91Èȱ¬

St Mirren's board considered appointing an experienced manager in recent weeks to try to save them from relegation.

But they decided that an outstanding candidate wasn't available and that there would be significant cost implications, 91Èȱ¬ Scotland understands.

And they will continue to stick with Gary Teale as team boss after a Tuesday board meeting.

Following Monday's 3-0 defeat by Ross County, the Buddies are now condemned to finishing in the bottom two.

They will either be relegated automatically or face an end-of-season play-off with a Scottish Championship side.

Teale had been appointed player-coach under Tommy Craig last summer and took over as caretaker boss after the veteran was dismissed in December.

The 36-year-old former Scotland winger was given the job on a permanent basis, on a contract until the end of the season, in January.

His side have fallen 10 points behind second bottom Motherwell with five games remaining and have lost their last five games.

Teale's future was discussed by St Mirren directors at Tuesday's scheduled monthly board meeting, along with the possible restructuring that would be required should the team be relegated.

Afterwards, chairman Stewart Gilmour would not comment on the board having given thought to bringing in an experienced manager.

However, he said: "Gary Teale will remain in his position until the end of the season.

"The board also discussed the changes that may or may not need to be made if the club has to operate on a Championship budget."