Ross: We can seal the deal
Gaffer is hopeful that MacKenzie will re-sign
St Mirren manager Jack Ross has revealed he hopes for some positive news regarding a new contract for defender Gary MacKenzie.
The former Dundee man produced a stellar debut season in the black and white stripes, racking up a host of end-of-season awards for his performances in the heart of the Saints’ defence.
The 31-year-old featured 37 times for the side last season, and was also a towering figure in front of goal as he hit the scoresheet on six occasions.
Ross says there is a now a deal on the table for the big man and reckons there is every chance he will accept the club’s offer.
He told Express Sport: “There will hopefully be some positive news about Gary at the start of the week.
“All going well, barring any hitches, then it should be done, which will be a big boost for us as well.”
The St Mirren manager is bidding to hold on to the majority of the squad which preserved their Championship status late last season.
And he insists the departure of Stevie Mallan to Barnsley last week is not the start of an exodus of the side’s youngsters.
Fellow midfielders Kyle Magennis and Lewis Morgan are sure to garner attention from other sides, but Ross is confident the pair will remain for the upcoming campaign.
Morgan was called up to his first Scotland under-21 side following a successful season, while Magennis was recently named in Scot Gemmill’s side for this summer’s Toulon Tournament in France, but the Saints gaffer has no worries about them moving on.
Ross added: “I think there will be interest in them, but I don’t expect to lose any of them either.
“I know there will be criticism. There always is when you sell players. Stevie was in a different position – he had done really well for this club and the business that the club has done for Stevie is okay.
“I don’t want to lose any more players because obviously I lost Kyle McAllister in January. We don’t need to lose any more and I would be disappointed if I did.
“I have had conversations with Lewis and I believe he is best served with me because I think we can make him better.
“I think he believes that as well. You can never say for certain, but I expect him be part of the squad for next year.”