GARY TEALE has revealed he is already laying the groundwork for a career in management.

The St Mirren star has been handed a new one-year deal by Buddies boss Danny Lennon and, if he meets appearance-related requirements next term, could earn a second season on top of that.

But the former Scotland international is hoping he can utilise the experiences he has picked up in the top flight on either side of the border to make it as a manager.

Teale has worked under a string of top managerial names at club level like Billy Davies and Paul Jewel during his stints with Derby and Wigan while he also absorbed the pearls of wisdom bestowed on him by Walter Smith and Alex McLeish during his three-year Scotland career.

While his scorching form for Saints was one of the key reasons behind the Paisley side winning the Scottish Communities League Cup on a never-to-be-forgotten afternoon at Hampden, the Buddies wing king is already well down the coaching route.

Teale said: "I am hoping to complete my 'A' licence in June. The assessment for it started last summer and finishes this summer and that is something that is hugely important to me. I already have my 'B' licence and ultimately the Pro Licence is my target.

"It is funny, as I had never really thought about my coaching badges until the last three years or so, but I guess as you get more experience behind you, then you start to become more interested in the game itself and what is required in terms of coaching, organising training sessions and the tactics and the whole structure behind putting a team out on a Saturday.

"I have been in football since I was 16 and I guess that a move into coaching is just a natural progression for me. That said, I am not ready to hang up my boots for a while yet."

He added: "I have been lucky to play under some very good managers like Billy Davies at club level and Walter Smith and Alex McLeish in the Scotland set-up and now, of course, the coaching team at St Mirren of Danny Lennon and Tommy Craig.

"But while it is important that you learn and absorb aspects from everyone you have been managed by, you also have to have belief in yourself. So it is absolutely crucial that you listen to advice.

"But when it comes to making decisions I think it is vital that you believe in yourself. If things work out then that is great and if they don't you must make sure you learn from them."

But Teale is determined to keep his coaching philosophy simple.

THE 34-year-old said: "Coaching should be all about getting kids to play the ball on the deck.

"At school you would play 20-a-side and if you were good on the ball, developed quick feet, could shield and get out of a tight situation, you were fine.

"For me that is football. So touch wood that I complete my 'A' badge successfully and then hopefully there will be an opportunity to get involved with the kids at St Mirren.

"But the flip side is that right now I feel as good as ever and I want to keep playing for as long as possible.

"I guess that at this moment it is a balancing equation, between moving into the coaching aspects, yet still ensuring I am doing everything I can to produce my best on the park for the club."

Teale's next chance to do just that will come in tomorrow's final home game of the campaign when Aberdeen are the callers.

With the threat of relegation having been dismissed by Dundee's relegation, Teale is sure Saints can flourish in their last two matches of the SPL season.

He said: "It is the final home game of the season and we have been without a win for eight games or so now.

"So it is vital that we make the most of the opportunity to repay the fans for their support.

"We were disappointing at Tynecastle last Saturday and it is up to us to provide a positive reaction to that and send the fans away happy."