Backroom boys were vital to the great escape

Assistant boss Fowler says Saints worked as a true team

St Mirren assistant manager James Fowler has heaped praise on the club’s backroom staff following a whirlwind end to last season.

Fowler and Jack Ross were aided along the way to safety by a number of staff members who had remained at the club following the reign of Alex Rae.

And Fowler was quick to mention them and the hard work that they put in behind the scenes.

Fowler said: “Allan McManus had taken the team for a few weeks before myself and the manager came in.

“The manager was keen for Allan to continue being involved in the first team and he’s that link between the first team and the 20s as well. It’s good for us to be that unit.

“There’s also Euan Fotheringham, who has done an awful lot of analysis stuff for us, and Jamie Langfield, who mentored Billy O’Brien and brought him on as well.

“There isn’t a lot of first team staff but the ones who have played their part have been excellent and everybody has contributed.”

And, looking back to the final league game of the season, where St Mirren secured their safety with a 1-1 draw away to Hibernian, Fowler admits the that it was a difficult afternoon to keep emotions in check.

With results elsewhere ultimately not going their way Saints needed to at least pick up a point, and Fowler was delighted that the side managed to pull it off. He said: “It was crazy, “The St Mirren fans were amazing that day, but they have been since the turn of the year. There have been changes within the club, leading to a positive vibe and it’s played a massive part in the success.

“Sometimes when we were on the field it felt we were not quite in control of games. But since we brought Stephen McGinn in he was been a massive influence on the squad. He led by example on the training pitch and in every game he played.

“The players have done well and we are extremely proud of them. At Hibs, we were aware that Raith had scored, so that last two or three minutes got really nervy and we were kind of counting down the clock. The scenes at the end will live with me for a long time.”