ST Mirren Chief Executive Tony Fitzpatrick has admitted the Saints board have to get their first managerial appointment right if the club is to gain some much needed stability.

The club's board have been in place since Chairman Gordon Scott joined forces with St Mirren Independent Supporters Association to take over the club two months ago.

After a poor start to the season they took the decision to sack manager Alex Rae and are in the process of appointing his successor.

It will be the club's fifth manager since Danny Lennon departed in May 2014 and Fitzpatrick conceded the club now need someone for the long term.

He said: "It's our first appointment as a board but it will be the club's fifth manager in about two and a half years, you can't have that and have an stability about the place.

"That's why it has maybe taken a bit longer because we have to go through the process and make sure this is a long term appointment.

"We've got five and 10 year business plans for the club and the manager needs to be a big part in that.

Fitzpatrick says the CVs have been rolling in to the Paisley 2021 Stadium and the standard of applicant has been high.

That is of no surprise to the Chief Executive though as he is adamant the Saints job is one of the most attractive in Scotland, despite the team being rooted to the bottom of the Championship.

He said: "The standard of the applicant has been very good. It's been very positive.

"I think this is a major job for someone, it must really excite managers. We have our own stadium, our own academy with a really good youth policy, everything is in place here.

"This is a massive job for somebody and there is a lot of good things happening off the field which will hopefully puts us in a position to compete financially in the future.

"This is a big club, it is a top six club in Scotland and I still believe that even in the position we are in just now."

The Buddies welcome Falkirk to Paisley on Saturday night but it is unlikely they will have a new manager in place for the tie with interviews likely to take place this week.

Fitzpatrick says the board will not rush to a decision as they have faith in caretaker Allan McManus and defender Andy Webster who is helping coach the team. The club legend also thanked the fans for their continued support after the travelling support stayed behind to clap the team off despite a painful 4-3 defeat to Dunfermline on Saturday.

He added: "We are not in any panic. We seen the progress on Saturday even though we lost. Allan and Webby have done great taking the team so far and I thought the team responded to them.

"Allan is a very very good coach and he has played at the highest level as well so the players respect him.

"The fans were great on Saturday and I'd like to thank them for staying behind to clap the players, the players really appreciate it. It was great of them to do that.

"We've got a home game on Saturday. I know it's difficult for the supporters because we're not winning but this is when we need to help each other, it would be great if there was a good crowd along to encourage the team."