St Johnstone had won just two games in 2023 at that stage with a relegation fight looming, but have since lost only one game under MacLean to secure safety.

"St Johnstone has a very special place in my heart," said the 40-year-old.

"We have secured our SPFL Premiership status and that was my immediate goal.

"But the work for next season starts now and I will be giving my all to be a successful St Johnstone manager."

Davidson won the cup double with the McDiarmid Park club in 2020-21 in their greatest ever season, but they only survived last season via the Premiership play-offs.

Another tough campaign followed this term, culminating in the manager's exit last month.

MacLean spent six years in the blue of St Johnstone until 2018.

"I've known him for many years and I always had him down as a leader," said St Johnstone chairman Steve Brown.

"As interim manager, he hit his targets very quickly and it became abundantly clear that he was the man I wanted to lead us on a permanent basis.

"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."