The numbers behind Steven MacLean's St Johnstone exit

'Some St Johnstone players should be ashamed'

Four points from nine games. No wins. Three goals scored.

The numbers from St Johnstone's start to the season are stark and frightening in equal measure, and have now merited the departure of manager Steven MacLean.

"Some of them should be ashamed of their performances," said the now-former Saints boss after the latest loss - a 4-0 hammering at third-placed St Mirren in Paisley.

"You can't dress it up. The goals that we concede are criminal. Some players might be lucky to play again for me. It's as simple as that.

"It's my responsibility, my team and they weren't good enough all over the pitch. We need to get better in all areas."

St Mirren punish lifeless St Johnstone to stay third

MacLean was half-right. He has taken the ultimate responsibility, but none - not some - of those players will likely play for MacLean again.

It's hardly surprising that the rookie manager lost patience. They are the only club in the SPFL without a league win, and have scored fewer than anyone else in the professional league set-up.

Of course, it's not yet November and they're only five points adrift. However, the manner of defeats have been particularly uninspiring and there was a feeling that the side were sleepwalking towards the Championship.

MacLean's maiden stint in the dugout only began in April when he was appointed interim boss following Callum Davidson's exit. He went on to win three crucial games post-split to lift Saints to safety, relatively comfortably.

"It became abundantly clear that he was the man I wanted to lead us on a permanent basis," then-chairman Steve Brown said after MacLean's appointment on a three-year deal.

"He totally gets St Johnstone from top to bottom and has an excellent rapport with our supporters. We all believe good times are ahead for our club."

Despite those sentiments, there was an awareness of the job the former striker had on his hands.

Seventeen players departed in the summer. Few remained from the double-winning side of season 2020-21. MacLean had to get the rebuild right, and on a small budget.

He brought in 11 new players with only one - goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov - receiving pass marks and none at all having tasted victory in the league.

Steven MacLean takes a moment to reflect during his side's 4-0 loss to St Mirren

"He's clearly at his wit's end, in terms of what he said and previous post-match interviews when he has come out and backed his players," said Sportscene pundit Leanne Crichton after MacLean's post-match comments on Saturday.

"He has spoken about mini pre-seasons, fitness, about squad numbers, confidence and getting to work with the group.

"There has been a whole array of things he's protected the players with. But I think you tread a fine line as a manager when you come out and criticise the players.

With almost exact precision, Crichton added: "He will be the fall guy. If Steven MacLean walks out the door tomorrow, those players will remain and they'll need to find an answer. It's not good enough."

With 31 league fixtures still to play, those on and off the field have time to turn things around at St Johnstone.

But now the question is - who is next?