Steven MacLean, the heart and soul of Sheffield Wednesday for three glorious seasons from 2004 to 2007, where he weaved magic with 32 goals in 87 games, notably that unforgettable strike in the League One play-off final against Hartlepool in 2005, has now, to our dismay, bid farewell to the Saints. It’s a heart-wrenching moment for fans everywhere, as St. Johnstone’s season has started in the most shocking and gut-wrenching manner.
The Perth club finds itself at the very bottom of the cinch Premiership, with only four points from nine fixtures, and a league win remains an elusive dream. This parting leaves emotions high and hopes low.
MacLean, a mere 41 years old, is a true football journeyman. After departing from Sheffield Wednesday in 2007, this former Scottish Under-21 international went on to grace the fields of Cardiff City and Plymouth Argyle. Remarkably, his role as manager at St. Johnstone marked his maiden voyage into the realm of football management.
Once a revered striker for the Saints, MacLean seamlessly transitioned into the role of first-team coach under the helm of the former manager, Callum Davidson.
However, MacLean’s passion and frustration couldn’t be contained after a disheartening 4-0 league defeat by St. Mirren in Paisley over the weekend. In a candid and fiery moment, he left no room for sugar-coating as he denounced the unacceptable manner in which they conceded goals, emphasizing the elementary principles of the sport. With a heavy heart, he issued a stern warning, suggesting that for some of his players, that devastating loss might just have marked the end of their journey under his leadership. It was a moment that felt like a few players had lost their way, and the fire within them had dimmed.

With a heavy heart, MacLean accepted the mantle of responsibility, acknowledging, “It is my responsibility,” making it clear that the current state of affairs on the pitch is not up to par. He left no room for ambiguity when he declared that some of these players might be on borrowed time as far as his leadership is concerned. The message was crystal clear: “It is not happening under my watch,” and he hinted at the possibility of introducing younger talents into the mix. His assessment of the team’s performance was direct and brutal: “I thought it was really, really poor.”
In a candid assessment, MacLean stressed the need for courage in challenging situations, underscoring the importance of strong leadership on the field. Regrettably, he felt that this vital element was lacking throughout the team’s performance.
As the saga unfolds, St. Johnstone is gearing up to face Kilmarnock at McDiarmid Park on Wednesday night, hoping for a turnaround in their fortunes.
In a surprising turn of events, St. Johnstone Football Club has officially severed ties with Steven MacLean and Liam Craig, leaving fans in shock. As an interim measure, Alex Cleland will step in to take charge of first-team matters.
The Viaplay Cup has also been a source of disappointment this season for St. Johnstone, as they suffered defeats against Stenhousemuir, Stirling Albion, and Ayr, further adding to their woes.