OVER 50 contenders have formally applied to become the new St Mirren manager.

Alex Rae was axed from his post as Buddies boss under two weeks ago but already there have been dozens of prospective new bosses queuing up to be interviewed by the Paisley board.

Former Motherwell gaffer Billy Davies has already been spoken to regarding the vacancy but it’s understood that club bosses are still keeping an open mind for any potential coach who wishes to be considered.

Tony Fitzpatrick, the St Mirren chief executive, said: “We have been delighted with the response to the job.

“We have had over 50 applications already and I’m not surprised. We have been on a bad run but even though we are in the Championship we still believe St Mirren is a very attractive prospect.

“We have a new stadium, great training facilities and academy, a good squad, a big fan base.

“On top of that, we have been thoroughly impressed by the calibre of some of the bosses who have declared their interest. It shows that people share our view about our club.”

This will be St Mirren fifth managerial hunt since Danny Lennon was not offered a new deal back in May 2014. At that stage he had guided the club to the League Cup and kept them in the league.

It is an altogether new task facing the person who will replace Rae with an ambitious club, led by new chairman Gordon Scott and Fitzpatrick, that yearns to be back in the highest echelon of Scottish football.

“This is a job for the long term,” said the CEO and former St Mirren manager. “This club needs stability and that’s what we want from whoever the next manager is.

“We have not interviewed anyone yet, we will take our time. But we are keeping an open mind at this stage and looking to see who is out there.”