Former Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley is being lined up for the Kilmarnock job. The former Alloa manager is viewed as the successor to Tommy Wright after a torrid run of results resulted in the former St Johnstone manager losing his job.

According to Scottish Sun, Hartley is viewed by the Kilmarnock hierarchy as the perfect fit after they decided last week to pull the trigger on Northern Irishman, Wright. Kilmarnock currently reside in fifth place in the Championship table, leading to worried minds on the Ayrshire coast.

Wright took over at the club last season but could not prevent their demise as they slid into the Scottish Championship. The club really hasn’t been the same since now Scotland boss, Steve Clarke, left to pursue his dream job managing his country.

(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Now it is said that Hartley, who enjoyed a few years at Celtic under Gordon Strachan is in pole position to take over. The ex-midfielder is managing Cove Rangers at the moment and has enjoyed successful spells since he quit playing a decade or so ago.

He managed to get Alloa promoted during his first ever management job and won the Championship with Dundee several years back. His current record is also impressive, gaining promotion with Cove and looking at moving up a division again as they lead the way in League One.

Paul Gillespie

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