St Mirren

Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

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Stephen Robinson is eager to bring full-back Ryan Alebiosu back to St Mirren for next season but admits "bigger offers" could scupper his hopes.

The 23-year-old Arsenal youth product joined during the winter transfer window on loan from Belgian side Kortrijk and played a big role as the Buddies secured a third successive top-six finish.

"I would love to bring him back," manager Robinson told BBC Scotland.

"He changed our whole dynamic in terms of the way we play and he was more like a winger, and it was the same with [Declan John], they gave us something different."

Alebiosu and John arrived after a three-month period where Robinson was shorn of three first-team players as Shaun Rooney, Jaden Brown and Kevin van Veen all cut ties with the club amid off-field issues early in the season.

"The problem with that was we weren't able to replace them," the Northern Irishman added. "It was outside the transfer window so we had to wait until Christmas.

"Obviously it was circumstances no manager wants to deal with anyway, but not being able to replace them and enhance the squad was tough. But we got there.

"We thought Declan was a fantastic player, but he hadn't played for months so we knew that was going to take a long time to get him up to speed.

"Nobody wanted Ryan, nobody wanted to take a chance on him. He'd been at Kilmarnock and done okay. We tried to sign him when he was at Arsenal, but we didn't have the funds.

"I believe he's got bigger offers and bigger football clubs interested now unfortunately."

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A game against MK Dons in Spain is among three friendlies St Mirren will play this summer to prepare for the 2025-26 season.

The Buddies visit Dumbarton on Saturday 28 June (14:00 BST) then take on English League Two MK Dons a week later on 5 July (10:00) during their training camp in Spain.

Stephen Robinson's side complete their preparations with a Renrewshire derby against Morton at Cappielow in the Communities Cup on Tuesday 8 July (19:45) before beginning the new season with a League Cup group game at Arbroath four days later.

We asked for your views on what St Mirren must do in the transfer window this summer.

Here's what some of you said:

Douglas: Certainly cover up front, with injuries and loss of form which are commonplace in that part of the team. At least one new face at the back is essential as Richard Taylor overall had a good season and he will be missed if we can't find an equal replacement. The loss of a left-footed midfielder will also be hard to fill, but we have reasonable cover there, however again injuries and age can catch up with you at any point in the season. Yes, a few new faces and permanent deals for a couple of last year's loanees will be welcome.

John: We badly need a striker with pace to replace Toyosi Olusanya.

Scott: We need a centre-half to replace Taylor. If we can't get Ryan Alebiosu signed then a right wing-back would be needed. Also some pace up front I think is important after Olusanya left.

Adam: Signing Zach Hemming is a must. He made a huge difference when arriving in January last season and played a key role in us achieving top six.

JayDee: Saints should take Jadon Sancho on loan. We can make him great again. We have rebuilt other careers, so why not his? The Premiership gets bigger and stronger year on year, so why not make the call?

David: We could do with another Olusanya. Someone that is a nuisance to defenders. We signed Owen Oseni in January but I'm not sure he fits the bill. A playmaker in the middle of the park, a solid defender to replace big Taylor and a goalkeeper. Fingers crossed we can get Hemming back. Alebiosu I would take back as well after a successful loan.

A: Most of the squad is pretty settled. We could do with another centre-back to replace Richard Taylor, a midfielder to replace Caolan Boyd-Munce, a right wing-back and a speedy centre forward (one that could guarantee 20+ goals a season would be nice). Apart from that more competition for places would also be a bonus.

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The transfer window opened on Sunday - albeit for 10 days initially, mainly so sides competing in the Club World Cup can get early business done - before reopening for the rest of the summer on 16 June.

Saints have already signed Killian Phillips and Roland Idowu after their loan spells ended, while Caolan Boyd-Munce and Richard Taylor are among the departures.

Is there still an area of the squad that needs improving, or certain players you are desperate for Saints to sign?

And what about sales - should anyone else be moved on?

Let us know here

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Manager Stephen Robinson wants his St Mirren side to improve in defending and attacking set plays as he aims further progression next term.

Despite narrowly missing out on a European place last season, the 50 points the Paisley club picked up was a higher total than the previous two campaigns under Robinson.

The former Motherwell boss hailed his team's end-of-season form, finishing the campaign unbeaten in six games, winning three and drawing three.

And Robinson also said there were "lots of positives" in his side's attacking play but added that his players "need to be better" when it comes to set pieces.

"At the end of every season, we sit down and go over what we regressed in and what we progressed in," the manager said.

"Overall, we got more points than the last two years, more touches in opposition box, more shots on target and scored more goals. Lots of positives.

"The negatives are we conceded more set plays, especially in the first half of the season, and we scored fewer set plays.

"In the Scottish game, you have to be able to defend set plays, long throws, long balls, and you also have to score them at the other end.

"That's something we need to be better at. But the statistics in forward areas are a big improvement and the points tally mirrored that."

St Mirren hope to bring goalkeeper Zach Hemming, 25, and right-back Ryan Alebiosu, 23, back to the club following loan spells. (Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Stephen McGinn has left his role as St Mirren Under-18s coach to take up a first-team coaching position at Falkirk.

McGinn made over 200 appearances for St Mirren prior to his return in the youth set-up, and was part of the Bairns' 2023-24 invincible League 1 winning campaign as a player.

Craig McLeish, currently St Mirren's head of technical performance, steps up to replace 36-year-old McGinn in a new U-19 set-up.

Academy director Allan McManus said: "We're sad to lose Stephen, but we're also delighted for him as he continues on his journey."

McGinn's return to Falkirk comes as they prepare for a first top-flight campaign in 15 years following their Championship title win.

Bairns manager John McGlynn: "Stephen's appointment will go down well with everyone at the club, no more so than the dressing room, where he was someone his fellow players looked up to."

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St Mirren travel to Arbroath on 12 July for the opening game of their Premier Sports Cup campaign.

After guiding the Buddies to another top-half finish last term, Stephen Robinson's season begins with a visit to newly-promoted Championship outfit Arbroath followed by a trip to Forfar.

St Mirren host Annan Athletic and Ayr United in their final two Group D games.

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St Mirren have been drawn alongside Ayr United, Arbroath, Annan Athletic and Forfar Athletic in Group D of the 2025-26 Premier Sports Cup.

The tournament gets under way on 12-13 July with further matchdays on 15-16 July, 19-20 July, 22-23 July and 26-27 July.

The eight group winners and three best runners-up will join Scotland's five European entrants - Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen, Hibernian and Dundee United - in the last 16 on the weekend of 16-17 August.

St Mirren were beaten by Dundee United in the second round last season and last lifted the trophy in 2013.

We asked for your thoughts on whether you'd like to see Ross Docherty join St Mirren after the midfielder was released by Dundee United.

Speaking to BBC Scotland after his Tannadice exit, the Paisley-born 32-year-old revealed he would been keen to stick in the Premiership and return to old roots.

Here's what some of you said:

Stuart: With respect, I don't think he would add anything to our squad, but I have faith in whatever Stephen Robinson thinks.

Dakota: Not a player we should be looking at.

Iain: At 32 years old, I don't think Docherty is for us. Forget his Paisley past and past St Mirren ties. He's a no for me. Sorry, Ross.

Kieran: Would rather sign Allan Campbell after his departure from Tannadice. Robinson knows the player well and if there is any manager who can help a player recover their form, it is Robinson.

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The league season hasn't even been over for a week and clubs are already announcing their ins and outs while fans are drafting up wish-lists.

Is a deep-lying midfielder one of your St Mirren target areas? If so, a Scottish Premiership free agent is offering his services.

Despite making 22 appearances in the top flight in the season gone by, captain Ross Docherty was released by Dundee United, and it received mixed reviews among the Tangerine support.

Speaking to BBC Scotland after his exit, the Paisley-born 32-year-old revealed he'd been keen to stick in the Premiership and return to old roots.

"I'd love to stay in the top flight but I'll explore any option that's put in front of me," the former Partick Thistle midfielder said.

"I was at St Mirren until 13 or 14 and they thought I wasn't developed enough at that time, so I had to go elsewhere and made my way.

"But it's a club that's close to me and something I'd definitely look to if the offer came up.

"Jim Goodwin was the manager when St Mirren won the League Cup and I was out celebrating with everyone.

"Stephen Robinson will have his own targets, but never say never and I think I would make a few friends and family happy if that did come about."

Would Docherty be an asset to the Buddies? Let us know your thoughts here.

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"Creative outlet" Roland Idowu will join St Mirren on a two-year deal when his loan from Shrewsbury Town expires next month.

The 23-year-old wide player scored four times in 36 games for the Buddies this season, including a dramatic winner against Ross County that secured the Paisley side's top-six spot.

"Roland is a very talented player and offers us something different," manager Stephen Robinson said.

"He can play in numerous positions and gives us a creative outlet that we have maybe missed at times."

Meanwhile, influential defender Richard Taylor is one of eight players confirmed to be departing St Mirren this summer.

Since signing in January 2023, Taylor has become a regular in Robinson's defence, making 83 appearances in 18 months.

Midfielder Caolan Boyd-Munce, another key part of Robinson's side, will also depart, along with Elvis Bwomono, Dennis Adeniran, Owen Foster and Gallagher Lennon.

Robinson is boosted by the permanent addition of Killian Phillips, St Mirren's player of the year, after the Paisley club triggered their obligation to buy the 23-year-old.

The midfielder will be under contract until summer 2026, with the club holding a year option to extend the deal until 2027.

On-loan Middlesbrough goalkeeper Zach Hemming and Kortrijk's Ryan Alebiosu will return to their parent clubs, although discussions are "ongoing" over bringing the pair back next season.

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St Mirren defender Luke Kenny is set to go out on loan next season after signing a one-year contract extension.

The 21-year-old made played three games for the Buddies this term - including a Premiership debut in the win at St Johnstone last December - and has made five appearances for the club in total.

"We had hoped to get Luke out on loan in January, but injuries meant we needed to keep him around," said manager Stephen Robinson.

"We believe Luke can become a good Scottish Premiership defender, but he needs games.

"We've given him a new contract with a view to sending him out on loan to get much-needed game time at a good level to help aid his development before coming back to compete for a place here."

Mark Jardine
Fan writer

Others may have had more to celebrate by the final whistle on Saturday afternoon, but I'd defy them to feel the same level of pride as inspired by the Saints and their efforts.

I love this football club and they give me every reason to.

The list of reasons why St Mirren should not have been challenging for Europe until the 95th minute of the final game of this campaign is long and familiar at this point, but I'll make no apologies for running through them once again.

The 2024-25 campaign started with the unfamiliar pressures of European qualification and the associated travel dramas. Desperate for some semblance of normality, the Buddies were instead unable to train in their usual home. Neilston Juniors, among others, came to the rescue.

Rarely do the Saints open their cheque book and go fishing in the pond of paid transfers. Conor McMenamin's signing from Glentoran was the exception last season, his versatility and directness becoming an integral component of Stephen Robinson's tactical thinking. Greg Kiltie, for many a player of the year pick in securing that historic fifth place, likewise.

For both to require significant medical intervention in pre-season was unfortunate, but the eventual length of their lay-offs was near unthinkable. There was no "fine, we'll sign another couple of wingers" button for Robinson to press and large-scale tactical changes then had to follow.

The further loss of a starting right-back, striker and cover at left-back for off-field reasons was unfathomable. There is no reason to doubt Robinson when he describes this period as perhaps the most challenging in his managerial career.

Assistant Diarmuid O'Carroll's growing reputation was rewarded with a move to lead Newcastle United's growing second side. Brian Kerr, at the time the link between the Buddies academy in Ralston and the first team, was promoted and forced to forge a managerial partnership with Robinson at a time when the team were fighting to arrest challenging form.

VAR is a tiresome and well-worn topic, but I'll include that for a second consecutive season the Saints find themselves at the top of the table for subsequently overturned or disputed decisions - and leave it there.

If you're still here, you'd be forgiven for consigning the beleaguered Buddies to the bottom half and hoping this season simply fizzled away into history.

Instead, the defiant Paisley men went unbeaten post-split and pushed the city clubs until the very last. Home and away wins over Rangers, Hibs, Aberdeen and more.

A point on the final day, so close to taking three and some of the gloss off Celtic's trophy day. A 5-1 rout of bogey side Kilmarnock at the moment it was most needed. A 98th-minute turnaround in Perth. Snatching late victory in the Dingwall sleet.

See you in July.

Mark Jardine can be found at Misery Hunters, external

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson lauded his players despite falling short of qualifying for Europe for successive seasons for the first time after their 1-1 draw away to champions Celtic.

For their efforts, two Buddies have made my team of the week.

Richard Taylor: A great performance from the Buddies at Celtic Park and Taylor played his part as usual.

Jonah Ayunga: Took his goal well. Has been a real bright spark for St Mirren all season.

Watch the Sportscene team discuss St Mirren's impressive performance in their 1-1 draw at Celtic Park.

Watch all the highlights from Celtic's 1-1 draw against St Mirren on the final day of the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your views on St Mirren's 1-1 draw against Celtic.

Here's what some of you said:

Frank: If I was the St Mirren manager I would be fuming at the way they gave the ball away and gave Celtic possession in the last five minutes. Ultimately that resulted in Celtic's equaliser.

Alistair: So proud to be a Buddie, we gave the champions a bloody nose. A huge thank you to this group of players, they have given their all and good luck to the ones moving on.

Craig: Another unbelievable, unrealistic achievement from the management team. To take it to the last game of the season to get another European place is phenomenal.

Pauline: Well done Saints. From Valur to Parkhead it has been a blast. Onwards to next season and we go again. Stephen Robinson what a manager. We are forever in your debt.

Peter: Saints played well all over the pitch until the last minute when nobody covered their right winger. It was a great result for us.

Colin: Congratulations to the St Mirren manager, players, staff and supporters for a fantastic journey throughout this season despite inconsistent VAR decisions and three players' unprofessional behaviours. Looking forward to next season.

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• St Mirren have scored in their last six games in the Premiership, their longest scoring streak this season.

• Alistair Johnston has assisted 10 goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), no player has more.

• Jonah Ayunga has scored his fourth goal in the Premiership this season, netting for the first time since 10th May 2025 against Dundee United.

• Celtic have scored in 35 of their 38 games, more often than any other team in the Premiership this season.

St Mirren came so close to a rare win at Celtic Park - and qualifying for Europe - until James Forrest's late equaliser and Dundee United's comeback against Aberdeen.

Were you at the game or what it on TV?

Give us your thoughts on the game and St Mirren's season.

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St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson lauded his players despite falling short of qualifying for Europe for a second season running for the first time ever after their 1-1 draw away to champions Celtic.

A late James Forrest equaliser denied St Mirren a rare victory at Celtic Park, but Dundee United's win over Aberdeen meant that those two clubs secured the final two qualifying spots.

"Even if we had won the game, we couldn't have got Europe, but to remain unbeaten in the top six and come here and not be beat by a Celtic side coming to party," he said.

"In the first half, I'm not sure they had a shot on target - we were really disciplined. You obviously don't get so much of the ball against Celtic, but when we did, we tried to play, we tried to pass and we got punished for our one mistake right at the end.

"Overall, I can't ask any more of this group of players. They are playing way above the resources that we are putting into the team and I am proud to say I am the manager of this group of boys.

"These boys never give up. They said we couldn't get in the top six with everything that happened - they defied the odds. They said we couldn't anywhere near Europe and we've reduced that gap right down and I believe it's the highest points tally in modern history for St Mirren.

"So a lot of positives. A lot of boys playing really well and, like every season, you start to lose these boys and we have to go again.

"The board have to back us again. It is difficult because we are a fan-owned club, but we have to find the resources to compete with bigger clubs and bigger fan bases. But we will."