The departure of Stephen Robinson to become the new manager of Aberdeen has left St Mirren facing a significant decision.
Robinson’s tenure in Paisley was hugely successful, delivering three consecutive top six finishes in the Scottish Premiership, European qualification and a League Cup triumph.
With the club now searching for a successor, a mix of experienced managers, rising coaches and familiar faces could be considered. Here are five potential candidates who could replace Robinson.
Diarmuid O’Carroll
Diarmuid O’Carroll is widely regarded as one of the most promising Irish coaches at the moment.
The Irishman previously worked alongside Stephen Robinson at St Mirren before moving on to Premier League side Newcastle United in 2024.
Since then, he has built his reputation working in elite development environments, most notably within the academy structure at Newcastle United. During his time there he oversaw the development of several young players and earned praise for his attention to tactical detail and coaching methodology.
O’Carroll later stepped into senior football with Sparta Prague as part of the first team coaching staff. Working within a club that competes for domestic honours and regularly participates in European competition has provided him with exposure to elite level preparation.
For St Mirren, O’Carroll would represent a progressive appointment. His profile fits the modern model of a coach who prioritises structure, player development and a clear tactical framework.
Tiernan Lynch
Few managers across the Irish football landscape have built a record as impressive as Tiernan Lynch.
During his time at Larne he transformed the club into the dominant force in the NIFL Premiership. Lynch guided Larne to back to back league titles in 2023 and 2024 while also collecting four consecutive County Antrim Shield trophies. Earlier in his tenure he had already delivered promotion from the Championship.
Perhaps the most remarkable achievement came on the European stage. Larne became the first club from the Irish League to reach the league phase of the UEFA Europa Conference League, a landmark moment for both the club and the league.
Lynch’s success in Northern Ireland led to a move to Derry City where he is now tasked with building a title contender in the League of Ireland Premier Division. They finished as runners up to champions Shamrock Rovers last season and are set to battle it out with the Dublin based outfit for the title once again this season.
His track record of building a winning culture and delivering silverware would make him a compelling option for any club seeking momentum.
Stephen McGinn
Sometimes the most natural candidate is one who already understands the club’s identity.
Stephen McGinn remains a hugely respected figure among the St Mirren support. Across two spells in Paisley he made more than 200 appearances and captained the side, becoming a key leader on and off the pitch.
Since retiring from playing, McGinn has begun establishing himself in coaching and is currently part of the backroom staff at Falkirk.
While he is still in the early stages of his coaching career, McGinn’s connection with the club and his understanding of the culture at St Mirren could make him an appealing long term project if the club sought continuity and a strong internal identity.
Neil Lennon
Experience is something Neil Lennon possesses in abundance.
The former Celtic manager has won multiple league titles and domestic cups during his career and remains one of the most recognisable figures in Scottish football management.
Lennon is currently in charge of Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Championship. This season he has guided the club to the semi finals of the Scottish Cup where Dunfermline will face Falkirk for a place in the final.
This current achievement highlights Lennon’s ability to organise a team for high pressure occasions. For a club like St Mirren, appointing a manager with such a decorated CV would bring experience, authority and a proven winning mentality.
Ryan Lowe
Ryan Lowe has built a reputation as a coach whose teams play with intensity and attacking intent.
After making his name with promotions at Bury and Plymouth Argyle, Lowe later stepped into Championship football with Preston North End.
More recently he was in charge of Wigan Athletic where he attempted to rebuild the club during a challenging financial period. Lowe’s philosophy centres on high energy pressing, attacking movement and quick transitions.
That style could offer something slightly different in Paisley. St Mirren supporters have embraced disciplined teams in recent seasons, but an energetic attacking approach could also appeal if the club sought to evolve its identity.
Callum McFadden 