Exclusive: St Mirren in advanced talks to appoint ex-Birmingham coach as new manager

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.

(Credit: Western Sydney Wanderers FC on YouTube) Sun 22 March 2026 13:06, UK Scottish Premiership outfit St Mirren are in advanced talks to appoint Atlanta United assistant Carl Robinson as their next manager, sources have told Football Insider.Stephen Robinson departed The SMiSA Stadium earlier this month to join Aberdeen after they met a compensation clause in his contract with St Mirren.The Saints had also considered appointing Partick Thistle boss Mark Wilson, but have now set their sights firmly on Robinson as their top target.St Mirren are hopeful that Robinson will be in charge next week, and he is expected to bring Grant Forest, current in China with the City Football Group, with him as his assistant.The former Wales international’s appointment is being masterminded by advisor to the board and recruitment chief John Park, who has worked with the manager previously.St Mirren in advanced talks with Carl RobinsonStephen Robinson’s decision to join Aberdeen after what has been a frustrating season for the Dons came as a big blow for St Mirren, who sit just one place behind them. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES St Mirren’s 2-1 win against Falkirk last time out was overseen by caretaker boss Craig McLeish, who also confessed he would be interested in the permanent role.Carl RobinsonVancouver WhitecapsNewcastle JetsWestern Sydney WanderersGames1991133Highest League Finish2nd11th8thWins / Draws / Losses77 / 49 / 737 / 3 / 110 / 11 / 12Points Per Game1.142.181.24Carl Robinson’s managerial record.

(via Transfermarkt)However, after ten days without a manager, they are now closing in on the appointment of Carl Robinson, with talks expected to accelerate over the coming days.Robinson has managerial experience with Vancouver Whitecaps, Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers, and is now prepared to return to the UK after a previous spell as the assistant manager at Birmingham City.His current role is in the MLS with Atlanta United, where he has been since 2024.Which other Scottish clubs are looking for new managers?St Mirren have moved quickly to secure Robinson’s appointment as they aim to steer themselves away from a relegation battle in the closing stages of the season.Aberdeen’s decision to dismiss Jimmy Thelin was initially a boost to St Mirren with their rivals in turmoil, before their previous boss was poached.Credit: ImagoElsewhere, Celtic are still looking for a new manager, as Football Insider revealed Jens Berthel Askou is a contender at Parkhead thanks to his role at Motherwell.Similar to the Saints, Motherwell could now have their manager poached by a club higher in the pecking order in what will come as a significant blow to their ambitions.Sources say Celtic chiefs have been wowed by their displays and feel Askou would be the ideal fit if he could bring his dominant style to Glasgow. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 SPFL Insider Access Direct access to our dedicated Scottish hubs: Real-time intelligence from the heart of the SPFL