I’m hating the waiting
Gary just wants to get the new season started
With the news that manager Jack Ross is to remain at St Mirren, defender Gary MacKenzie can’t wait to get the season under way.
The Buddies return to pre-season training on Thursday, June 15, ahead of their Betfred Cup clashes getting started.
And MacKenzie revealed that he is already putting in the hours in a bid to ensure that he is ready for the first day of training back at the club’s Ralston base.
A short break in Skye was enough for the 31-year-old, who signed a new one-year contract at the end of the season, while also contesting with a newborn baby.
So instead of lazing around, the defender says he has been digging out his trainers and pounding the streets as he looks to get in shape.
MacKenzie told Express Sport: “I think the way the season ended means a lot of the boys will be wanting to get back into work sooner rather than later.
“The momentum heading into next season is great and a lot of us didn’t want the season to end even though we are obviously glad we avoided the play-offs.
“Last season was a slow burner for me because of a couple of injuries at the start of the year but hopefully I can avoid that this season.
“I’ll be starting to get ready in the next day or so, because I want to be ready come a fortnight’s time.
“I’ll be going out running. It was nice to have a few days to relax but it is about that time now where you need to be focused again.”
MacKenzie has never hidden the fact that he came to St Mirren in a bid to win promotion.
His first season never went how he would have planned, but he believes Saints have everything going for them ahead of the new season.
He added: “I believe we can do something here next season in terms of challenging at the top end of the table.”
MacKenzie’s escape to Skye may have got him away from the hustle and bustle of the rumour mill — but it also meant that he missed the Saints signing up a handful of new faces.
And the experienced stopper says he has been impressed by the new additions.
He said: “They fit the bill of being hungry and ambitious and I’m looking forward to meeting them.”