THE export of St Johnstone managers to the Championship appears likely to continue after Steve Lomas was given permission to speak to Millwall about their managerial vacancy.
Steve Brown, the McDiarmid Park chairman, has agreed a potential compensation package approaching six figures and gave the London club consent to follow up interest in the former West Ham captain, who had emerged as favourite to replace Kenny Jackett, who resigned last month after 5½ years in charge. The route from Perth to the Championship is a well-trodden one, with Owen Coyle and Derek McInnes previously headed-hunted by Burnley and Bristol City respectively.
Brown said: "Steve is an ambitious and talented manager and I'm disappointed but not surprised that his progress has been monitored by other clubs. As with our previous two managers, we will not stand in the way of Steve if he agrees to join Millwall."
Lomas was previously linked with Doncaster after successive top-six finishes at Perth. He led them to third place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League this season, earning a place in the Europa League. It is understood that Tommy Wright, his assistant, could be promoted to the manager's post rather than following his fellow Northern Irishman to England as Brown seeks continuity. Alec Cleland, the youth coach, is also primed to step up the ladder and that could open the door for the veteran defender Callum Davidson to return in a dual coaching and playing capacity.
Paul Hartley, a former McDiarmid Park player whose reputation is growing after leading Alloa Athletic into the first division after back- to-back promotions, is another potential candidate should Brown be tempted to look outside the club for Lomas' successor.
The Northern Irishman had said recently he expected to remain at the club until the end of his deal. "I've a year left and I foresee me seeing that out and we'll see where it takes us. I've loved it here and I'm grateful for the opportunity. There are a lot of good Scottish managers that could have taken the job, so I'm delighted that they took the chance on me."
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