I’ve been at Saints since I was 5 so a few words on the web won’t change how I feel about my old club
Kyle blanks Buddies’ barbs
KYLE MAGENNIS was on St Mirren’s books long enough to write a chapter or two about the Buddies’ recent ups and downs.
That’s why he’s not going to let a few barbs on their website ruin the respect he has for his first club now he has moved to Hibs.
The 22-year-old is in line for a debut against Brora tonight after his 17-year relationship with St Mirren ended and he became the latest Paisley star to move to Leith.
For a day or two it looked like the transfer wouldn’t go through as Hibs’ opening two offers were rejected.
After a heart-to-heart with boss Jim Goodwin and St Mirren chief Tony Fitzpatrick, Magennis got his wish and Hibs got their man on deadline day.
The Buddies responded with a statement on the club website turning the spotlight on to the player and revealing how they’d spent over a year working on an improved contract for the midfielder.
Asked if he found the response disappointing, Magennis said: “I have been there since I was a five-yearold and have a good relationship with all the boys and staff. So a few words on the website isn’t going to change my opinion of a club which has a place in my heart.
“Jim (Goodwin) texted me yesterday wishing me all the best and saying he hopes I do well. I still have a good relationship with them all.”
Magennis admits he thought he’d missed out on the move after Hibs had two bids booted out.
He said: “I went in and saw the manager and Tony Fitzpatrick. I said it was a good opportunity and I’d like to go but I wasn’t going to fall out with anybody over it.
“I would never have said I wasn’t playing for them.
“I had a good chat with them and the gaffer said it was a good opportunity but he didn’t want me to go. On Friday I got a call saying they had agreed a fee.”
Magennis made his Buddies debut at Easter Road four years ago this month under Jack Ross.
Now the playmaker hopes to take his game to the next level in Leith just like former Paisley buddy John McGinn.
He said: “I texted Stephen and spoke to Paul (McGinn). John’s the only one I never spoke to! Hopefully I can do as well as he did here.”
Magennis is in the squad to face Highland League champs Brora this evening and QPR keeper Dillon
Barnes will be handed a debut with Ofir Marciano preparing to face Scotland for Israel.
Ross is missing four through international commitments but he said: “It is a chance to win silverware but we also know the benefits in prize money and sponsorship.”
Brora keeper Joe Malin is battling a hamstring injury but defender Millar Gamble is in the squad.