Former St Johnstone full-back Brian Easton always felt Steven MacLean was tailor-made for coaching and management

dailyrecord.co.uk:

St Johnstone cup winner Brian Easton is under no illusions that Steven MacLean has the attributes to be a success in the dugout.He spent a considerable part of his memorable Perth career playing alongside the new boss at McDiarmid Park and always sensed he would make the step into coaching.Easton recalls the respect MacLean commanded as a player — and knows fine well that will continue in his latest role.“Macca was such an intelligent player on the pitch, but also off it,” said Easton, who won the 2014 Scottish Cup with Saints.“He would offer advice, not just to younger players, but anyone because of his knowledge of the game and how he analysed it.“He was tailor-made for being a really good coach and, as a manager, he has that personality where he commands respect.“We would be in the changing room speaking about games played or coming up.

He would speak about the best ways to win and what we could’ve done better.“That set him apart and above other players who maybe think about going into coaching.“I actually met him at a Hamilton reserve game and we had a good chat.“Even then it was really interesting for me to hear how he was speaking about the game and what he was picking up.

At that time I had just started coaching.”Easton remembers MacLean’s inspirational half-time team-talk when Saints trailed Aberdeen in the 2014 Scottish Cup semi-final.“Someone could’ve stood up and said the exact same words as Macca,” he said.“But, because it was coming from him, I think it had a lot more of an impact on the boys.“You trusted what he was saying and he commanded respect from his team-mates.“Now he will command respect from his players.“The fans will remember what Macca was like as a player.