Fowler is relishing challenge of top title chase
Assistant is enjoying new role
Having ended the season on such a high, St Mirren assistant manager James Fowler believes Saints are on the charge.
The Buddies number two, right-hand man to boss Jack Ross, was delighted by the manner in which the side managed to beat the drop last season, despite finding themselves rooted to the foot of the table for large spells of the season.
But with Dundee United strengthening and the recently relegated Inverness looking to bounce straight back to the top flight at the first time of asking, Fowler admits the Paisley side face a tricky task if they are to take the title – but it is a task he appears to be relishing.
“After finishing so well last season, the fans expectations do change,” said Fowler.
“We’ve gone from trying to avoid relegation to aiming for promotion.
“I think when you look at the teams in the league, it’s a bit more like the Championship this season.
“Du n d e e U n i t e d have strengthened and brought in a few players, Inverness Caley Thistle will be looking to go back up to the Premiership, Allan Johnston has a good squad at Dunfermline and obviously Falkirk has as well.
“But we believe in what we do and are looking forward to a positive season.”
Having started his managerial career with Queen of the South, Fowler has taken a step back into a coaching position since arriving at St Mirren.
It is a position by his own admition, that he has revelled in since taking the call from Jack Ross back in October.
Fowler added: “It’s something I went to Queen of the South to do, going in there as assistant manager and helping Jim McIntyre.
“But I wasn’t there before Jim left for Ross County and I was sort of thrown into the manager’s job.
“I’ve enjoyed it at St Mirren, it’s a really good club. The manager has done a brilliant job since he came in, under some difficult circumstances last season.
“As assistant, you’re still in amongst it, but maybe not having to deal with as much stress as the manager, in terms of the not- soenjoyable jobs that come with that role.
“I’m still learning because I’m only 36 and the manager has been really impressive with the way he works and wants the team to play.”
A number of big name sides are set to compete in the Championship this season, with Saints, Dundee United, Falkirk and Inverness all set to battle at the top of the league table.
The likes of Dunfermline, Queen of the South and Morton will also be targetting the playoffs, leading many to ask whether of not the topflight should be extended to accommodate a number of the division’s bigger clubs.
Fowler added: “When you look at the amount of big clubs there are in the Championship, there’s certainly an argument for opening the leagues up a bit.
“Especially when you’re trying to get fans to come back to the games, they like to go to different stadiums and it would bring a freshness to things.
“Playing teams four times – as well as potential cup games – can become quite monotonous.
“The likes of ourselves, Falkirk and Dundee United would add a lot to the Premiership in my opinion.
“But it’s out of our hands and it’s up to the Premiership clubs to vote on that.
“Whether it will happen or not, I’m not so sure.”