St Mirren

Andrew Christie, Misery Hunters podcast, external

There hasn’t been a great deal for Northern Ireland to shout about of late, but one bright spark of the latest international break has undoubtedly been St Mirren’s Conor McMenamin.

Despite his side’s 4-2 defeat to Slovenia, McMenamin oozed class on just his seventh cap. The former Glentoran man shone on the right wing, combining well with fellow Premiership player Matty Kennedy to create NI’s first goal, and receiving the man of the match award. 

While the subsequent 1-0 defeat to Kazakhstan was a humbling learning experience for the winger (*remembers in cringing but not unsmug Scottish*), McMenamin has rightly won a lot of admirers as he continues to go from strength to strength for club and country.

For many, keeping a hold of Australia pair Keanu Baccus and Ryan Strain was St Mirren's best business this summer, and seeing the pair receive their international call-ups was testament to their rising stock in the game.

Baccus spent 88 minutes in the heart of the Socceroos midfield in a 2-2 draw with Mexico. Despite a frustrating scoreline, the Saints man remained composed and diligent in the face of a strong El Tri press.

The former Western Sydney Wanderer was unfortunate to concede a penalty for a 54th-minute handball but was relieved to see it subsequently missed. Another impressive showing for the much-talked-about midfielder.  

Socceroos boss Graham Arnold’s campaign against Paisley continued with defender Strain again receiving zero minutes, with Hearts’ Nathaniel Atkinson preferred in the right-back role.

On the bright side, Saints’ most important player returns injury-free, with international camp experience under his belt and, no doubt, some excellent in-flight film/podcast recommendations. A true-crime podcast on the nature of the kompromat Atkinson has on his Aussie gaffer, perhaps?

Cyprus manager Temuri Ketsbaia elected not to start Alex Gogic for Scotland’s visit to Larnaca, instead using the Saints stalwart as an 80th-minute substitute.

Now, I say this as a man fearfully remembering the Cyprus boss’ 1998 run-in with a St James’ Park advertising board, but the score without Gogic on the park? 3-0 Scotland. Score with him there? 0-0. Come on Temuri, man.

Cyprus face Spain this evening, so it’s safe to assume the Saints man will have at least three diminutive La Masia graduates in a headlock.

St Mirren winger Conor McMenamin is brimming with confidence and determined to keep making up for lost time on the international stage.

McMenamin, a latecomer to the Northern Ireland set-up having only made his debut last June, shone on his seventh cap in Thursday's damaging 4-2 Euro 2024 qualifying defeat to Slovenia.

"I have mixed emotions," the 28-year-old said. "Obviously performance wise I thought I did really well but we were really down in the dressing room because of the result.

"I feel like I'm really confident at the moment when I go on the pitch. Michael [O'Neill] said to me before the game that he had watched me loads this season and to just keep doing what I had been doing.

"I tried to do that, going at my marker every time trying to make something happen and I thought I did that, going by him every time. Hopefully I can continue the fine form that I'm on and get a goal to add to it."

McMenamin was named man of the match by the Northern Ireland supporters, but his long road to the national team means he takes nothing for granted when it comes to selection for Sunday's game away to Kazakhstan.

"You are always on your toes with the quality of players we have," he added.

"When you get your chance you have to take it. When I made my debut that's how I thought about it.

"You have to take your chances and the game against Slovenia was another one of them. I just wanted to impress Michael and impress my team-mates and try and do well for the team. Hopefully I can get a chance to do that again on Sunday night."

Image source, getty

A controversial plan to shake up how football supporters' buses operate in Scotland has been shelved after a backlash.

The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain unveiled plans for new guidelines on what the supporters' buses can do on match days.

This included any pub stops only being allowed at premises which serve a "substantial meal" with alcohol bought.

The move was widely criticised and the senior commissioner has now halted work on the proposed guidelines, saying he had "listened to the strength of feeling expressed".

A joint statement from the Scottish FA, SPFL, and Scottish Women’s Premier League said "common sense has prevailed" and thanked "clubs, fans and politicians across the country for their unanimous support in opposing and ultimately preventing these unreasonable and unworkable guidelines from being implemented.”

Read more on the story here

Jonah Ayunga says he is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a ruputured anterior cruciate ligament.

The St Mirren striker suffered the injury in a Premership game against Motherwell in January and underwent surgery in March.

Saints head of physio therapy Gerry Docherty expects Ayunga to be back in full training in around six weeks.

And Ayunga, 26, told the club website: "I'm just over six months since the surgery, so to be where I am is probably ahead of where I thought I was going to be and [it’s now] just getting these last few bits ticked off and then I can be back in training.

"I've been upping it quite a lot on the grass and doing a lot more dynamic stuff like change of direction, passing, getting used to moving and kicking the ball again so it's been a good couple of weeks.

"I trust Gerry and everything he gives me to do so when he gives me something to do I give it 100% and see how I react to it.

"Watching the boys doing well, knowing that if I was out on the pitch that I could be adding something else as well, I can't wait to be back. The surgeon was happy with everything so we can just crack on with things."

Image source, sns

Four games in, St Mirren are sitting pretty in the Premiership. Eight points, no defeats and plenty of positivity with Stephen Robinson's men occupying third place and perched above heavyweights Rangers, Hearts, Hibs and Aberdeen.

Key to the Buddies' soaring start has been a ruthless edge in front of goal. They have netted eight times - a joint league high with Celtic - but their expected goals (XG) is just 5.43, suggesting even difficult chances are being put away.

There's been good variety too - Saints' goals are an even spread of open play and set-pieces, while no team has scored more headers than the Buddies' three. Robinson's side haven't been reliant on one particular source of goals, with six different players getting themselves on the scoresheet.

Saints have had 16 efforts on target and a standout stat is that their conversion rate of 18.2% is the best in the league by a distance. Lethal.

Such sharp finishing has offset the six goals conceded at the other end - which tallies with their XG against of 6.04 - and only Aberdeen, Hibs and Livingston have shipped more. The Paisley men have yet to keep a clean sheet.

Robinson clearly places a lot of emphasis on width and his team aren't afraid to get the ball forward quickly, with 26.2% of their passes deeemed as long by the Opta data. Saints lead the way in the Premiership when it comes to crosses from open play (73) and this is amplified by Ryan Strain (21) and Conor McMenamin (19) sending in the most deliveries.

Strain isn't afraid to do the dirty work, though - he was won possession 39 times, a joint league high with Rangers' James Tavernier, while Scott Tanser isn't far behind on 35.

A settled line-up hasn't done Saints any harm. They've had just three starting XI changes and their 19 players used is the joint fewest.

Image source, sns

A sparkling performance from St Mirren forward Conor McMenamin couldn't prevent Northern Ireland falling to a 4-2 defeat in Slovenia that all but ends their hopes of Euro 2024 qualification.

McMenamin impressed with his direct play on his fifth cap and had a hand in the visitors' early equaliser when his cross found Kilmarnock winger Matty Kennedy, whose shot was saved and Isaac Price tucked in the rebound.

However, Michael O'Neill's side soon wilted in a fourth straight loss, with McMenamin having a late chance to notch his first international goal only to head straight at keeper Jan Oblak.

Manager O'Neill praised the 28-year-old's impact, saying: "Conor had a great game, he was very, very positive from the outset.

"He's a player who has come late to international football, late to professional football.

"In the summer he got his first move into the Scottish Premiership and I think he's made great strides in the space of six to eight weeks he's been in the there so there's a lot more in Conor."

Image source, getty

Jane Lewis, BBC Scotland in Larnaca

St Mirren defender Alex Gogic is impressed by Scotland's start to Euro 2024 qualifying but is determined to knock Steve Clarke's side off their stride in Cyprus on Friday.

The 29-year-old is expected to win his 19th cap in Larnaca as the host nation seek their first points of the campaign.

Scotland lead the way with maximum points from four matches.

"Scotland is like my second home," said Gogic. "My Scottish friends wish me well, but not so well.

"The manager and players have asked me some questions (about Scotland), so I'll try and do whatever I can.

"Scotland have had a great start, but we have to believe otherwise there's no point playing.

"I was surprised when Scotland beat Spain but not by the unity and character they have. They are proper tight now. They're like a family and they just never give up. They have had the taste of the Euros, so they definitely want to be there again.

"For us, we’ve got to look forward, we can’t look back, and we have to try and make it difficult for Scotland."

Image source, SNS

Image source, sns

Conor McMenamin admits living apart from his daughter made his move to St Mirren a tough adjustment, but credits the tight-knit squad for helping him settle in and contribute to the club’s impressive start.

The Northern Ireland winger, 28, has started all four Premiership games so far, with Stephen Robinson’s side sitting third in the table and through to the League Cup quarter-finals.

McMenamin, a summer signing from Glentoran, told St Mirren’s social media channels: “Obviously it was challenging at the start, moving away from my wee girl, but I’m really enjoying it and results on the pitch are helping.

“The team spirit is massive. On days off it’s going for a coffee or going to play golf and making sure you’re not sitting around by yourself.

“All the boys have been brilliant to me, we’re really close-knit in there and the gaffer likes that, that the boys work hard and get on really well.”

All that’s missing now for McMenamin is to break his duck for the Buddies.

“There’s a lot of competition for places so you have to be performing really well with such a good squad now. If you let your standards slip, somebody can come in and take your spot,” he added.

“I’m trying to contribute to the team and do really well – hopefully I can get a goal soon!”

St Mirren’s home and away Premiership fixtures against Rangers have been rescheduled because of TV coverage and the Ibrox side's European involvement.

The meeting in Paisley on Sunday, 8 October will be live on TV with a 12:00 BST kick-off.

And Saints travel to Ibrox on Sunday, 3 December at 15:00.

Image source, sns

Scottish football’s leading governing bodies have criticised “unnecessary and heavy-handed” new proposals for fans travelling to games.

The UK government’s consultation paper ‘Guidelines for taking passengers to sporting events in Scotland’ proposes restrictions on buses carrying supporters to matches.

The proposed new rules include buses not being allowed to stop within 10 miles of the stadium without police permission, no stops at a pub for a beer unless it’s sold with a “substantial meal”, and no drop-offs or pick-ups from unauthorised locations without permission from the police.

A joint statement from the Scottish FA, SPFL and Scottish Women’s Premier League said: “There's no evidence that this is a significant problem in Scottish football. We are concerned by the targeted nature of these proposals, which serve to demonise football fans and interfere unnecessarily in people’s lives.

“In Scotland, there are already appropriate powers held by PHV operators, Police Scotland and other partners to deal effectively with a very small number of incidents by a minority of fans.

“The consultation itself notes that the majority of football fans are law-abiding and do not cause any disturbances when travelling to or from games, yet these proposals would unfairly affect the vast majority of football fans who travel safely and respectfully to and from matches on a weekly basis.

“We don’t support these unnecessary and heavy-handed proposals and we will be making our views clear in the consultation.”

Image source, sns

Image source, bbc

Mark Jardine, Misery Hunters podcast, external

One week on from last-minute heartbreak on their own patch, it was the turn of the Saints to deliver a sucker punch to their hosts.

A single Stav Nahmani (or Jason Gordon, depending on who you ask) goal for the Paisley men was enough to match Celtic and remain the joint top scorers in the division.

However, the blistering early attacks and creative build-up that have defined this opening chapter of St Mirren's season were much harder to come by. A resolute and deep Livingston backline prevented service reaching a hungry Toyosi Olusanya and stifled his opportunities to use his burning pace for space in behind.

As is to be expected, a robust and well-drilled Livingston proved to be stiff opposition. Year on year, David Martindale is less and less shy in shouting about the Lions' ability to play above their budgeted station - and this season may well follow the same pattern based on the weekend's showing.

A hard-fought point wrestled from Livingston is no bad thing, and keeps the buddies closer to euro qualification than tough conversations.

Indeed, the Saints were missing club captain and reigning golden boot Mark O'Hara and presumed first-choice striker Mikael Mandron.

Add in the eventual return of long-term absentee Jonah Ayunga, and Stephen Robinson will be confident of troubling the opposition net on a more regular basis in most other fixtures this season.

We asked for your thoughts after St Mirren drew 1-1 away to Livingston.

Here's what you had to say:

Andy: Stephen Robinson has been fantastic for us. He seems to bring the best out of players (e.g. Main last season) and our squad includes real talent in the form of O'Hara, Baccus & Strain. Always energetic and direct, I hope he stays for a good few years.

Dougie: Saints weren't at their best today. Referee Walsh killed the game, whistling for umpteen fouls, inconsistency on his part, and strange decisions. A sticky plastic pitch will never have good football played on it. True courage and a never-give-in attitude got Saints a point.

St Mirren midfielder Keanu Baccus insists he was not distracted by speculation linking him with a move away from the club, and says the Buddies fully deserved their dramatic late equaliser against Livingston.

Livingston looked to have snatched all three points when Luiyi de Lucas tapped in from close range, but Stav Nahmani's 95th-minute goal saw Stephen Robinson's side take a point.

“I have an agent who does that stuff for me," Baccus said when asked about the approach made for his services by Aberdeen. "I can only concentrate on here and the game today. It’s good it got sorted yesterday and got a couple of months here to work hard before the next window.

"I’m definitely staying here, and credit to the team here. We have a special group of boys here. It's my last season [under contract]. I will keep working hard and see what happens.

“Very happy [with a point]," Baccus added. "Think we would have taken a 0-0 as well without all the suspense and drama. But it was good in the end and was a good fight for us.

“I think we were a bit short of chances today so we will work on that but it was good in the end and it doesn’t matter who scores it so good to go away with one point."

Image source, SNS

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson tells BBC Scotland: "We weren't at our fluent best, no doubt. Livi make it very difficult. That's a credit, not a criticism. Taking a point here is a good point and keeps our run going. It shows our character. When you aren't at your top, can you get something out of it? We did today.

"We're disappointed with their goal. We pride ourselves on organisation in our set-plays. We made four subs previous and became unorganised. We were punished for that. The spirit and fight meant it was never going to be given up.

"It was a game of no chances. Not many shots on target, Zach had one save. There wasn't a lot between the sides and a draw is a fair result. We didn't deserve to win, we weren't on top of our game, but these boys never fail to surprise me.

"We'd love the season to stop now! The players deserve every bit of credit. They've been fantastic since I came in the door. We've moulded a squad of fantastic characters.

"It's a credit to the players. You don't get linked if you aren't doing well and it's the players producing the performances. I ignore most of it. Most of it is speculation. I have a tough job, we have to punch above our weight. We're doing it at the moment and we won't take our eye off the ball."

Top of the table St Mirren fans! But, maybe not how you'd want to reach the summit...

What did you make of the 1-1 draw against Livingston? Tell us here.

Andrew Petrie, BBC Sport Scotland

Both sides were 'lucky to have nil' at half-time, according to our pundit Stephen Craigan.

That might have been a little harsh, but there was only one chance in that half that might make the Sportscene highlights - a header from Greg Kiltie that George did well to save.

Perhaps this was simply a case of two evenly-matched teams, cancelling each other out. Perhaps they both struggled to play much football on a sticky, dry plastic pitch.

As a result, both sides lofted it skyward in search of some go-forward. Both goals came from lumps into the box from free-kicks.

Ultimately, this was more a show of character than football. Two tough-to-beat teams that couldn't be beaten.

Livingston XI: George, de Lucas, Obileye, Devlin, Brandon, Shinnie, Holt, Penrice, Pittman, Nouble, Guthrie.

Substitutes: Hamilton, Parkes, Lawal, Kelly, Sangare, Lloyd, Bradley, MacKay, Anderson.

St Mirren XI: Hemming, Fraser, Gogic, R Taylor, Strain, Baccus, Boyd-Munce, Tanser, Kiltie, Olusanya, McMenamin.

Substitutes: Kelly, Bolton, Dunne, Small, Lennon, Flynn, Jamieson, Greive, Nahmani.

Image source, SNS

Danny Lloyd, the former Rochdale wide man, could make his Livingston debut after being signed as a replacement for Cristian Montano, who injured his calf in training this week and could be out for up to three months.

Sean Kelly remains on the sidelines.

St Mirren forward Jonah Ayunga is still working his way back from a long-term knee problem.

We asked what you were looking for from St Mirren on deadline day.

Here's what you had to say:

Rory: Despite the fact we’ve scored seven goals in our last three league games, we still look light up top and should be looking to at least try and get Kylian Mbappe. He’s not happy at PSG and would certainly help St Mirren in our push for the title.

Ian: Whatever we are paying Stephen Robinson it isn’t enough! He has transformed St Mirren since his arrival, getting us into the top six for the first time in decades. I have been a Buddies fan since my first game I attended in 1964. I know it’s early days in this season but what a start, keep it up Saints.

Al: Without a shadow of doubt, I would be relieved if we keep our core performers but they would also deserve to be playing at a higher level.

Gordon: Holding on to all of the squad and management team we have right now is all I want.