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Cleland would 'love' Saints job

Image: Cleland: Led St Johnstone against former club Dundee United in his first game at the helm

St Johnstone caretaker manager Alec Cleland has reiterated his desire to take control on a full-time basis.

Caretaker boss reiterates ambition after Cook deal collapses

St Johnstone caretaker manager Alec Cleland has reiterated his desire to take control of the club on a full-time basis. Sligo Rovers boss Paul Cook looked set to succeed Derek McInnes after being identified as the number one target by Saints chairman Geoff Brown. The clubs had agreed compensation before the deal collapsed when Cook failed to agree personal terms with the Perth club. Now Cleland, who took temporary charge alongside captain Jody Morris for Saturday's goalless draw with Dundee United, hopes the Saints board will turn to him.

Silly

The club's under 19 coach said: "I'm still interested in the job. "I know the players and I've got good relationships with the staff. I'd be silly to rule myself out. "I'd like to speak to the chairman about the position so they can get my views on it, where I would like to take the team." Cleland and Morris are set to lead Saints again when they host SPL rivals St Mirren at McDiarmid Park on Saturday. And the former Rangers and Dundee United full back hopes another good result can enhance his case to be given the reins permanently.
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He said: "That's something they could look at, give Alec and Jody a couple of games and see how it goes, although Jody has obviously ruled himself out. "See what kind of reaction we get off the crowd, if they are happy with the way the boys are performing, and look at it like that. "I'm sure whoever is appointed, and I would love it to be myself, it will be the right decision."

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