Football Season Guide

St Mirren made their way into Europe last season thanks to a fifth-placed finish in the Premiership following a remarkable campaign under Stephen Robinson. They found the going difficult at the end of the campaign, but given they had not expected to finish in the top six, this was considered a remarkable achievement. Saints have largely managed to retain the core of the squad that enjoyed a strong campaign last time out, with no particularly important players departing. The most pertinent players to depart have been goalkeeper Zach Hemming, who was ever present last term, right-back James Bolton, midfielder Keanu Baccus, whose influence waned in the second half of last term, and Ryan Strain. The size of the squad is, currently, smaller than it was last term, which given they are seeking to make a European run early in the campaign, could prove problematic. The Paisley club have largely recruited from the English lower leagues but have drafted in goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe from Brentford on loan. This will be an important area for Saints. Similarly Alex Iacovitti has come into the middle of the defence while Jaden Brown and Shaun Rooney have arrived to strengthen the wide areas of the rearguard. Aside from a couple of additions in central midfield in the form of Dennis Ademiran, Oisin Smyth and Roland Idowu, there has been little change in the squad. With Mark O’Hara a starter in that area, only one of these players is liable to be a starter. In attack, Mikael Mandron will likely be the key figure but blow hot and cold last season, which was also the case with Toyosi Olusanya. Jonah Ayunga will hope to contribute more after serious injury hit him last term. Indeed, it is a little surprising that Saints have not sought to strengthen their attack further given they lack a prolific scorer, and while they shared goals out well last season, there is a concern that they lack a consistent goal getter.