I didn’t throw my Toyosi’s out the pram when I was sent out on loan
On-fire ace Olusanya has transformed his fortunes after attitude change at Arbroath
FROM an unused sub in a home defeat against Cove Rangers to a top-six scoring star for St Mirren.
Toyosi Olusanya’s fortunes have transformed in 12 months – and he’s not finished yet.
The striker is on top form for Stephen Robinson’s side heading into the split.
It’s a far cry from toiling for game time after being packed off from Paisley on loan to Arbroath, making just nine appearances for the Championship strugglers and scoring once.
On this weekend in 2023, Olusanya failed to get off the bench as the Red Lichties lost 1-0 to Cove.
But that spell sparked the turning point to alter an attitude that needed changing.
Olusanya, 26, said: “At the time when I went on loan I said, logically, I should be playing.
“But then I looked at myself. Sometimes it might not be about ability and stuff. It’s about a team that’s functional and how you fit into that functional team.
“As much as I was hard on myself, I thought I’d take that as a wake-up call. I had to go away pre-season and come back with some sort of mentality that’s changed, one towards being a part of a team, helping the team and fitting into the team.
“I always want to improve myself each season. This season I’ve definitely done that.
“I still feel like things could be better. I want to have an impact on the last five games.
“So I’m going to try where I can – whether that’s goals, assists or leading the team to some sort of victory. I’m happy with the changes I’ve made.”
Olusanya recognised something special was brewing at the Buddies. And he felt it would be folly on his part if he missed out on the rise of Robbo’s men.
He said: “When the season ended at Arbroath last year I came back to St Mirren to train.
“I saw a change in levels with the boys – the training and the tempo. Being back full-time was like another wake-up call for me.
“It was also a case of, ‘This is a team going places and you want to be part of that.’ In terms of the mentality of the whole group and what people wanted to achieve, I just felt a shift.”
Saints are fifth and have Europe in their sights. Olusanya has scored four in his last 10 outings and will be vital in the bid to keep Dundee at bay.
The forward’s power and pace over the top is proving a big asset for Robbo’s side.
But that would never have been possible without Robinson investing in the striker’s game.
Olusanya said: “There are players that can affect the game just by running – and I feel like I’m definitely one of them.
“I’m taking the gaffer’s advice, making good runs at the right time, just being a constant threat in behind has helped me.
“I feel I’ve made myself a handful for defenders of late and I try to anticipate where the ball will end up. That comes with knowing the players. I feel it takes time to settle in sometimes and Arbroath wasn’t a great loan for me. So it’s only in my second season that everyone can see the type of player I am.
“I’ve always been a bit of a late bloomer. I’m grateful to the manager.
“Even before I went on loan, he was always giving me coaching points, advising me and telling me what to do.
“Maybe I didn’t take the information on board that I needed to at the time. When I came back after the loan we had a chat.
“He said, ‘The type of player you are, you can play at this level or higher – or play below. It’s based on where you want to go.’ I took things on board and that has helped.”