Brian Kerr delighted to step up to new role as Diarmuid O'Carroll leaves St Mirren

Brian Kerr has said he’s excited about the future after being promoted to become assistant manager at St Mirren.

Kerr has stepped up to the new role after it was confirmed that manager Stephen Robinson’s previous assistant Diarmuid O’Carroll has left the Paisley club to take charge of Newcastle Untied’s Under-21 side.

The 42-year-old, who has managed Albion Rovers and East Kilbride, and worked as an assistant at Partick Thistle and Motherwell, was in the dugout as St Mirren defeated Hearts 2-1 at the weekend and has now been confirmed in the new role.

Kerr was under-18s coach at St Mirren before being appointed as head of first-team transition in the summer. He’s now relishing the chance to help the side improve.

“I’m delighted to be given the opportunity,” he said.

“I’ve been working with the manager and the first-team group for a while now, but to move up to assistant is something I’m really looking forward to.

“I’ve been an assistant previously. It’s something I’m excited about and a good result at the weekend puts us in a good position going forward.”

Robinson was happy to have a smooth transition following O’Carroll’s departure and believes Kerr will do well in the job.

“As any good club with organisation does, you prepare for these things,” the manager said. “Brian was already in place and has worked with the first team for the last year as well. He will be a fantastic replacement for Diarmuid.”

The Northern Irishman also paid tribute to O’Carroll, who has been by his side as the team recorded back-to-back top-six finishes and qualified for Europe for the first time since 1987.

“Diarmuid has been excellent for us,” he said. “An opportunity arose and it’s a terrific opportunity for him. We wish him nothing but success and we thank him for the part he has played in our relative success as well.

“We’re a club that develops coaches and moves people as well as players and Diarmuid is another example of this.”

O’Carroll wished the club well as he headed off to the English Premier League.

“I’ve had two-and-a-half fantastic years and I’ve made memories that I will never forget,” he said.

“I’ve no doubt that the club will continue to grow and prosper with the manager at the helm, and I wish everyone associated at the club, from the board to the fans, nothing but continued success.”