BUDDIES boss Gus MacPherson was last night being linked to the vacant managers post at English Championship side Preston North End.
Express Sports understands that the St Mirren manager is one of the names being considered as a replacement for Alan Irvine, who was sacked as manager at Deepdale on Tuesday.
It is understood that Preston chairman Derek Shaw rates MacPhersons work with the Buddies very highly.
However, no official approach has yet been made to St Mirren in a bid to tempt MacPherson south of the border.
Yesterday, Saints chairman Stewart Gilmour told Express Sports: There has been no contact from Preston North End but, if there was contact, then wed obviously need to discuss it with Gus and at board level.
Also understood to be in the frame for the managers chair at Deepdale is Hamilton Accies boss Billy Reid.
A source close to the Championship club told Express Sports: Preston have a history of appointing Scottish managers, with David Moyes, Craig Brown, Billy Davies and Alan Irvine all having been in charge in recent years.
Now Gus MacPhersons name has been linked to the job and, with his impressive track record at St Mirren, theres a feeling that he would fit the bill.
The powers that be at Preston are weighing things up and, although no official approach has been made as yet, its possible that could change once the New Year games are out of the way.
Former St Mirren player Irvine was sacked as Preston boss on Tuesday after a 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United, leaving assistant manager Robert Kelly to take the reigns on a temporary basis ahead of Saturdays FA Cup game with Colchester.
Last night, a spokesperson for Preston North End told Express Sports: Our chairman hopes to have a new manager in place for our next league game, which doesnt take place until a week on Saturday, so there is plenty of time.
As it stands, we have put our assistant manager Robert Kelly in charge for this Saturdays game with Colchester.
MacPherson took the reigns at St Mirren in November 2003 after the club parted company with previous boss John Coughlin.
Since then, he has led the Buddies to a First Division title in 2005/06, as well as securing the Bells Cup that season.
MacPherson has also successfully steered the club to safety during their last three seasons in Scottish footballs top flight.
