Last season, St Mirren didn't just compete — they disrupted. A 1:1 draw away at Celtic, a total of 50 points on the board, and a top-six finish in the Scottish Premiership proved the Saints were done being overlooked. And when the league split? They kept the tempo high, grabbing 9 points from 15 and going on a five-game scoring streak that silenced any doubters.
Now, heading into 2025/26, the St Mirren energy in Paisley is off the charts. St Mirren aren't just aiming to compete — they're ready to surprise. While the spotlight sits on the league's traditional powerhouses, the Saints are quietly building momentum with a mentality rooted in grit, hunger, and belief. They've got the tools, the depth, and the fearless edge to turn heads across the league.
So, could this be the season St Mirren becomes the ultimate dark horse? All signs point to yes, and the rest of the Premiership should be paying attention.
Here are five reasons why St Mirren are primed to shake up the 2025/26 season and why ignoring them this time would be a grave mistake.
Reason 1: Stephen Robinson’s Tactical Masterclass
Manager Stephen Robinson has completely reshaped St Mirren, turning them into a rugged and disciplined outfit that can handle the pressure of top-flight football. Under his guidance, the Saints secured a remarkable 50 points during the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership campaign, finishing sixth — their third consecutive top-six finish. Robinson's tactical approach was obvious in that famous 1:1 draw at Celtic Park, where Jonah Ayunga's savvy start exposed the fragility of the Old Firm's defence and showcased Paisley grit.
The tactical masterplan extended into the post-split phase, achieving 9 points out of a possible 15 through a potent blend of organisation and rapid counter-attacks, as well as an impressive five-game scoring streak that proved Saints could also swing momentum in their favour. Every tackle, transition, and set-piece was calibrated to perfection under a manager who knows how to maximise his squad's strengths.
Despite whispers of interest from Plymouth Argyle, Robinson has doubled down on his Paisley project, leaving no doubt about his loyalty and commitment to the Saints. And with South Scot coaching becoming his Norm, St Mirren 2025/26 supporters can expect more tactical evolution, mixing defensive solidity with explosive, counter-attacking bangers to keep the league guessing.
Reason 2: Game‑Changing Signings on the Horizon
The St Mirren 2025/26 transfer rumour mill on X is heating up, and for a good reason. One target at the top of the St Mirren wishlist is Alex Paulsen, the 22-year-old Bournemouth-owned goalkeeper currently on loan in New Zealand. Paulsen is being tipped as a strong candidate to replace Zach Hemming, and St Mirren scouts seem well aware that a confident keeper can transform the entire defensive line. Reports describe him as a class act in goal, and chatter on X suggests Premier League clubs are on his trail, adding to his potential and value.
But it doesn't stop there. The Saints' strategy also includes recruiting a creative midfielder or pacey winger — players with flair and vision to break lines and unlock defences. St Mirren has a long history of finding undervalued talents, and this summer, they'll look to replicate that success. With additions in goal and attack, their shape could morph from a defensive bunker into a bold, proactive outfit, turning heads with on-fire performances and feeding into the Scottish football underdogs narrative.
Reason 3: Firepower Up Front
If last season's stats are anything to go by, there's serious firepower inside this Paisley squad. The Saints hit the net in five consecutive Premiership matches, proving they can sustain attacking runs. Leading the charge was Toyosi Olusanya, who finished as St Mirren's top scorer with 8 league goals and 12 in all competitions. At an xG level, his consistency is top-tier: scoring one goal every 256 minutes, ranking him in the top percentile of strikers in the Premiership.
Beyond Olusanya, the squad enjoyed better delivery on set-pieces, corners, and free-kicks started producing decisive goals and late winners. However, there's still room for growth; with added precision and a quicker tempo of attack, every phase could evolve into a banger opportunity.
If Toyosi keeps hitting those spots and St Mirren refine their dead-ball routines under Robinson's guidance in the 2025/26 season, they could morph into genuine top-six contenders — a surprise highlight in the usual Premiership predictions.
Reason 4: The Buddies’ Unbreakable Spirit
When the floodlights hit St Mirren Park, the atmosphere is next level. The St Mirren fans — lovingly known as Buddies — generate a truly electric vibe that genuinely lifts the squad. That intangible feel matters: it turns tight games into winnable battles. Away from home, Paisley pride travels with unwavering commitment, spurring the Saints to results beyond expectation.
For their audience, it's about more than passion — it's community and identity. It's whether you feel the rise, cheering your side to victory even when the odds say otherwise. And with the Saints now even being priced up, betting on an upset makes sense.
Think the Saints can upset Rangers or Celtic? Keep an eye on the latest St Mirren odds and predictions. Let the Paisley roar echo through the stands on matchday and in the market.
Reason 5: Young Guns Ready to Shine
Paisley's future is one to get excited about. The youth pipeline is strong, and it's delivering. Take Ethan Sutherland, for instance, an academy standout who made his first-team debut in 2023 before heading on loan to Alloa Athletic. He impressed in League One with 13 appearances, 1 goal, and 2 assists. That form earned him a move to Wolves in August 2024.
While he's now progressing in England, his rise is evidence of a thriving academy that values nurturing talent. There are more like him waiting in the wings, the next generation of St Mirren youth prospects. These players offer versatility, hunger, and sustainability to a club focused on long-term growth.
Imagine the emotional mic drop when local lads break onto the scene and help shock the league. That's not fantasy because that's Paisley pride in motion.
St Mirren 2025/26: Saints Rising, League Shaking
So there you have it: five compelling reasons why St Mirren 2025/26 is primed to smash expectations. From Robinson's tactical brilliance, potential signings like Alex Paulsen, Olusanya's firepower, passionate fan backing, and promising youth influx, the Buddies are poised for a breakout season packed with Scottish Premiership surprises.
Stay glued to blackandwhitearmy.com for exclusive coverage from the match report of that epic Celtic draw to in-depth analysis of St Mirren transfers, profiles on stars like Toyosi Olusanya, features on Stephen Robinson St Mirren, and the latest from the St Mirren youth academy.
Back the Saints to shock the league? Get unparalleled Scottish Premiership predictions and St Mirren betting odds with FIRST, and let's roar together. Paisley's roar is coming—don't miss it!