DANNY LENNON has admitted he is "fighting for his livelihood" following St Mirren's poor start to the season but expects to still be in charge for the team's next match against Motherwell a week on Saturday.

Speculation has been rife this week that the Saints boss was on the brink of being sacked after a string of bad results but, following talks with the club's directors, Lennon believes he will now be given time to turn things around.

He said: "I've had a healthy discussion with the owners of the football club and it's business as usual. I'm not expecting to have further talks with them and I'd expect to be in charge for the game against Motherwell next weekend. My board are passionate supporters of this football club and they are disappointed with the run of form and results like everybody else.

"I'm under no illusion things have got to change and change fast. I'm fighting for my livelihood here. It's a rollercoaster of a journey as a young manager and I admit this experience has not been an enjoyable one. I'm the man of the moment and there's a story there to be written. Once I come out of this, or whether I don't, it will then be someone else's turn. That's just the nature of the game.

"There's been a lot of soul-searching from everyone as we're frustrated and we're hurting. There's only one thing that's going to get us out of this situation and that's a lot of fight. We've got to get back our reputation and the identity we've built up over the years."

Lennon has also had talks with his players to try to get to the bottom of the team's recent poor form and has been encouraged by their attitude.

He said: "We're fighting for our personal pride and we're fighting for our supporters - these are key aspects that we've discussed with the group. True sportsmen want to fix that and that's something we're keen to do. In the discussions that I've had with the players they've given me the response that I wanted. That fills me with confidence and even more belief."

Lennon, along with directors and players, will take time out from football on Friday to take part in the club's golf outing at Paisley Golf Club. Organised by the St Mirren Fans' Council, it will give supporters taking part a chance to talk directly with the manager and he is looking forward to hearing their thoughts.

He added: "It gets the boys all together and a chance to go and pick up our spirits. It's also a chance to speak with the fans and get close to them, one on one."