| We reported this morning that Sandy Stewart had been offered a post at Burnley and Owen Coyle's former right hand man at St. Johnstone has now confirmed he'll be heading for Turf Moor in the near future. |
It won't be immediately, he will remain with St. Johnstone until such time as they appoint an assistant manager. Then it will be south of the border for the first time in his career as he links up yet again with Coyle.
He said earlier today to the Scottish press: "It is the hardest decision of my footballing career, particularly after yesterday [when St. Johnstone won the Scottish Challenge Cup]. But in the end the opportunity to work down south and help Owen and the existing staff to try and take Burnley into the Premiership is just too great.
"Who knows, maybe in two or three years time I'll look back and regret the decision but that is the chance you take and I know that I'll regret it if I don't take the opportunity to try it out. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with St. Johnstone and the Chairman, Directors and the staff could not have made me feel more welcome.
"Owen is keen to have me down there as soon as possible but he is very aware of the situation with St. Johnstone and is very grateful for the way they handled his departure and so won't be putting pressure on me in terms of timescales."
The Clarets new boss confirmed it all and said: "We have agreed things and obviously I am excited about bringing Sandy down here to work with me and Steve along with everyone else, but he will obviously stay with St. Johnstone until such time as he is free to come and join us at Burnley.
"St. Johnstone were fantastic with me and it was only fair that Sandy stayed on and helped them win the cup final, something I am delighted about. But the future for us is Burnley Football Club and when all that comes to fruition we can take the club forward.
"Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later, but in the meantime we will continue to work as a tight unit. I was delighted with how Steve Davis and Terry Pashley helped me on Saturday and I know Terry, in particular, will be happy to do that until Sandy can come in and give Steve and me a hand."
here is no news as yet as to when St. Johnstone can be expected to appoint a replacement for Owen Coyle, but it is thought they hope to make a quick appointment, possibly as early as this week. |
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