ST MIRREN captain Andy Webster feels the mood around the Paisley 2021 Stadium is lifting as they prepare for their second match without a manager.

Allan McManus took to the dug out last weekend in the dramatic 4-3 loss away to Dunfermline and is set to still be in charge this weekend as Saints host Falkirk in Paisley.

So far this campaign the Buddies have failed to win a game in the Championship, a fact that has caused them to remain anchored to the foot of the table following Alex Rae's departure.

Despite that, experienced defender Webster, who is helping McManus until a full-time manager is appointed, has been encouraged by what he has seen in the last few days.

He said: "We know that with the hard work we are putting in on the training pitch that, come a Saturday, people will generally appreciate as long as the boys are giving their all, they will take anything that comes their way.

"It's been full on. I left a picture in the house for the kids to remember what their dad looks like!

"The hard bit for me is the balance between the coaching side of it and being involved in terms of analysing us as a group of players, analysing the opposition and being able to put a team together that we feel is best suited for the players that we've got, but it's been great."

Webster also told the St Mirren website: "As disappointing as it is, the manager losing his job and what not, we want to galvanise the boys and try to lift their spirits a bit because we know we are going through a difficult spell. But it's about trying to keep it as positive as we possibly can and getting the right results."

St Mirren are currently in talks with several candidates, with John Hughes, Billy Davies and Neil Warnock all out of the running.

A decision is expected by the end of next week at the earliest.