Ian Murray reveals classy Celtic gesture as he breaks next St Johnstone manager silence
Ian Murray insists he would be ready to jump back into management with St Johnstone.
The ex-Hibs and Rangers defender is on the lookout for his next job after his shock sacking by Raith Rovers just one game into the new season. Murray led Rovers to the brink of Premiership promotion last term, only to fall at the final hurdle to Ross County in the play-off final. The 43-year-old admitted last week that he was left stunned by the Kirkcaldy club's decision to wield the axe after a successful two years at the helm.
But Murray could be offered a quick-fire route back into football as St Johnstone look to replace axed Craig Levein. Saints owner Adam Webb is drawing up a shortlist of names and while Ayr United gaffer Scott Brown is understood to be the frontrunner, Murray could also be in contention.
READ MORE: Andrew McKinlay on Rangers CEO links as Hearts chief makes Lawrence Shankland confession
READ MORE: Scott Brown 'wants' St Johnstone job as Ayr United boss could face Celtic THIS weekend
"I think it’s a really, really good job. A really good football club", he told the Edinburgh Evening News. "And not a lot of people know that my grandfather used to play for St Johnstone. So there has always been a wee link there.
"My grandfather’s name was William McRoberts, my mum’s dad. Obviously, I never saw him play, but my mum swears he was the best player in the team – but I think she might be a bit biased!
"It’s a football club I would enjoy going into. I look at where they are, and I see there is improvement to come from them, definitely. I have to say, I thought Craig was there for the long haul. I didn’t see that coming, having been at Easter Road for their game – and thinking that St Johnstone were the better team for long periods of that one. So it’s certainly not a lost cause."
As Murray awaits his next opportunity, the former Airdrieonians boss is using his time wisely by visiting other clubs, including Celtic after a call from Brendan Rodgers.
Murray confirmed: "I’m looking to get back in at some point, when the time is right. You can’t dictate when that happens. And I’ve been very fortunate to be so well looked after by football guys, in Scotland in particular but also beyond, which means I’ve got a busy couple of weeks coming up. I’m looking to learn a bit more.
"I’m going to go into Celtic this week, hopefully, which will be great. I’ve been contacted by so many guys up here and down south, inviting me to go in and have a look at what they do. I also had a couple of weeks doing nothing, which was important. Just doing stuff with the family, a couple of personal trips, taking my eldest to London to see some games because he’s football daft. But I’m ready to go back in, put it that way."