GARY TEALE has never been one to duck a challenge.

In 2001 he was picked from obscurity at Somerset Park and thrust onto the flanks at lower-league Wigan, helping to propel them to the English top flight for the first time in their history.

An up-and-down spell at Derby followed where the Scotland international was farmed out on loan before returning north to find peace of mind in Paisley.

And all that on the back of a car crash in 1997 that threatened not only the then Clydebank star's career but also his life.

It comes as little surprise that he is flourishing in his new role at St Mirren as Tommy Craig's No.2 along with Jim Goodwin.

The 36-year-old told SportTimes that the long journey which led him to his new role at Saints has been an educational one as he learns his craft as a coach.

"It is a whole new chapter in my career but it's been good," said Teale, who made his debut as a player this season from the bench against Hamilton Accies last Wednesday.

"I'm under no illusions about the role, though. Obviously I know the game from being a player for almost 20 years, but this is a very different ball-game on the coaching side of things.

"It's difficult at times but it's something I want to do and it's something I'm prepared to put the hard work in for.

"I want to learn from others. You take wee bits here and there from previous managers and other people in the game, from Davie Longwell in the youth academy to the physio or the gaffer, and add it to your own experience. You are learning every day.

"I'm enjoying it so far and am looking forward to what the future holds."

The immediate future will be of utmost importance to the ex-Sheffield Wednesday man and the rest of his team.

Following two defeats in two games in the SPFL ­Premiership, St Mirren welcome Dundee on Saturday in an attempt to kick-start their season.

Teale admits a slow start to the campaign last year hampered their progress, and he is keen to get up and running. And quickly.

He said: "We were poor against Hamilton but excellent against Motherwell. It's that sort of performance we need to replicate. It's not going to change overnight, though. We have been like that for the last three seasons or so. We're either very good, or we're terrible, there's no middle ground.

"Once we get big Thommo [Steven Thompson] in along with the new boys it will help freshen us up."

One of those fresh faces is Adam Drury. The Manchester City defender signed up yesterday on a season-long loan deal and is in the squad to face Dundee this weekend.