Introduction
It was a season of dizzying highs and nerve-shredding lows for St Mirren. A first League Cup triumph since 2013 at Hampden Park was quickly followed by a desperate battle against relegation, culminating in a nail-biting playoff survival. Now, as the dust settles on that remarkable campaign, attention turns to the new season and the task facing new manager Craig McLeish. The Scottish Football Podcast from BBC Radio Scotland gathered former Saints midfielder Ryan Flynn and Pie & Bovril’s Div MacDonald, alongside host David Currie, to dissect the state of play in Paisley.
The episode, titled From Hampden Glory to Premiership Survival: St Mirren Preview, provides a timely deep-dive into a club at a pivotal moment. With a summer of significant change, the panel explored what lies ahead.
Robinson’s Legacy and the McLeish Era
The departure of Stephen Robinson, who took charge in February 2022, marked the end of a transformative period. Robinson steered the club to top-six finishes and that historic cup win, but the subsequent relegation scare proved his final act. “Stephen Robinson will be remembered as the man who delivered silverware back to Paisley,” noted Flynn. “But the manner of the league struggle left a bittersweet taste.”
Into his shoes steps Craig McLeish, a coach with a burgeoning reputation. The panel acknowledged McLeish faces a delicate balancing act: preserving the winning mentality fostered by Robinson while implementing his own tactical blueprint. Div MacDonald highlighted the importance of early-season momentum, suggesting the League Cup group stage could be crucial in setting the tone. “This squad needs to believe they can compete on two fronts again,” he said.
Squad Overhaul and the Search for Goals
Few clubs in the Scottish Premiership have experienced such a summer of upheaval. Key attacking contributors have departed, leaving a glaring void in the final third. The podcast panel dedicated considerable time to discussing where the goals will come from, with Flynn emphasising the need for a proven goalscorer. “You can’t replace 15 to 20 goals easily in this market,” he cautioned.
McLeish has moved to bring in fresh faces, yet their pedigree remains largely unproven at the top level. The conversation turned to the irreplaceable influence of Alex Gogic and Marcus Fraser in midfield and defence respectively. Both players offer top-flight experience and leadership, and their roles will be magnified as the new-look side beds in. The panel agreed that while the signings add energy and pace, the burden of consistency will fall heavily on the established core.
Youth Prospects and Fan Sentiment
One of the brighter talking points was the potential for academy graduates to stake a claim. With the financial realities of the club preventing a spending spree, pathways for young talent have rarely been clearer. “This could be the season we see two or three really push through,” MacDonald predicted, pointing to the conveyor belt that previously produced the likes of Ethan Erhahon and Jay Henderson.
Key Takeaways
- St Mirren are navigating a major transition after cup glory and a brush with relegation, under new boss Craig McLeish.
- The loss of key attacking firepower makes the recruitment of a reliable goalscorer a top priority before the window shuts.
- Experienced heads Alex Gogic and Marcus Fraser will be pivotal in guiding a squad featuring several new, unproven additions.
- Academy graduates may be thrust into more prominent roles out of necessity, offering both risk and potential reward.
- A sense of cautious optimism surrounds the club, but a slow start could quickly test the resolve of the new regime.
Quick Facts
Last season’s league finish: 10th (survived via playoff)
League Cup result: Winners (beat Rangers 1-0 in final)
New manager: Craig McLeish
Podcast guests: Ryan Flynn (ex-St Mirren midfielder), Div MacDonald (Pie & Bovril)