St Mirren

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St Mirren defender Alex Gogic says he "loves everything about Scotland" after extending his stay with the club.

The Cyprus international's previous deal was due to expire in the summer, but has signed a new contract in Paisley until 2027, and he has been reminiscing about his journey to this point.

“I didn’t (think about playing in Scottish football) when I was younger,” he said.

“My agent called me and asked if I wanted to try out at Hamilton. I said yes, I would rather play in the top division in Scotland than lower leagues in England.

“I think my trial with the under-23s was against Rangers and the second one was against Ross County so I went to the Highlands on trial.

“It was good – I got four seasons in one day as well. Football-wise it was good. I loved every minute of it.

“I love everything about Scotland, the people, the country – not the weather but I am used to it now. When the sun is out you can’t beat Scotland.”

With three Scottish Premiership fixtures remaining, Gogic wants St Mirren to go one better than last season's sixth-placed finish and secure European football.

Stephen Robinson's side sit fifth, five points ahead of Dundee and six behind Kilmarnock.

“Last season we finished in the top six but after the split we only got two points," the 30-year-old said.

“The gaffer’s point was we have to do better this season. With the quality we have and the quality I see every day I think European football should be our goal.

“Obviously the club is not the biggest in Scotland with budget and stuff but with the quality the gaffer has brought in we should be able to do that.

“I have always dreamed of playing in Europe. It would be amazing. I have played with my national team and to play with my club team would be a different feeling.”

St Mirren host Kilmarnock on Saturday as they look to keep hopes of a fourth-placed finish alive.

Who would you like to see start for Stephen Robinson's side? Pick your St Mirren XI here.

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Manager Stephen Robinson says St Mirren went "all out" to keep Alex Gogic amid interest from clubs in Scotland and England.

The Cyprus international, 30, was due to be out of contract at the end of the season - and recently said talks over his future were on hold - but now has extended his stay in Paisley until 2027.

"It’s a statement of intent from us going forward," Robinson said.

"He’s certainly had other options both in Scotland and England, but he chose to stay here. He’s very happy here, his family are very happy here and he knows the group of boys we’ve got are going to keep improving.

"We’ve gone all out to ensure he stays. Goga has been exceptional this season and the season previously. He’s like two players in one because he can play in numerous positions.

"He’s vital in terms of building the club and taking it forward."

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Alex Gogic says he is putting contract talks on hold as the St Mirren defender puts his full focus on helping the club secure a European place.

The 30-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of this season, has been key in the Paisley side's second straight top-six finish.

Reports, external suggest the Cypriot is set to commit his long-term future to the club, but Gogic says he wants no distractions.

"I just want to focus and hit the target of trying to get into Europe," he said. "[Contract talks] can wait and we will decide after we get into Europe.

"Since I came here the first time on loan, I've enjoyed every minute of it. And I’m still enjoying it. We will see what the future holds."

On the prospect of claiming the final European spot, Gogic added: "We are not quite there yet. We know how important the [Dundee] win is, but there are still three more games to go."

Mark Jardine
Fan writer

Confined to the couch over the weekend with a bout of flu, you'll forgive me for first thinking I was in some blissful fever dream when St Mirren crashed into a three-goal lead at Dundee.

No such luck for the chasing Dark Blues; the deficit was real and the big occasion had gone the way of Stephen Robinson and his men.

In his post-match comments, the Saints manager made reference to that all-too recent Rugby Park collapse.

Saturday's devastating away performance, ruthless confidence and tactical shifts were no accident. These were lessons learned in a hard manner, active choices made in pursuit of seeing through a two-goal lead on a potentially season-defining weekend.

When the Northern Irishman declares "We're dragging every last bit out of this group, and they're dragging every last bit out of themselves", you can see the evidence.

You can see Alex Gogic giving all he has to the shirt at both ends of the pitch. You can see Caolan Boyd-Munce add steely grit to his trademark playmaking because that's what the team demands.

You can see Zach Hemming throwing himself and committing every last centimetre of his frame in covering his goalmouth. You can see Toyosi Olusanya chase every loose touch, every long ball, every lost cause. You can see Mark O'Hara recapture the influence and impact that has so defined his time with the armband in Paisley.

More than any of that, perhaps, you can see this attitude mirrored and amplified from the stands. A characteristically large and vocal travelling support followed the buddies from Paisley to Dens, electric from the off and playing their part passionately.

The scenes of joy at the end of this all-important clash were special, the type that make all the rest worth it in following a team with no guarantee of success or rewards.

Reflecting on that Kilmarnock disappointment in front of 2,500-plus travelling fans, Robinson made use of the experience in his team-talk.

"Don't let them down, go embrace it" he claims to have said, and, boy, did they listen.

Mark Jardine can be found at Misery Hunters, external

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St Mirren knew they had a huge game on their hands with a trip to Dens Park, and they rose to the occasion.

The Buddies were brilliant from the first whistle. They came flying out of the traps, and you could see Stephen Robinson wanted to take the game to sixth-placed Dundee.

They used that momentum throughout the game and were worthy winners at a tough venue.

Robinson made it clear he wanted progression from last season’s top-six finish and he seems to have done that.

It’s a phenomenal job the Northern Irishman has done. To replicate last season’s finish is really hard to do. He’s one of the top managers in the league.

Former Scotland goalkeeper Cammy Bell was speaking to BBC Sport Scotland's George O'Neill.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

It was a big day for St Mirren defenders at Dens Park on Saturday.

Scott Tanser has been a consistent performer in a consistent Buddies side this campaign, earning a moment of glory with his drilled finish to down Dundee.

But, what more can we say about Alex Gogic?

The Cypriot centre-half seems to be outstanding every single week, so it was fitting he was the one to get his side moving in a huge clash in the race for Europe.

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Stephen Robinson says St Mirren must continue to "play without pressure" in their remaining Scottish Premiership games.

The Paisley side are on course for European football next season after a 3-1 over Dundee on Saturday strengthened their grip on fifth place.

“That’s what you pay your money for, you pay your money to dream,” he said.

“It’s been 37 years since we were in Europe and 40-odd years since we were top six twice in a row.

“You have to enjoy these times, and why not? But my job is to stay grounded and keep the players grounded.

“We need to continue to play without pressure because nobody expected this from us bar the dressing room.

"We expected it and we expect to continue to win games towards the end of the season."

We asked for your thoughts after St Mirren beat Dundee 3-1 to strengthen their grip on fifth-place in the Scottish Premiership.

Here's what you had to say:

John: Lock Alex Gogic in the cellar. Simply can’t be allowed to leave the club.

Anon: An excellent performance and no less than we deserved. Possibly could have been a goal or two more but won't complain. We have to try to keep Gogic for next season as he has been immense for us.

Alistair: I am so used to the annual relegation battle over the years, it's dreamland to think it might be a European slot for the wonderful Saints! I am old enough to remember the UEFA game against Elfsborg, so it's going to be a dream come true to be back in Europe. Stephen Robinson and the players have been magnificent. I am amazed he has not been poached.

Craig: A performance worthy of Robinson's 100th game. Took the game to Dundee from the off and didn't give them a chance. The team were brave and showed their character, hopefully silencing those questioning their bottle of late! Amazing team and manager, savouring every moment. Get the contract signed Gogic. Would love to see him leading us into Europe.

Alex: Our best manager since Alex Ferguson and the best squad we've had in 40 years.

Martin: I can't wait for a wee European trip. Hopefully the good times are back and here to stay. C'mon you Saints.

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson reacts to his side's "outstanding" win against Dundee.

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St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson told BBC Scotland: "I thought we were outstanding from start to finish. We started really brightly. To a man we were excellent. We've not been out of the top four or five for about 35 games, so it's no surprise to me.

"We're dragging every last bit out of this group, and they're dragging every last bit out of themselves. You have to enjoy every last drop. We enjoyed today, but nothing is guaranteed. It's certainly a step in the right direction."

"[Alex Gogic] and Scott Tanser among others have been fantastic for me all season. People told me Alex is a better centre midfielder, but he plays centre-half for his country. We knew he'd get better as the season went on. Among others, he was fantastic today.

"Anybody that is out of contract, has been offered [one] that we want to keep. Some have turned it down, but there's only a certain level we can go to as a club, and we have to be prudent. We've made our best offers and some have said that's not enough.

"I have nothing but respect for the boys that have done that because they've still done everything in their power to get us into Europe."

"We went to Killie and let the fans down. It was a real disappointing day and we said [to the boys] today 'don't let them down, go embrace it'. These moments aren't pressure, they are moments to be savoured. They played like that today."

Not a bad away day, St Mirren fans! What did you make of that?

And what are your thoughts on Stephen Robinson, after his 100th game as Buddies boss?

Tell us your thoughts here.

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

Stephen Robinson made the point pre-match that not many managers make it to 100 games as boss these days. As the third longest-serving Premiership gaffer, he's got a point.

His tenure has gone a little under the radar, but that's now back-to-back top six finishes and a very good chance of a European jolly next year.

As for the game today, he got his tactics right. His players looked a little sharper, a little fitter, and a little more direct in their approach to goal.

If they are able to add a good goalscorer in the summer, a top six three-peat should be a certainty.

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Alex Gogic. The Cypriot sweeper has typified the strong defensive rearguard of St Mirren this season. A footballer from a bygone era, he takes no nonsense and demands higher standards from those around him.

Took his goal well, and narrowly pipped Toyosi Olusanya to the award.

Dundee: McCracken, Portales, Lamie, Donnelly, McGhee, Sylla, Cameron, McCowan, Dodgson, Tiffoney, Bakayoko.

Substitutes: Sharp, Astley, Main, Mulligan, Robinson, Robertson, Boateng, Mellon, Costelloe.

St Mirren: Hemming, Bolton, Gogic, Fraser, Strain, O'Hara, Boyd-Munce, Tanser, Olusanya, Mandron, McMenamin.

Substitutes: Urminsky, Taylor, Dunne, Brown, Flynn, Baccus, Kiltie, Jamieson, Scott.

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St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson is prioritising results over performances as the season reaches its final act.

The Paisley side sit fifth in the Scottish Premiership and are targeting European football for the first time since 1987, but have won none of their last five outings.

Robinson says their position in the top half is "not really" a surprise to him, but is willing to win ugly to ensure they finish on a high note.

"It has been enjoyable but we want to finish the job off for this season," he said.

“I will take a really poor performance tomorrow and three points. It is the business end of the season where we want to gain points.

“We don’t need to play pretty football, we don’t maybe need to do what we have done all season in trying to control games.

“Both teams just want to win the points and we have to have a steely determination about us not to concede goals.

“They are all big games now. But it is no good winning this one and the losing the next three.”

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St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson has been talking to the media before his side's Scottish Premiership clash with Dundee on Saturday.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• Ahead of his 100th game in charge of St Mirren, Robinson says St Mirren have "grown and put a lot of good things in place" since his arrival, and he thinks top-six finishes are now "more viable".

• Praised the recruitment done in recent windows, and says their league position this season is not surprising to him.

• The Northern Irishman says it's all about the result on Saturday - "I will take a really poor performance and three points".

• Wants his side to put their recent poor form behind them and finish the season on a high, as they look to secure a European spot.

• Jonah Ayunga and Celtic loanee Kwon Hyeok-kyu will both miss the rest of the season through injury. Ayunga had a knee operation on Thursday, while Kwon has a hamstring problem.

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Saturday's Scottish Premiership clash between Dundee and St Mirren shows the value of the split, according to former Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan.

There are just two points separating the sides as they battle it out for fifth place, with the meeting at Dens Park vital in the race for European football next season.

Dundee lost 2-1 to Celtic last weekend, while St Mirren were beaten 2-1 by Rangers. However, Craigan believes both teams will be buoyed by their displays against the Old Firm.

"That's what makes it more intriguing this weekend, they're both coming off the back of good performances, albeit disappointed with what they got from it," Craigan told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Dundee have been the surprise package; St Mirren have been in the top six all season. Dundee win, and suddenly they're in the driving seat; St Mirren win, you would think they're almost into Europe.

"This is what I like about the top six and the bottom six, some people argue against it, but you get teams in the same area of the league going for something, whether that's Europe or relegation, so I think just adds to the spectacle."

Craigan anticipates a tight encounter given the importance of the fixture.

"It's all set up nicely," he said. "They're both evenly matched, I really couldn't call a winner at this stage.

"I think St Mirren would take a point, if they can leave Dens Park with a point, knowing they've got a couple of home games coming up, I think they would take that."

We asked for your views on St Mirren's player of the year, and it seems only one man fits the bill for the vast majority.

Here's what you had to say:

Robert: Alex Gogic for my best player.

Graeme: Gogic. Superb all season.

John: Scott Tanser has been like a new player after a much improved season. Similarly, Toyosi Olusanya has progressed from struggling to get a game for Arbroath on loan, to one of the most dangerous strikers in the league. However, our player of the season must go to Gogic. A powerful, confident and inspiring presence at the heart of our defence.

Alistair D: POTY must go to Gogic. He’s been a rock, crunching into tackles, bandaged during the Hibs game, last-minute lung bursting runs to stop a goal. Honourable mentions for Greg Kiltie, Marcus Fraser and Tanser.

Ruaridh: I would say St Mirren's player of the season is Toyosi Olusanya. Every time he is on the pitch he makes a difference and his improvement from last season to this is outstanding.

Alistair: Gogic - he has been immense, both as a player and as a leader on the pitch.

Douglas: Gogic is my player of the year. His attitude, commitment and overall ability to read games is second to none. Fraser, Tanser and Kiltie are unsung heroes who have had really good seasons.

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland

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I love a motivational quote. Who doesn’t?

Well, in the wee room where St Mirren hold their pre-match media conferences, there’s a whiteboard with this gem from Hollywood star of yesteryear Audrey Hepburn scrawled upon it.

"Nothing is impossible, the very word says I’m possible."

Maybe that’s why, after reading that last Friday, I fancied the Buddies to take something from their home game against Rangers on Sunday.

It would have been, in Stephen Robinson’s words, a "marquee result". But it wasn’t to be, although it could have been.

The number of chances St Mirren created should give the Paisley Saints a real boost for the trip to Dundee on Saturday. A fixture which has a cup final feeling.

With St Mirren a couple of points ahead of the Dark Blues, an away win would widen that gap to five points with three rounds of games remaining.

It would be a big step towards a fifth-place finish and qualification for Europe. That’s the target they’ve been aiming for all season.

The Buddies have won both home league games against Dundee this season, which is encouraging, but they lost 4-0 at Dens Park in November, which isn’t.

Neither is the fact St Mirren are winless in five matches and have only won once on the road in 2024 - away to Hibs in February.

But you can read too much into statistics, rather than performances, which have been better than results might suggest (apart from the 5-2 defeat by Killie at Rugby Park).

So, time for another Audrey Hepburn quote, how about this: "Only the absolutely determined people succeed."

She did, and so can the Buddies.