St Johnstone defender Brian Easton insists he is surprised that more clubs have not been linked with manager Tommy Wright.
The Northern Irishman masterminded a third straight top six finish for Saints this season after stepping up from his number two post to replace Steve Lomas in summer 2013.
Ahead of Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Hearts in the final game of the Premiership campaign, Wright’s former club Nottingham Forest were credited with an interest in the 52-year-old.
The link with the City Ground comes after Saints successfully fended off Dundee United’s bid to appoint Wright as Jackie McNamara’s successor last October.
Former Hamilton and Burnley left-back Easton relishes playing under Wright but admits he is baffled why more clubs have not come calling.
He said: “Tommy is massive to the success that we have achieved here.
“When he took over at St Johnstone we had undergone a couple of good seasons and everyone was waiting for us to drop off.
“Tommy has taken us from strength to strength.
“He is just huge for the club. He has a great relationship with the media, the supporters and the players and his staff.
“We have a great management team and they are massive to everything that we have achieved here.
“I am actually very surprised that Tommy has not been linked with jobs and that more clubs are not sniffing around him.
“I don’t know why Tommy has not been linked with jobs before but maybe it is because he is the manager of an unfashionable club like St Johnstone and he tends to get overlooked.
“I think Tommy just needs somebody to take a fancy to him and it is just the same as a player.
“If somebody takes a liking to you then moves can happen easily.
‘It does surprise me that there has not been more interest in Tommy. That is a good thing for St Johnstone.
“I hope he stays but if he did end up going elsewhere and moving on then everyone would be happy for him and want him to do well.
“Hopefully he sticks around for a while yet.”
Forest are looking for a permanent manager after former Scotland striker Dougie Freedman was axed in March and Easton reckons Wright would be a great fit for the English Championship club.
He added: “Nottingham Forest have got great resources and that could help Tommy out. It is also one of his former clubs.
“It is what Tommy could bring to a club. Not everyone can do the man-to-man management like him and get the most out of all the players which is half the battle.
“Some of the tactical victories we have had this season like Rangers at Ibrox in the League cup were manufactured on the training ground.
“That gives you an insight into both sides of his managerial style. Hopefully he sticks around for a wee while yet, though.”
