STEPHEN ROBINSON is set to become the new St Mirren manager. 

The Buddies have been granted permission to hold talks with Morecambe boss Robinson about taking over the reins at the SMiSA Stadium. 

The Premiership outfit have targeted Robinson, who has previously managed Motherwell, to replace Jim Goodwin after he joined Aberdeen on Saturday. 

Goodwin left the club on Saturday as the Dons activated a release clause, thought to be worth around £250,000, to take him to Pittodrie. 

St Mirren currently lie seventh in the Scottish Premiership. Now, after a short managerial search, club chiefs are expected to complete a deal for Robinson, with the Buddies believed to have paid a six-figure fee in compensation to League One strugglers, Morecambe. 

A statement from The Shrimps read: “Morecambe FC can confirm that we have been approached by Scottish Premiership side St Mirren to speak to manager Stephen Robinson in relation to their managerial vacancy. 

“The club has reluctantly granted St Mirren permission to speak to Stephen regarding the position. We hope for a swift resolution to this matter.” 

The appointment should go through barring any last-minute hitches.  

Robinson enjoyed success during his time at Motherwell and will already be familiar with a number of the St Mirren players. 

The Northern Irishman worked with Curtis Main, Charles Dunne, and Richard Tait during his time at Fir Park. 

The Paisley outfit head to Dundee on Wednesday night on Scottish Premiership duty and Robinson could be in the dugout if final negotiations are completed swiftly. 

St Mirren had approached Hearts for permission to speak to Naismith, who is now on the coaching staff at Tynecastle, and held constructive talks with the former Rangers, Everton and Scotland striker. 

However, they were unable to reach agreement with Naismith over the appointment of his assistants and the 35-year-old withdrew from the running for the vacancy on Monday afternoon. 

The 51-times capped player is currently a member of the Scotland set-up having been drafted into Steve Clarke’s backroom team back in August when Austin MacPhee tested positive for Covid-19. 

He was kept on by Clarke after the triple header against Denmark, Moldova and Austria and is eager to continue in the role with the Qatar 2022 play-off semi-final against Ukraine coming up at Hampden next month. 

Aberdeen were also approached regarding talks with Brown but it appears he has missed out on the role.