Mark O'Hara insists St Mirren want a run in the Europa League, not just one tie, as they prepare to meet Valur in the second qualifying round. (Herald - subscription), external
Image source, SNSSt Mirren fans deserve "to milk" their upcoming European occasions after "battling through hard times," says manager Stephen Robinson.
The Paisley club have suffered relegations, as well as financial difficulty, during recent times but are now set for their first taste of continental football in 37 years.
The Buddies travel to Iceland to face Valur on Thursday in the second round of Conference League qualifying.
And Robinson is determined to make sure his side avoid adding to a list of early Scottish exits in Europe.
"For the fans it's fantastic, rightly so they're excited, we've waited a long time for this," the St Mirren boss says.
"We're aware we have to be in the game in the second leg to get the Paisley crowd behind us. It's a huge chance [for the club] to put themselves on the map.
"When you've battled through hard times, relegations and financial troubles, when you get these moments you have to milk it and enjoy it."
Image source, Getty ImagesBard Finne has four caps for Norway
Brann: Eirik Horneland's side were runners-up in Norway last season and currently sit second, six points behind Bodo/Glimt. Their squad includes Norway forward Bard Finne and former Manchester City youth goalkeeper Eirik Johansen.
Lost to AZ Alkmaar after a penalty shoot-out in the Conference League play-off round last year.
Go Ahead Eagles: Were ninth in the Eredivisie last season. Paul Simonis' squad has a mixture of Dutch players and foreign imports and includes former Liverpool youth and Lazio forward Bobby Adekanye.
This is their first European venture since losing in the Europa League first round to Ferencvaros in 2015.
Image source, SNSSt Mirren manager Stephen Robinson has been speaking to the media prior to his side's trip to Iceland to face Valur in Conference League qualifying.
Here are the key lines:
Robinson says Thursday's trip is "fantastic" for the fans but adds that "it's a shame we will only have a certain amount with us".
He feels the European fixtures are "a huge chance" for St Mirren "to put themselves on the map".
Robinson will be using "no excuses" in relation to travel, weather and Valur being midway through their season.
When asked about early exits for Scottish sides in Europe, he says "we have to make sure we're not one of those".
Robinson says the fans have every right "to milk it" after "battling through bad times".
He believes "there will be no surprises" from Valur but St Mirren will "face a real challenge".
If St Mirren progress, Robinson says he will "certainly be asking for more" to be added to his transfer budget.
The Buddies boss hopes Greg Kiltie and Conor McMenamin will return after the first international break of the season.
Image source, SNSSt Mirren will face the winner of the match between Brann of Norway or Go Ahead Eagles of the Netherlands in the Conference League third qualifying round should they defeat Valur of Iceland.
If St Mirren were to win their third qualifying-round tie, they would face a play-off to reach the league phase, which replaces the group stage this season.
Stephen Robinson's St Mirren will be at home on 8 August against Brann or Go Ahead should they defeat Valur, with the away tie a week later.
Image source, SNSSt Mirren's Europa Conference League qualifier against Icelandic side Valur should be "pretty comfortable" for the Paisley side, according to former club captain Marc McAusland.
Stephen Robinson's side travel to Reykjavik for the first leg on Thursday, before hosting the second leg on 1 August.
McAusland had two separate spells with St Mirren, but has played in Iceland since 2016. He says Valur possess "some good technical players", but expects the Buddies to progress to the competition's group stage.
"[Valur] are one of the top two clubs over here, and have the biggest budget by a long way," McAusland told BBC Radio Scotland.
"They have got a pretty strong squad. They play out from the back and have some good technical players.
"I'll be honest though, I'd be really disappointed if St Mirren don't get through the tie. They should be stronger, more powerful and I think it should be pretty comfortable for them."
Image source, SNSToyosi Olusanya was on target for St Mirren
St Mirren and Carlisle United could not be separated in a lively friendly in Paisley.
Harrison Neal shot the English League Two side in front after combining with Charlie Wyke.
After the interval, Toyosi Olusanya levelled with a fine header from a Jaden Brown cross.
And, with 10 minutes remaining, James Scott nodded the home side in front.
However, the visitors replied soon after as Terell Thomas powered home a header from a corner.
St Mirren open their 2024-25 campaign next Thursday as they visit Valur in Iceland for the first leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier.
St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson has revealed that he tried to sign Dennis Adeniran, the 25-year-old midfielder who has arrived from Hapoel Petah Tikva, five years ago for Motherwell. (The Herald), external
Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full here.
Image source, SNSSt Mirren are back in Europe for the first time since 1987
St Mirren will face Valur in the Europa Conference League second qualifying round.
The Icelandic side were held 2-2 at home by Vllaznia but romped to a 4-0 success in Albania.
Reykjavik-based Valur will host St Mirren on 25 July, with the return in Paisley on 1 August.
Valur are 14 games into their domestic season and sit second in the league.
Home tickets are already sold out for St Mirren's first European tie in 37 years, although there may be scope for additional room in the North Stand.
Image source, SNSAlex Iacovitti will "help drive standards" at St Mirren, says manager Stephen Robinson, after signing the defender on a two-year deal.
Saints have paid an undisclosed fee to bring the former Ross County centre-half back to Scottish football after a year with Port Vale.
The Scotland Under-21 cap spent three years in Dingwall from 2020, making 116 appearances, and featured 38 times for Port Vale last season as they were relegated from English League One.
"Alex comes with SPFL experience which is vital to us at the moment," said Robinson. "We're still a young squad with some new players that haven't played at this level, Alex has that experience.
"He's experienced and will help drive standards. We need more voices in the changing room and I think Alex will fit in very well."
Iacovitti says European football was a "massive attraction" in coming to St Mirren.
"I'm really excited. I know the league well and I just can't wait to get started now," he added.
Image source, SNSExpectations at St Mirren will rise this season after securing a place in Europe last term, believes ex-Buddies midfielder Stephen McGinn.
Stephen Robinson's side backed up a top-six finish in 2022-23 by ending last campaign in fifth, which confirmed a spot in Europa Conference League qualifying.
And McGinn feels the respect the Paisley club have now gained from that success could make the upcoming season a more challenging one.
Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, he said: "In football you're held to your own standards. The expectation will be higher not just within the fanbase, but probably across the league.
"Aberdeen and Hibs, they will want to be in the top six. They'll totally respect St Mirren because how hard it is to beat them and how good a job Robinson has done.
"It will be harder in that sense. In terms of getting to the later stages of the cup, can they be a bit luckier with the draw? If you're given a tie, maybe from the lower leagues, don't disappoint."
'European qualification a dream come true for St Mirren fans'
European qualification is "a dream come true" for the St Mirren support, says Buddies fan and Pie and Bovril founder Div MacDonald.
Click here to listen to more on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
St Mirren are back in Europe for the first time in 37 years after finishing fifth in the Premiership last season.
How will the Buddies fare this time round?
Iona Ballantyne is joined by former captain Stephen McGinn and Pie and Bovril founder Div MacDonald to preview the campaign ahead.
Image source, SNS
