OWEN COYLE has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant managerial position at St Johnstone.

The former Burnley, Bolton and Blackburn boss started off his career in management at McDiarmid Park in 2005, but he is not keen to return to Perth to replace Tommy Wright.

Speaking to Herald and Times Sport, Coyle said: “I have no interest in the job although it is a great club with really good people.

“I have a lot of time for Tommy, he is a good pal of mine. He has done a great job there.

“You look at everyone over recent years at Saints who has come in as manager, they have always done well and that is because it is a really good club.

“I know sometimes the money is tight but as for Geoff Brown and Steve Brown I can’t speak highly enough of them. It is just a brilliant club.

“It is a club that is very close to my heart. I have so much time for them as it is a club full of great people.”

Northern Irishman Wright made the shock announcement at the weekend that he would be stepping down as Saints boss after seven years in charge.

He leaves the club with legendary status after landing the Perth club’s first major trophy in the shape of the Scottish Cup in 2014. He also led the club to countless European finishes in the Scottish Premiership.

Inverness boss John Robertson, former St Johnstone assistant Callum Davidson and Alec Cleland are the bookies’ favourites for the vacant position.

Current Saints midfielder Liam Craig and cup winning duo Dave Mackay and Steven MacLean are also in the running. Outsiders include David Healy and Paul Sheerin.

It is understood the Perth club are in no rush to appoint Wright’s successor and will use the current Scottish football hiatus to conduct a thorough selection process.