Play Off Favourite Set To Move On

Last updated : 28 May 2004 By Mark Heys
Mixu Paatelainen (Photo - St Johnstone Official Site)
Finnish striker Mixu Paatelainen, a scorer for Bolton Wanderers during their 1995 Play Off Final win over Reading at Wembley Stadium is expected to leave St Johnstone over the weekend to accept a Player-Coaching role with either St Mirren or Queen of the South.


The veteran front man has been talking to the Queens manager Ian Scott at Palmerston this week and could be set to add the Scottish Division One club to his many list of teams over the years which has included spells at Dundee United, Aberdeen, Bolton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Hibernian (twice) and French club Strasbourg.

Paatelainen 37, was affectionately known as "Moose" during his time South of the Border at Burnden Park where he scored 15 goals in 69 appearances between 1994 and 1997 in a spell that included two promotions to the English Premier League. He admitted that a move to Queen of the South would appeal to him but said that talks where ongoing with the interested clubs.

"I have been talking to Queen of the South and it is an option that is very appealing to me. I have other offers from other clubs, all in the First Division, and I am currently continuing the talks before any decision is made about my future.” Paatelainen stated

Meanwhile another former Wanderers striker Isaiah Rankin has ended his short term contract with Grimsby Town to return to his London roots penning a contract with Martin Allen's Brentford side for the 2004-2005 season.