Mixu Paatelainen resists the lure of leaving for pastures new.
Killie veteran crossing fingers managers stay on to finish job
Kilmarnock veteran Garry Hay hopes that Finnish manager Mixu Paatelainen resists the lure of leaving Rugby Park for pastures new.
Paatelainen remains the favourite to succeed Stuart Baxter as Finland boss and the Finnish FA hope to announce their new man at the helm this week.
The 44-year-old's exploits have not gone unnoticed in England and he turned down an approach from Championship outfit Scunthorpe United at the weekend.
Hay is not surprised Paatelainen's Kilmarnock work has been highlighted, however, he is crossing his fingers the popular tactician stays on and finishes his progress at the club.
Stay
"It shows you the good job the manager has been doing as he's been linked to these jobs but I hope for our sake we can hold on to him for a bit longer," explained Hay.
"Hopefully nothing comes of it but if it does then he fully deserves it. That's what happens when a manager or player does well - they get linked with moves.
"A lot of our players have been linked with other clubs as well. That's the price you pay for a bit of success.
"What a difference a year makes. Last season we were in a relegation battle and while there is always pressure when you are playing, it's totally different as we're looking to finish as high up the league as we can.
"We're more or less secured in the top six but we want to win more games. The manager has been the biggest part of that as he's done a fantastic job.
"He hasn't said a word about the Finland job, all we've been focusing on is our trip to take on St Johnstone on Saturday."
