Young guns kick off with a clash against the Jags
Partick Thistle are opening day opposition for McManus’squad
Allan McManus’ young St Mirren side will face Partick Thistle on the opening day of the Development League season.
The Buddies’ under-20 squad will travel to face the Glasgow side, bossed by ex-Saints midfielder Scott McKenzie, when the action gets under way on Tuesday, August 22.
The fixtures for the whole season have now been confirmed by the SPFL as McManus’ side look to improve on last year’s efforts.
The side struggled for form following an impressive start to the league campaign which saw them top the table after three games.
But with the regulars Kyle Magennis and Kyle McAllister both catapulted into the first team, the side suffered as a result.
Striker Kalvin Orsi was also loaned out to Queen’s Park, while Darren Whyte’s season was curtailed with a leg injury picked up in training.
McManus’ side will have something of a new look to it this year after a host of players were allowed to leave the club.
Orsi, Lee Fawkes, Craig Johnston, Greig McNaughton, Carlo Pignatiello, Daniel Scally, Ryan Watters and Reece Willison have all moved on to pastures new, with a number of the club’s under-17 squad tepping up to fill the gaps.
Dakota King has also arrived from Partick Thistle, while Evan Horne joined the club from Dunfermline in the summer.
Another boost comes in the form of Andy Webster joining the catching staff following his release from his playing deal.
Following the Partick game, the Buddies will then welcome Kilmarnock the following Tuesday.
An away clash with Motherwell follows, before Jon Daly’s Hearts side come to New Western Park to face the Saints.