Absolutely thrilled to announce the Buddies Briefing - a bespoke newsletter on all things St Mirren.
You can expect analysis, interviews, opinion and much more - dropping every Thursday at 6pm.
📩 You can sign up absolutely 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 here -
It is official: 𝑆𝑡 𝑀𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑢𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛✈️🇪🇺
Key dates🗓️
Finances💰
Possible opponents👀
Everything you need to know about St Mirren in UEFA Conference League 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄:
St Mirren granted UEFA Licence Award for 2023/24 season. Club permitted to compete in UEFA competitions should they qualify. Was ‘refused’ last year.
Overall Gold standard from UEFA.
A pleasure to catch up with a certain St Mirren fan favourite for this week's Buddies Briefing.
Only in Paisley for 18 months but made quite the impact - if you are a St Mirren fan then I reckon you're 𝐵𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑦 enjoy it 🍫
Emailed to your inbox on Thursday at 6pm 📩
St Mirren midfielder Fraser Taylor ends Ballymena United loan with play-off victory to avoid relegation.
42 appearances, 4 goals and 5 assists in an invaluable season. The 21-year-old has one year left on deal in Paisley.
One of his best moments 👇
St Mirren 1 SK Brann 1. An unthinkable result for large spells with the Norwegian club popping the ball around.
St Mirren largely off the boil but showed guts and drive to keep tie alive.
What a noise when Toyosi Olusanya poked home 💥
A special end to a tough night 🙌
Stephen Robinson still working absolute wonders. An incredible start to the season.
Marcus Fraser and Alex Gogic absolutely colossal.
This is a very special St Mirren team.
St Mirren ranked as the seventh best run club in the UK & fifth best in Scotland, according to a study by
@FairGameUK
The club scored 62.7 out of 100 across four broad categories; financial stability, governance, equality and ethical standards & fan and community engagement.
St Mirren’s new goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe in action 👇
Made his Brentford debut against Newport County in August, saving two penalties.
Was Stephen Robinson’s first choice to replace Zach Hemming 🤝
St Mirren poised to complete transfer signing of Oisin Smyth ✍️
Dropped out of Oxford team but hit headlines for this wonderstrike 🚀
Northern Ireland 24yo is predominantly midfielder but also featured at centre back and right back this season.
Stephen Robinson working absolute wonders at St Mirren.
Excellent recruitment, terrific man management and nurtured vital bond between supporters and club.
Fourth in the table. Remarkable.
Understand Gallagher Lennon and Luke Kenny have signed new deals at St Mirren ahead of the new season ✍️
This week’s Buddies Briefing - to put
@ConorMacFan10
’s mind at ease 😅
Horrendous conditions in Bergen last night - not that it bothered the travelling support 🌧️
Local media assured us it often rains but not quite that heavily.
Second half was played during a one-hour period of the worst rain in Bergen this year - confirmed by a weather station.
Ryan Flynn's St Mirren situation clarified as midfielder joins Arbroath.
He had kept fitness at St Mirren and helped with coaching last season.
Clearly, wants to keep playing and opportunities would have been limited.
Modern-day St Mirren legend.
💬 "It’s hard to explain if you’re not in there, but [slaps his hands to the badge] it has such a special place in my heart."
Richard Taylor on his life-changing St Mirren move and being the happiest he has been in his career.
💬"Sometimes I think about it, it's a madness. What I felt, I can't describe it."
Stelios Demetriou on St Mirren experience
⚪ Turned down Scottish Premiership interest
⚫ Signed after two sessions & 'wrong timing' in exit
⚪ Coaching return ambition
Biggest-ever European victory into going top of the league. Quite the week in Paisley🔝
St Mirren's squad depth paying off big time, Smyth and Scott excellent - as was Brown - in the second half against Hibs.
The feel-good factor is in full effect ahead of the visit of Brann🇪🇺
The track record of goalkeeper recruitment and development at St Mirren has been remarkable in recent history.
@jamlang22
play a huge role in that, one that perhaps goes under the radar at times.
Ellery Balcombe already proving another top goalkeeper and will only improve.
💬 "I will always keep on saying this; it is never about me, it is never about what I do it's about what they do on the pitch."
Jamie Langfield opens up on stellar St Mirren goalkeeper succession
Struan Thompson following in his father's footsteps in scoring for St Mirren in Paisley 👏
The son of club legend Steven Thomspon signed a full-time contract with the club in July as part of the Professional Programme in the academy.
Worth noting, St Mirren hold the option to recall Kieran Offord in January.
Absolutely flying at Crusaders and would be banging on the door for first-team football in Paisley if he continues his form.
That said, a full-season loan for Fraser Taylor in NI worked wonders.
Toyosi Olusanya's ongoing redemption arc at St Mirren is really something to behold.
From benchwarmer at Arbroath to scoring Thursday-Sunday in European and domestic football.
On a side note, Dennis Adeniran is a tremendous footballer and ought to be playing at a higher level🔥
It goes without saying what a privilege it is to cover my boyhood club on a national platform.
If you can't get enough of the Buddies then please do consider subscribing at absolutely no cost to receive the newsletter straight to your email at 6pm each Thursday.
Coming in at number 2…
2/3/24 - St Mirren 2-1 Aberdeen
A highly frustrating game with an absolutely blockbuster ending.
Few could argue that Connor Barrons 1st minute strike wasn’t worthy of winning any game.
Saints huffed and puffed but just could not get the ball in the
Club legend Stephen Thompson’s son Struan on the bench for St Mirren B against Berwick tonight.
Luke Kenny captains side with Shay Kelly, Ethan Sutherland, Gallagher Lennon and Fraser Taylor involved.
Jamie Langfield was at Love St when St Mirren last played in Europe in 1987.
In truth, he didn't know if the experience would come around again.
The only downside now? Not being in the pub with fans - “I wish I could be in the Dubliner having a right good pint and a sing-song!"
💬“I was lucky enough to play in Europe but to do it with my boyhood club and hometown team is just a dream come true."
Hometown hero Jamie Langfield on incredible experience of helping lead St Mirren in Europe
Mark O'Hara just oozes quality.
Moments like that at Ibrox make it that bit more impressive that St Mirren managed to tie him down until 2026.
More shrewd business by Stephen Robinson.
St Mirren have rejected transfer bid for Caolan Boyd-Munce.
Player has been offered new deal at St Mirren. Stephen Robinson adamant players won’t be sold on the cheap.
New centre back not yet in building but hopeful of new signing ‘very soon’
Stephen Robinson is plotting a future for the St Mirren academy with links across the globe🌏
Host families will be key as well as developing relationships like with JD Academy in Northern Ireland.
It won't happen overnight but progress is being made📈
💬 "We want to get digs where we can bring boys over from foreign countries; from Northern Ireland, from Africa, from Europe."
Stephen Robinson sets out long-term vision for St Mirren academy with global reach
St Mirren's recruitment in the last few years has been stellar - it's no surprise that it coincides with Martin Foyle's arrival as head of recruitment 🔍
Some well-earned praise for Foyle who has played a huge, often unnoticed, role in transforming the squad 👏
Congratulations in order for Caolan and his partner Joanne on the birth of their son, Roux.
A major life event which has changed his perspective on football.
Also, St Mirren transfer exit not considered in summer: "I haven't worked this hard to just jump ship. Why would I?"
💬 "Now the little man is here, it brings a little bit of 'wise up Caolan!'"
St Mirren midfielder Boyd-Munce on impact becoming a father for the first time
Toyosi Olusanya thought he was the man at AFC Wimbledon after scoring the winner on his debut...then he was released.
Seven clubs later and his career has been transformed at St Mirren.
Major work is being put in on and off the pitch under Stephen Robinson's tutelage.
💬 "I feel like that year when I was 18 and I was at AFC Wimbledon, I probably thought I was the man."
Toyosi Olusanya on how St Mirren move has been transformative on and off the pitch
The Budget Bergkamp is a Buddie🤝
St Mirren have completed a late loan deal for Kevin van Veen to join from Groningen.
The striker is a player Stephen Robinson has been desperate to sign.
Charles Dunne has signed a short-term deal with St Mirren.
He had been training with the club for over a month after a move abroad collapsed.
Comes in as cover for injured Alex Iacovitti with Richard Taylor playing through a hernia problem.
Huge blow to lose Toyosi Olusanya for the second leg in Bergen after his yellow card tonight ❌
He was booked against Valur in Reykjavik so is suspended for next week.
Even more cruel given the circumstances of the booking after collision with keeper 🤯
Golden Circle❌ Blue Lagoon ❌Northern Lights❌
Hlíðarendi Stadium✅
Hard to put into words the experience of following St Mirren to Reykjavik but I've tried in this week's Buddies Briefing.
History in the making tonight, enjoy it Buddies 🙌
💬 "If you’re ever going to make a mistake, that’s a good one to make!"
St Mirren striker Toyosi Olusanya is 𝐍𝐎𝐓 suspended for the second leg against SK Brann.
Stephen Robinson relieved after confusion over yellow card rule in Conference League qualifying.
Huge blow to lose Toyosi Olusanya for the second leg in Bergen after his yellow card tonight ❌
He was booked against Valur in Reykjavik so is suspended for next week.
Even more cruel given the circumstances of the booking after collision with keeper 🤯
Jim Gillespie first sold Stephen Robinson on the St Mirren job two years ago and has been a key figure behind the scenes.
The manager often cited support he received from the vice-chairman having worked closely with him ever since.
To lose him to Rangers would be a major blow.
St Mirren duo Conor McMenamin and Caolan Boyd-Munce called up by Northern Ireland.
Both players were in the previous squad with McMenamin coming off the bench against Scotland at Hampden.
Boyd-Munce hoping for his first cap in matches against Spain and Andorra next month.
St Mirren win Silver Award for Sponsorship / Partnership of the Year at Football Business Awards.
St Mirren X Kibble won Silver ahead of club partnerships including Manchester United Foundation & PSG.
Xero - Women's Football Partnerships took the Gold Award.
💬 "I’m ready and I want to show the manager that I can play at this level."
Fraser Taylor looked up to Ryan Flynn, Stephen McGinn and Stevie Mallan as a youngster.
On Thursday night he made an impact of his own at St Mirren and may well have kickstarted a breakout season.
💬 “It wasn’t to be but just to get that goal and celebrate it was brilliant."
Boyhood fan Fraser Taylor on 'amazing' St Mirren memories despite Euro exit
Another St Mirren - Northern Ireland success story as Luke Kenny lifts the Irish Cup with Cliftonville 🏆
The 20-year-old came on at half time in the 3-1 (a.e.t) win over Linfield. Played on the right of a back three in his 15th outing for Cliftonville this season.
Mark O'Hara will miss St Mirren's Conference League tie against SK Brann through injury.
Stephen Robinson said: “Mark won’t be available. We scanned him yesterday and unfortunately, Mark is going to be a few weeks with a thigh injury, a similar thing that he had last season."
Official confirmation that Ethan Sutherland has left St Mirren to join Wolves.
Winger was highly rated at St Mirren but made clear he would not sign a new deal so club cashed in.
Fee in the region of £300k with significant add-on clauses included which could see figure soar.
Some confusion. UEFA rules state three cautions result in suspension, Stephen Robinson says Toyosi Olusanya is out for second leg.
"He gets booked when the goalkeeper has ran into him which now he misses the next leg which is really, really disappointing."
Will get an answer🤔
Huge blow to lose Toyosi Olusanya for the second leg in Bergen after his yellow card tonight ❌
He was booked against Valur in Reykjavik so is suspended for next week.
Even more cruel given the circumstances of the booking after collision with keeper 🤯
UEFA have confirmed St Mirren's Conference League play-off round draw grouping - should they beat SK Brann.
A trip to face Fiorentina appeal to anyone?👀
💬 "...the long term is with Stephen in charge and that's the way we are planning moving forward."
Stephen Robinson has helped improve infrastructure at St Mirren and achieved on the pitch 📈
For Keith Lasley, it's a no-brainer to plan for the future with him in charge.
Roland Idowu appears to favour a more advanced role at St Mirren - Stephen Robinson keen to play him further forward but has spoken on versatility as central midfielder.
Europe a major selling point in loan deal - as well as friendship with Richard Taylor from time at Waterford.
💬 "St Mirren was a club I was really excited to come to and I want to contribute with goals and assists. I feel like I'm doing that."
Roland Idowu insists St Mirren 'perfect fit' for him after hitting double to sink Morton
Simply put, the best signing St Mirren will make ahead of next season.
Such a crucial player since arriving at the club. Would have been near-impossible to replace properly.
A signal of intent from the board to get a deal done despite interest from elsewhere.
IDEMOOOO!!!
St Mirren Football Club is thrilled to announce that
@Gogic13
has signed a new three-year contract that keeps him at the club until summer 2027.
#Gogic2027
#COYS
Alex Greive signs for Bohemians after leaving St Mirren at the end of his contract - following a loan at Dundee United.
Delighted to see him sorted with a new club after his journey from amateur football in NZ to the Scottish Premiership.
✍️ Bohemian FC is delighted to confirm the signing of forward Alex Greive from St Mirren on a multi-year contract:
❤️🖤 Welcome to Dalymount Park, Alex.
Imagine playing against the best in the world...the French midfielders must be thrilled.
Delighted for Keanu Baccus - no less than deserved after a terrific start in Paisley 👏
Two Paisley institutions joining forces🤝
Another positive step in further re-establishing the club in the local community.
St Mirren should be synonymous with Paisley and vice versa.
St Mirren FC 🤝
@UniWestScotland
St Mirren Football Club and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) have kicked off a partnership that hopes to change the relationship between sport and education in Scotland.
Ellery Balcombe rightly receiving a lot of praise tonight - from both camps 👏
St Mirren were wasteful in front of goal and he kept the tie level with some huge saves 🧤
💬"I thought we created enough to score one or two goals, I thought their goalkeeper made a few excellent saves."
Ellery Balcombe earns Valur praise as Arnar Gretarsson admits St Mirren 'should have scored twice'
St Mirren Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Roland Idowu on loan from
@shrewsburytown
until the end of the season subject to clearance.
Welcome,
@roland_idowu
!
Stephen Robinson bullish on St Mirren ambitions in Europe. Demanding his players make a dent in the competition and not suffer early exit like several Scottish clubs previously.
The Buddies boss travelled to Iceland to watch Valur vs Vllaznia first leg in person tonight.
💬 "It is something we are going to embrace but not something we are just happy to be there..."
Stephen Robinson delivers 'make an impact' St Mirren Conference League vow
Caolan Boyd-Munce and Mika Mandron could return for St Mirren against Hibs tomorrow.
Stephen Robinson also discussed transfer policy after the club guaranteed €900k minimum income from the Conference League.
James Bolton's St Mirren transfer request came as a surprise to Stephen Robinson🤯
The player was allowed to leave for six-figure fee to Fleetwood after chat with manager.
List of targets quickly drawn up with replacement set to be signed early next week 🔜
💬 "James made it very clear he didn't want to be at the football club, for family reasons."
Stephen Robinson opens up on shock James Bolton St Mirren transfer exit
A rainy Brann Stadion this morning 🌧️
St Mirren supporters will be housed in section to the right of safe standing in the corner.
Safe standing won’t be in use as section not approved for European ties ❌
St Mirren completely overrun against Dundee United.
Smyth, Idowu and Taylor all have obvious quality but really missed the presence of Boyd-Munce, O'Hara or Adeniran to balance and anchor the midfield.
Lots of tired legs out there.
Arrived to little fanfare and with questions over whether he'd even be No1. Silenced doubters and leaves a hero.
Played every minute with 15 clean sheets in all competitions - and he just 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙞𝙩.
Little wonder St Mirren supporters - and Stephen Robinson - want him back.
💬 "It was probably one of the worst I've felt in football to be honest."
Killian Phillips reflects on THAT St Mirren vs Aberdeen match 🤯
Stephen Robinson was chasing the transfer deal summer and Phillips only narrowly missed out Euro involvement.
💬"It was actually one of the times I have been blown away on the pitch."
Killian Phillips on how Aberdeen low point helped sell him on St Mirren transfer
Stephen Robinson has emerged as a reported candidate for the Sunderland job📰
It would be more of a surprise if clubs didn't take notice of his success at St Mirren.
Robinson is settled at St Mirren, would expect he'd want to take his well-earned shot in Europe✈️
Signed for nothing, sold for six figures 💰
Evidence of a transfer model working - especially when the player wanted to leave.
Stephen Robinson has room to manoeuvre to sign replacement with funds as well. Sensible business 🤝
St Mirren can confirm that James Bolton has joined Fleetwood Town for an undisclosed fee.
Despite signing a one-year contract extension in February, James made clear his desire to move back to England for family reasons.
We thank James for his contributions and wish him well.
"I've never been in a place where I want to do so well for my team-mates."
Jaden Brown is loving life back in Paisley on a permanent deal. Has looked really sharp in pre-season.
Also helped Stephen Robinson convince Dennis Adeniran to make the move to Scotland 🤝
Stephen Robinson immensely proud of his players and to give supporters a special moment in Europe.
Equally disappointed not to seize on momentum after levelling in Bergen.
💬“We will improve, we will get better and we want to make this more often than once every 40 years.”
💬 “If we’d have had the same belief in the first game as we did tonight…"
Proud Stephen Robinson insists St Mirren had Brann 'rocking' before late one-two suckerpunch
Diarmuid O'Carroll has left St Mirren to join Newcastle as lead under-21 coach🤝
He will be replaced by Brian Kerr as academy coach steps up as Stephen Robinson's No2.
A new head of transition phase & first-team coach will be appointed in due course.
Stephen Robinson "not very hopeful" over Ryan Strain groin injury being short-term. Strain has had scan and club awaiting results. Major blow.
🗣️| “He certainly won’t be available for Saturday. It looks like it will be weeks rather than days so it is a big blow for us."
Key trio O'Hara, Boyd-Munce and Adeniran to miss St Mirren vs Celtic through injury 🤕
O'Hara still struggling with thigh knock. Boyd-Munce could return after international break from hamstring issue. Adeniran has fluid on knee but could be back next weekend.
Oisin Smyth to St Mirren on the cards 🤝
But where does he fit in for Stephen Robinson having played all over the pitch - and why is he leaving Oxford?
Thanks to
@OxMailLiamRice
for giving me the lowdown for this week’s Buddies Briefing 🧐
Read here:
Boyd-Munce was 'struggling' with a hamstring issue on Thursday. Adeniran also took a knock so is a doubt for St Mirren against Dundee Utd. F. Taylor had stitches in his leg but is hopeful of playing.
Stephen Robinson suggested the line-up would be much-changed at Tannadice.
Three St Mirren decisions deemed incorrect by VAR Independent Review Panel - more than any other club - in most recent update.
St Mirren should have been awarded two penalties (Ross County & Hearts) and James Bolton red card against Dundee should have been yellow.
It was simple; go out partying or put in the work.
Roland Idowu spent the summer in gruelling one-to-one training sessions to get his career back on track.
After his first St Mirren goal and a European triumph - the hard work is already paying off👏
💬 "It was a decision for myself – to either go partying throughout the summer or work..."
Roland Idowu on career crossroads that led to summer sacrifices before St Mirren move
Blaring Europop remixed into a music video featuring kilt-clad heavy metal musicians at Brann Stadion then conceding within five minutes threatened a truly awful night in Bergen.
Then this happened. Memories for a lifetime.
St Mirren hoping Mark O'Hara will only be out 10 days to two weeks through thigh injury 🤕
He'll still play a major role tomorrow night in the dressing room before the match.
Mika Mandron and Caolan Boyd-Munce fully fit for selection. Lewis Jamieson back against Aberdeen.
💬 “We’re hoping he’ll be back involved again in the next couple of weeks - and hopefully we’re still in Europe."
Every word of Stephen Robinson's Mark O'Hara St Mirren injury update
Mark O'Hara could be back fit to face SK Brann while Mika Mandron is in contention for a starting spot.
Scott Tanser substitution was not injury-related.
💬 “We didn’t think we could risk him and it shows the level of the squad that we can make those decisions now."
Stephen Robinson provides St Mirren injury update on Mark O'Hara and Mika Mandron ahead of SK Brann tie
💬 “It’s most likely my last game for the club as I’ll be moving on."
No surprise but Keanu Baccus confirmed at the weekend he is set to leave St Mirren in the summer as his contract expires. Highly complimentary of his time in Paisley.
💬"He’s a big boy, he can run, and he’ll hopefully help provide goals in the team as well."
St Mirren land vital midfield player amid O'Hara, Adeniran and Boyd-Munce injury issues.
Killian Phillips is exactly the type of player Stephen Robinson loves and gets the best from 🧬
💬 "I’ve been a captain everywhere I’ve been so I like to bring that presence...it's part of my DNA, my character."
Alex Iacovitti insists he'll provide leadership and experience at St Mirren.
Defender had options but wanted a shot in Europe and to work under Stephen Robinson.
💬 “As soon as I heard St Mirren were interested I dived straight into it."
Alex Iacovitti details key factors in St Mirren transfer as offers from elsewhere turned down
Simon & Garfunkel, Showaddywaddy & St Mirren - enough to pique your interest?🤔
This week's Buddies Briefing on the changing soundtrack at the SMiSA Stadium beyond just the UEFA Conference League anthem.
New centre-back in ✅
Adding experience to defence with Iacovitti signed for an undisclosed fee. Balances options too as a left-footer.
Robinson: "He's experienced and will help drive standards. We need more voices in the changing room and I think Alex will fit in very well."
💬 "The last few years have been brilliant for the club and with Europe as well it was a massive attraction."
Alex Iacovitti returns to Scotland as he seals St Mirren transfer
Stephen Robinson has achieved great things at St Mirren...but he's never managed to beat Kilmarnock.
P: 7 | W: 0 | D: 3 | L: 4. St Mirren have only scored three times and one was a Kyle Magennis own goal.
This week's Buddies Briefing at 6pm as the bogey team comes to town📩😳
St Mirren no closer to discovering Conference League opposition after Valur and Vllaznia draw 2-2.
Visitors had taken lead after being reduced to ten men but Valur equalised after 99 minutes.
All eyes on the second leg in Albania next Thursday.
💬“It was nobody's fault with the training pitch here, just down to circumstances."
St Mirren invested a six-figure sum into a new training pitch in April. They're only just back at Ralston now🤯
A nightmare summer for bedding surface saw squad train at Neilston and Garscube.
Pleasure to be invited on and be actively encouraged to talk about St Mirren.
Less thrilled with my incessant ‘talking with hands’ display...yes, I do my own choreography
🎥⚽️ 𝙊𝙥𝙚𝙣 𝙂𝙤𝙖𝙡 𝙁𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙪𝙢
Sit back & enjoy as we bring you our 1st ever Fans Forum as
@siferry8
, Andy Halliday, Slaney & Faddy debate with fans across the
@spfl
on their team & Manager's performances so far!
YouTube 📺
w/
@GlensVodkaLLG
Fraser Taylor gained invaluable experience on loan. A real breakout season for him. No reason to suggest it’ll be any different for Kieran.
Young players need game time, Stephen Robinson has strong contacts in Northern Irish game. Solid move.
This is exactly right 👇
Having seen Fraser Taylor step up in his season with Ballymena, and needing a good loan move with some consistent football, this feels like a very sensible loan.
Smash it Kieran 🙌🏻