Balmullo Bud

IMO, we have a midfield problem although the 2 Macs are good players, there is a need for a 'Goodie' type of player. That would allow the 2 Macs to control the midfield distribution better

Spot on in my opinion too. The Dunfermline player throws a hefty elbow into Eckersley's stomach. Thomson has reacted to their fans going nuts. Seemed very harsh on Eckersley)
In the first few minutes their no 8 had a swipe at Morgan in the centre of the park, well after the ball was gone. It was easily the worst challenge in the match. An old fashioned 'let him know your there' on the danger man from 20 years ago. Thomson didn't even speak to the boy.
We were well beaten yesterday by the better team, but Thomson's performance was on a par with ours yesterday. (not that I'm bitter)

Got completely bullied today, too many players pulling out of challenges and they were picking up most of the second balls. The gaps in our midfield was a real worry.
Stelios is great going forward, but was at fault for their first 2 from where I was sitting.
We were actually having a good spell when they got their second just before halftime. Their 3rd was hard to make out as it was at the other end, but looked like really poor defending. Thought Eckersley was the best of a poor bunch, before he got sent off.
If Reilly had finished his one on one early doors it may have been a different game, but well beaten today.
Back down to earth with a familiar St Mirren bump. Hopefully back to winning ways next week, but a lot for Jack to think about after that today.

Eckersely red card looks a joke to me nothing in that pulls the player to the side of him as he was backing into him another joke of a decision by Thomson

Got completely bullied today, too many players pulling out of challenges and they were picking up most of the second balls. The gaps in our midfield was a real worry.
Stelios is great going forward, but was at fault for their first 2 from where I was sitting.
We were actually having a good spell when they got their second just before halftime. Their 3rd was hard to make out as it was at the other end, but looked like really poor defending. Thought Eckersley was the best of a poor bunch, before he got sent off.
If Reilly had finished his one on one early doors it may have been a different game, but well beaten today.
Back down to earth with a familiar St Mirren bump. Hopefully back to winning ways next week, but a lot for Jack to think about after that today.

Got completely bullied today, too many players pulling out of challenges and they were picking up most of the second balls. The gaps in our midfield was a real worry.
Stelios is great going forward, but was at fault for their first 2 from where I was sitting.
We were actually having a good spell when they got their second just before halftime. Their 3rd was hard to make out as it was at the other end, but looked like really poor defending. Thought Eckersley was the best of a poor bunch, before he got sent off.
If Reilly had finished his one on one early doors it may have been a different game, but well beaten today.
Back down to earth with a familiar St Mirren bump. Hopefully back to winning ways next week, but a lot for Jack to think about after that today.

To be fair, there wasn't a whole lot of scandalous questions as you'd expect when the team's doing well - off the top of my head:
JR said that Lewis Morgan compensation is based fully on the club who is arranging a PCA. In the worst case scenario, we'd hope that category 1 clubs would be approaching him which would increase the compensation significantly. In a best case scenario, Lewis (who is appreciative of the opportunity afforded to him by St. Mirren) and his agent will agree that the club deserve to be properly recompensed for his talents and will strike and agreement. James Fowler has identified the slow starts and early conceding of goals in games as an area where they'd like to focus on improvement but did point out that whilst an issue, it's a much less pressing issue than losing late goals. Players have facilities on hand to deal with several stress, pressure or general mental wellbeing issues and we have a professional gentleman - who is a supporter -  on hand who works with the club on a 'pick up the phone and he'll show at the drop of a hat' basis. Several of the players have benefited from this including several of the injured and young lads and Stephen McGinn who is feeling the added responsibilty of being club captain and throws himself fully into that role. Both Jack and James pressed at how important they believe that the mental wellbeing of players is - especially in the modern game where players are a lot more introverted. Jack went to Lennoxtown to pick Brendan Rodger's brain over pre-season and whilst he learnt a lot in terms of the mental aspect of dealing with players, was very happy that Celtic's methods were similar in several areas to things that Jack and James had already implemented at St. Mirren - which validated the decisions to do so somewhat. Everyone is fit for selection on Saturday apart from Kyle Magennis, Harry Davis and Gary McKenzie who is over his concussion but picked up an achillies strain  in a bounce game at Ralston last week. He's had a scan and there is no damage there, he's expected to be in contention for a place next week. Harry and Kyle are expected to be at full pace in the next fortnight and pushing for the first team afterwards. Kyle Magennis has dealt with his injury in a hugely professional manner. He approached the management and asked for advice on how to engage himself when injured, Jack Ross commented that he has since bulked up to the stage where he's noticeably square shouldered and is going to add a massive physical presence to his game upon return. Said the fans will be surprised at the changes in him. They are happy with the Ralston setup and whilst unwilling to name names (due to the unpredictability surrounding personal development at youth level) he said there is nothing to suggest the conveyor of talent will end any time soon and the club are now in a fortunate position where they are an attractive prospect for youth players due to the track record they have of giving youth a chance and the high turnover of players who get a move upwards. They have pinpointed 3 or 4 players not with the club who they feel could do us a very good turn in the future but due to time and finance constraints, have so far been unable to scout these players. They acknowledged that whilst the scouting at youth level is excellent, it's a struggle at senior level and would like a scout/scouts, although they accept that resources are finite and so must make do at present. Jack also commented that football at our level is still very much run on a level where a lot of scouting is done as goodwill gestures and an issue with this is pinpointing someone who'll do a favour whose opinion is trustworthy and in line with theirs.

First team in the world to wear black and white vertical stripes, 1884. That's 6 years before Notts County and 10 years before Newcastle Utd.

From our Leader ....
 
On The Pitch
What a difference a year makes!
Top of the league and playing a brand of football that we can all enjoy. I said when we took over that I wanted to see us play attractive football and to entertain our fans and I think Jack's team is delivering on that vision. Whilst it’s still early days it’s great to see us at the right end of the table where we belong.
It’s great to see our supporters buying into what Jack & James have brought to the club as they continue to build on the momentum gained from the excellent end to last season.
We have sold 2,823 season tickets this year compared to 2,453 last year and that support has allowed us to assemble a squad that is well equipped to challenge for the Championship title.
The excellent uptake in season tickets has also allowed us to fulfil our commitment to house all away fans in the North stand for every league game in Paisley this season, leaving the West stand as a Saints only area.
Lewis Morgan
One of the highlights of this year has been the continued development of Lewis Morgan into a player who is not only starting for the Scotland under 21s, but excelling with them and putting in man of the match performances.
It’s no secret that we received a substantial offer for him from an English Championship club in the summer and with his contract running out at the end of this season the prudent decision would have been to take the money.
As a board we were however united in our decision to refuse any offers.
We felt that his potential contribution to our league challenge and to the way the team plays far outweighed the financial benefit the club would have received.
It’s a joy to watch Lewis Morgan play football and we hope to see him grace the stripes for as long as possible.
Lewis is a very sensible and grounded individual who will undoubtedly go on to play at the very highest level for both club and country.
We would like to think that we can help him along that path and have not given up hope that we can yet convince him to sign a new contract.
Kit Update
The decision to take the sale of the strips in house is proving to be a big success. We have sold nearly 1500 to date and, along with the Skyview Capital sponsorship, we have already  eclipsed the revenue generated by our previous deal. Campbell Kennedy asked us to put our faith in him with this project and together with the club shop they have delivered on that faith. 
As you may be aware we have had a few teething problems with the new strips. These were mainly down to the English contractor who was responsible for adhering the badges to the strip. To Joma's credit they have acted swiftly and have already contracted with a different company based in Scotland for next year's kit.
For this Saturday's top of the table clash we will be wearing a new, specially embroidered, third kit to celebrate the club's 140th Anniversary which will go on sale in the club shop in early October.
The only hint for Saturday is that we will not be the team in black and white stripes!
The Stadium
The atmosphere created on match days is as good as I have ever witnessed since moving to the new stadium.
The ground has been criticised at times for being rather soul-less but when this team starts playing and the drum starts beating the stadium starts rocking!
Paisley 2021
We are in the process of organising a musical event at the stadium before the Brechin City game on September 30th to coincide with the final submission of the Paisley 2021 bid. Full details of this will be revealed shortly!
SMiSA
I’m sure you’ll agree that the SMiSA wall which was constructed during the summer has been a great addition to the stadium. It’s tremendous to see generations of fans gather there on matchdays to have their photograph taken next to their name.
On that note SMiSA are running a short survey for supporters to complete, whether you are currently a member or not. Please take a couple of minutes to complete this. It’s important that we continue to collectively learn what we can do better and hopefully encourage others to join.
You can take the survey by clicking here.
Also don’t miss your chance to attend the meet the manager night this Thursday at the stadium (14th Sept from 18:30).
You can register to attend here.
Thank you once again for your backing both on a match day and financially. We ask a lot of supporters be it through Season Tickets, Away Day travel, SMiSA subscriptions, 1877 Club Membership and Club Replica Kit & Merchandise.
This all goes towards creating a team we can hopefully all be proud of and rest assured none of it is ever taken for granted.
See you all at East End Park!
 
Yet again it is great to get information from the Chairman.

From today's Herald .....
 
Striker Gavin Reilly has unfinished business in the Premiership, and he reckons that St Mirren will give him the platform to prove he can cut it in the top flight by getting back to where they belong.
The Buddies have started the season in tremendous form, winning four of their five games so far to shoot to the top of the Championship table.
The win over Inverness on Saturday built upon their triumph over title favourites Dundee United in their previous match, and while it is early days, Reilly says their start has everyone at the club believing they can earn promotion.
“Our aim at the start of the season was to win the league outright, if not then definitely through the play-offs,” said Reilly.
“I think with the group we have that we’re more than capable of doing it. At the same time, we’re only five games into the league season. It’s a good start to make and we’ll keep building on that.
“I would love to get back to playing in the Premiership again and that’s where a club of this size should be. We have to keep going the way we’re going and hopefully we’ll be there at the end of the season.
“It’s been a very good start. I think we’ve just built game to game. The first game against Falkirk was a tremendous victory – especially given it was the opener.
“Morton brought us down to earth but we’ve kicked on from there. We had a very difficult start, so it’s been brilliant to get the points that we have.
“There are no easy games in this league. Everyone’s capable of beating everyone. But it’s good to lay down a marker early on.”
Reilly, who was speaking as he collected his 'Goldenballs' award for his performance in Round 2 of the Irn-Bru Cup, says that his own fine start to the season - he has scored eight goals in 11 matches - is down to getting a consistent run of games.
“People say goals in the cup don’t count but for me they do,” he said. If you get 20 goals at the end of the season no-one is going to look back and break it down by the competitions. It’s the tally that counts.
"I’ve just been glad to get back playing football and the goals have been a bonus. Any striker will say that you need a consistent run of games to get the best out of you.
“Credit to the gaffer for giving me the chance to come in and show what I’m capable of doing. I’m just glad I’ve done well so far and long may it continue.”
The Saints face a tough test on Saturday as they bid to keep the feel-good factor around Paisley going, with a trip to face second-placed Dunfermline.
Reilly needs no extra motivation for the game having gone through a nightmare spell at East End park last season.
“We’re all looking forward to it,” he said.
“It’ll be good to go there and hopefully prove a point, as long as we win the game. I’d be happy with that.
“They’ve had a good start. I think they’ve only lost one game in the league. They were 2-0 up on Saturday, so to lose 3-2 must have come as a bit of a shock. They’ve got some quality players and they’re a good team.
“I think there’s talk of the crowd being 5-6000. They’ve got a tremendous support as it is and the way we’re going we’ll bring through a healthy support of our own.
“The fans have been tremendous so far. They go all over the country and it is a credit to them. It’s great to have their backing. We want to give them the three points they deserve.”

When McLean left us in the January window, we were as good as relegated. He was that crucial to us at that time.
If Lewis Morgan leaves in January, that could be the difference between us winning this league or losing out to another club. Again, such is the extent of his influence.
The timing is critical, here, and that won't be lost on Gordon Scott or Jack Ross. They are both ambitious men, and I think it would take a very hefty bid (in excess of half a million quid) to convince them to to let go of the player.  Even then, it might hinge on the player staying with us on loan. The ultimate prize is promotion to the top division.
I also reckon Lewis is a bright lad who has his head screwed on. He knows that his stock can only rise as he puts in MotM performance after MotM performance. My hope is that a deal can be struck for him to sign an extension on the basis that he receives a sizeable proportion of any fee we ultimately receive. I understand that the club are working on something to this effect. We would then be more likely to keep him for the season.
Fingers crossed, as it is an absolute pleasure watching this lad ply his trade.
 

To the tune of 'Can you hear the Morton sing, no-oh, no-oh...' next time we get him...
 
Collum is the referee, oh-no, oh-no,
Collum is the referee, oh-no, oh-no,
Collum is the referee, the game is fcuked by five past three,
Oh-no, woah, no-no....

The speed of Morgan , Smith and Reilly is great to watch , I think Reilly is looking a better player than Loy ,his work rate is fantastic.

We're top of the league and you're no! Happy days!

Didn't play well but still won. Sign of a great side and we have as good a chance as anyone of winning this league.

This season we really should be looking to get a minimum of 5,000 home fans at each home game. Please spread the word and bring a buddie to each of the next few home games. This side deserve a packed stadium behind them every week. I would love to see the club push another bring a buddie campaign. This side under Ross are going places. Lap it up buddies.

We really are going in the right direction with key players like McGennis, Davis and Gary Mac still to return.

Have a great Saturday night every buddie! Off out into Glasgow with Mrs Zo to celebrate. :-)

Wouldnt it be great if Morgan helped us out by signing a year extention ?
 I think we all know he is going to be off , and if he keeps up this sort of form buying clubs will happily part with cash for his services anyway .

Was worried at 2-2, but good win in the end. We weren't great at the back, but the 'we'll score more than you' thankfully worked. Another typical Willie Collum performance, but doesn't matter in the end. Morgan's so exciting to watch. We need to enjoy him while we can.
Well done the Buddies, let's keep the momentum going. COYS!!!!

Was worried at 2-2, but good win in the end. We weren't great at the back, but the 'we'll score more than you' thankfully worked. Another typical Willie Collum performance, but doesn't matter in the end. Morgan's so exciting to watch. We need to enjoy him while we can.
Well done the Buddies, let's keep the momentum going. COYS!!!!

Was worried at 2-2, but good win in the end. We weren't great at the back, but the 'we'll score more than you' thankfully worked. Another typical Willie Collum performance, but doesn't matter in the end. Morgan's so exciting to watch. We need to enjoy him while we can.
Well done the Buddies, let's keep the momentum going. COYS!!!!

http://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-160587-the-st-mirren-fans-celebrate-in-paisley-town-centre-after-the-28670409.html

I predicted we'd put 3 past Falkirk, and 3 past Dundee United. I can see no reason to deviate from that pattern for this one.
3-1 Saints.
Reilly, Morgan & Stelios.
4,052 in attendance.

He also set up the first.

I was immensely proud of St Mirren while watching that match on YouTube last night. So many compliments getting dished out by the commentators about our young players and explayers.

Well we've got about 30 hours to hold out. 
Fingers crossed. 

On yesterday's showing I'm glad we didn't push the boat out on McDonald. 
Much rather have a young up and coming striker like Gavin Reilly leading the line with a brilliant attitude. 

The most enjoyable home league game in a long time... eclipsing the Hibs game of last season.
Not a failure in the team.
Mega kudos to Jack and James for setting the team up in a formation that suited our players and totally nullified the opposition.
United are not that awful... we just made them seem that way by being so good!
Morgan was the eye catcher... but in all honestly that was the most complete team effort I have seen in many a year.
Captain McGinn was indeed Captain Marvel.
To those who said he and McShane cannot play in the same midfield... any chance you could let the gaffer work on things in training and trust him? He signed McShane to play alongside McGinn!
To those who wrote off Buchanan after a match or two... any chance you could let the gaffer work on things in training and trust him? His judgement has been pretty sound so far!
Baird? Didn't even notice him... he was that quietly effective.
Unsung hero of the match and my man of the match... Eckersley!
The experience and stability he brings to the defence is incredible and essential. 
The number of times he effortlessly covered for other players was incredible. His reading of the game quite exceptional.
That the system today allowed both he and Stelios to perform was genius on Jack's part.
Genuinely excited at the match today and BY that match today... a real statement of intent!