The Saints Are Coming - A 2018 Story

October - The Saints Go Marching On

It's another big month for The Buddies as they make a bold claim on the League Winners spot. I currently sit 10 points at the top of the league after 13 games.

Having been named Manager of the Month for the second month in a row, I feel confident that I can go on to win the league, despite it still being early doors. The players seem hungry, I've avoided any major injuries and even when I do have players missing through injury or suspension, there is plenty of cover in the squad to stay competitive.

Firstly, the apprentices played Raith Rovers in the Irn Bru cup, and ran out comfortable 3-1 winners. Mullen, Sutton and Todd all scoring.

Renfrewshire rivals Dumbarton were on the recieving end of a 2-1 loss to The Buddies as Todd and Hippolyte scored. Hippolyte filling in for the injured Lewis Morgan.

After going 1-0 down to Falkirk, the Saint's players showed character to pull 1-2 ahead. Falkirk did their best to steal a point through Andrew Nelson's second goal, but Hippolyte stole the show, scoring late to complete his hatrick.

Derby Day #2. St Mirren eager for a win against their historical rivals from Greenock. The press tried to build up the game by stirring the pot. It was manager Jim Duffy who took the bait. Jim felt his side could easily best St Mirren - considering they went 2-0 up in the first game. I decided to remain silent in the press conference and avoid the question. I'd let my players do my talking for me.

Cammy Smith hit first, firing a 30 yard howitzer past Gaston. Morton struggled to cope with the wave of attacks thrown at them. It was 2-0 before half time as In Form striker Danny Mullen met a low Hippolyte cross. Nothing of note in the second half and St Mirren silenced their neighbours, for the time being.

St Mirren took their first taste of defeat as they lost 1-0 to league strugglers Dundee United. Jordie Briels grabbing a 94th minute winner.

The returning Lewis Morgan was on form against Livingston grabbing 2 assist in a 3-0 win. Captain McGinn scored from a penalty after Hippolyte was brought down in the box. Morgan, playing on the right wing to compliment the inform Hippolyte, fired a low cross across the box to find Gavin Reilly in the second half. An outstanding ball from Morgan within his own half met the running McShane who passed the ball past Alexander.
 
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Introducing....


St Mirren Football Club would like to warmly welcome new signings Aaron Kwarko and Bob Vankan. Kwarko had recently been released from Vitesse, while Vanko joins from FC Twente as a free agent.

THe intent was that both would be loaned out for first team experience, but in the meantime they will join Team Apprentice for the IRN BRU cup game against Airdrie.
 
IRN BRU CUP - Airdrie

The apprentices were in good form, and came up against Airdrie in the quarter final of the IRN BRU cup. Vankan and Kwarko joined the ranks of the fast playing Junior Buddies. Aided by a few first team players, and of course Captain Fantastic, St Mirren easily saw off Airdrie in the Quarter Finals.

Cameron Breadner scored both goals before being subbed off due to injury. Vankan provided the assist for the first goal.

 
Betfred Cup RoundUp

Although Celtic claimed the silverware in the Betfred Cup, it was St Mirren's Gavin Reilly who came out top on the goal-scoring charts.

Lewis Morgan also providing further evidence as to why Celtic signed him from St Mirren by completing the most dribbles per match, as well as obtaining the third highest average rating.
 
Gavin Reilly Impresses St Mirren

On the back of his very successful performances in the league and in the cup, I had offered Gavin Reilly a contract extension. This extension sees his wage rise to £650 a week, He will be tied to the Paisley club until at least 2020
 
Board Commence Contract Extension Talks

Having impressed the board, they are willing to hold a meeting to discuss any changes I would like made prior to extending my contract with the club. The future looks bright.

 
Jack Baird Claims Double Award

Jack Baird has won both The Player of The Month and Young Player of The Month Awards for November! His performances in the first have have been crucial for our League Run. Baird is another example of the fine talent coming out of the clubs youth system and making a big impact on the first team.

View attachment 59186View attachment 59185
 
The Legend Returns

Managing the U20's wasn't going as smoothly as I'd hoped. Despite setting it all up so I could manage the team myself and play the friendlies, it wasnt giving me the option to play as the team (no idea why). Instead, I decided to bring former St Mirren Man Hugh "Shuggy" Murray back to St Mirren Park!.

Murray is a massive fan's favourite with the Paisley side making 462 appearances from midfield and scoring 18 goals. Murray was at St Mirren for the 1999/2000 and 2005/2006 promotion seasons.

In the 1999/2000 season Murray played a major part in the Scottish First Division Championship Win, in particular the 8-0 drubbing of, now liquidated, Clydebank. As Murray ran towards the edge of the 18 yard box to control the ball with his head, not only did he manage to control the ball, but he managed to juggle the ball on his head past the entire Clydebank defence before poking the ball past the goalkeeper.

In 2005/06 Murray became the first St Mirren player to win three Winners Medals. with his first league win, his 2005/06 League win and the 2005 Challenge Cup Win against Hamilton.

In 2006, at the age of just 27. Murray was inducted into the St Mirren Hall of Fame. Unfortunately he was never allowed to see out his career with St Mirren, as he moved to Partick Thistle. He is currently playing for Clyde under former St Mirren manager Danny Lennon, ages 39.

Murray is the current record holder for Most Appearances for the Club, and I'm glad to welcome him back to the team. Growing up watching Murray's Magic in midfield, its a special feeling to have him as a coach at the club, This could potentially spark an influx of ex legends into the U20 set up.

I used this method on a previous St Mirren save and it worked wonders. Something I may repeat now that I cannot control the U20's myself.

 
Signed!


I have managed to snap up transfer target Greg Morrison of Ross County on a free transfer as part of the Bosman Ruling. A fantastic prospect for both club and country. He would be a player to potentially replace Sutton if he decides to retire.

If you take a sneak peak at the rest of the news on the image you'll see a hint to my next post....
 
Captain Fantastic To Stay!

Club captain, Stephen McGinn, has signed a contract extension with the Buddies that will see him stay with the team until 2020. He has been a key part in my push for promotion by controlling the midfield with either Magennis or McShane.

This is a piece of business I am delighted with!
I have also extended contracts given to youth players O'Keefe, McDonald, Whyte, and Wilson with Cameron Breadner also being offered a new contract.



Another player on my radar, is the son of former St Mirren player Jose Quitongo - Jai Quitongo. His contract is to expire at the end of this season and he is looking for a move away from Morton. The problem would be luring him away from our rivals. He's a player I have always admired and known for a very long time. I often speak to his dad, Jose as well, and would be fantastic to play on the wing.
 
Don't you dare take Quitongo from Morton, we need one player who doesn't just lump it long :P
 
ninjaskill said:
Don't you dare take Quitongo from Morton, we need one player who doesn't just lump it long :P
Click to expand...

The problem I will have will be potentially having too many strikers. Dundee are also looking at Jai, so i'll have a fight on my hands if I want to pull him away. The issue just now is that he doesn't want to move to a local rival club. Still time though ;)
 
Thommo Returns

St Mirren have signed former striker and 2013 Cup Hero Steven Thompson as their U20's coach. Thompson joins former Buddie Murray within the U20's set-up

 
Saints (Still) Marching On

Another great month of football sees my team still top of the league - results posted later.

December's MOTM award went to myself for another great display from my side.
 
The Board Meeting 2018

So the board declared that they are incredibly happy with my performance as manger of St Mirren Football Club, and have asked if I would like to change my end of season expectations. Being fully confident I will go on to win the title now, I have selected winning the league outright.

We're On Our Way!
 
Gary Mac Signs

Gary MacKenzie clearly sees his future at St Mirren as he pens a new 1 year deal. Gary has been solid as a rock at the back alongside either Davis or Baird.
 
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January Awards

I'm well aware I haven't yet posted the results of the last few months yet. Although you are able to see some of them, I will in time post the results.

January was another good month for the side. I claimed another Manager of the Month award and Lewis Morgan claimed both The Young Player of the Month and Player of the Month Awards.

Further down the leagues Andrew McDonald claimed the Young Player of the Month for Elgin City in League 2.


January also saw a big win over local rivals Morton, away from home.
 
February Awards

I'm typing everything so far in advance at the moment I forgot at what stage of the season I was at, at the time of taking the image.

February saw Cammy Smith claim a double award for his 4 goals in 4 appearances for The Buddies. Cammy claimed both the Player of The Month and Young Player of the Month Awards. He has been a vital asset to the club this season, and has gone relatively unnoticed all season.

Once again I claimed another Manager of the Month Award

However, February saw me lose to Livingston 1-4. A disappointing performance.

 
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