Stubbs: Cup is a way for gaffers to get heads up
TONY FITZPATRICK has urged St Mirren fans to trust the board to find the right replacement for boss Jack Ross following his departure to Sunderland.
The Buddies chief executive moved to assure punters the hunt for a successor has started. And he believes the next appointment can be as successful as the man who led them back into the top tier before signing a two-year-deal on Wearside with assistant James Fowler.
Fitzpatrick admitted he was devastated to lose Ross but insisted life will go on at the Premiership new boys.
He said: “There is no other way to describe it – it really feels like there has been a loss BY GORDON PARKS in the family. That’s how deep it goes for everyone here.
“It can’t be understated just how big a job Jack has done with St Mirren, he has pulled us all back together and it is devastating to see him leave.
“But you have to remember football moves on quickly, life moves on and we already have to look to the future.
“Although we are naturally disappointed that Jack has left, we always knew that one day this would come around.
“Jack has ambition and this was obviously a chance he felt couldn’t pass him by.
“I’m sure I speak for the vast majority, if not all, of the supporters in thanking Jack for his efforts and helping us create memories that will last a lifetime.
“He said he wanted to take us back to the Premiership and he did that and more.
“He made an unquestionable impact on St Mirren Football Club and for that reason I would never say a bad word about Jack Ross. He has left a legacy.”
Saints will now step up their search for a new man to lead them in the Premiership next season with Livingston’s David Hopkin heading a list of targets for the Paisley club’s board.
Despite losing their manager, the club’s recruitment drive continued yesterday with the signing of defender Paul McGinn from Partick Thistle.
And Fitzpatrick asked the fans for patience and trust in allowing them to make the right appointment.
He said: “The fans have to trust us – this won’t be an easy decision for us to make.
“But I would like to think that the fans feel we managed to do a good job appointing someone the last time around.”
Ross signed off at St Mirren by paying tribute to the backing and belief he received at the Buddies.
He said: “I’d like to express my gratitude to so many people involved at St Mirren for my experiences there.
“To my players and staff who have worked tirelessly to support the work we do and who have been relentless in their pursuit of success and their desire to drive the club forwards. To the chairman Gordon Scott and directors Alan Wardrop, Chris Stewart and David Nicol for their willingness and patience to help meet my demands for excellence at the club.
“And to chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick and my guru Gavin Whyte for their incredible backing and unwavering faith in me.
“To the fantastic support I can’t thank you enough for backing us in our hour of need and then joining us on the terrific journey of the past season and a half.” BY GORDON PARKS ALAN STUBBS reckons the Betfred Cup can ensure clubs hit the ground running in the new term.
The former Hibs boss helped make the draw for the group stage yesterday for games which will commence in mid-July.
With 38 SPFL teams not involved in Europe plus Highland League winners Cove and Lowland League champions Spartans all facing early starts in the competition, Stubbs is convinced it’s a cup which can get sides off to a flyer.
He said: “Some of the bigger teams will use the cup ties as pre-season matches. There’s no other way they can get games into their players.
“So they are getting competitive action straight away. These games will give the manager a chance to get his players up to speed.”