Steve Wigley has joined the ranks of full-time Premiership bosses, but is as unlikely a character for the job as you will find.

The affable, friendly, chatty 42-year-old is certainly not your kick the players into the line type of manager.

Instead he will exert his control over the players by the respect they have for him and his tactical knowledge.

Wigley is widely regarded as one of the best young English coaches around, though only a few months ago he said he didn't want the job on a permanent basis.

Indeed, once Paul Sturrock had taken over as Saints boss the former Nottingham Forest player said his wish was "Just to be Steven Wigley again".

Reflecting on his experience just days later he added: "It was a great experience and one that I'm really pleased I had.

"It's not something that's on my agenda at the moment - to be a manager - but it was certainly something that was nice to have a go at."

Now, though, Wigley has decided he can handle the pressure that comes with the job - a brave decision seeing he's just watched on from a role as first-team coach as Sturrock has left in less than desirable circumstances.

But this is Wigley's chance to prove himself - if it goes well he could be launching a very successful career.

Already his stock is high. After a spell in charge of Aldershot, he joined Forest as a youth team coach, working under his good friend David Platt. He then followed Platt into international football to become his assistant at England under-21 level.

When the chance of a move to Saints arose he grabbed it with both hands in July 2001, combining the England role with that of reserve-team boss.

From there he rose up the ranks and was so highly thought of by Gordon Strachan, pictured, he was made director of youth and given his own budget to spend on recruiting young players, which could soon pay dividends with some of his buys on the fringes of the first team.

However, it is the comparison with Stuart Gray -ironically the man who gave him a job at Saints - which is hard to escape right now.

A highly-rated young coach, one of the best around, promoted from within the club to become a Premiership manager without any previous experience of note.

Let's hope the same fate does not await this likeable and highly respected man.