Flashback Saints hero Brian is still on the ball
There was a familiar face in Renfrewshire last weekend as former St Mirren striker Brian McGinty brought his Irvine Meadow to face Renfrew.
It turned out not to be for the big ex-forward, who is best remembered for his time in the stripes as Frew trounced his side 5-1.
Always one to give 100 per cent, McGinty’s time in Paisley came to an unfortunate end as he struggled to shake off the injuries that plagued his career.
After coming to the end of his contract he was always honest about his time at the Buddies.
The then 30-year-old said in 2007: “The manager knows that if he ever needs me, I’ll give him everything and that will never change.
“But, realistically, I don’t expect to be here next season and I’ll totally understand if the club make that Rough times
St Mirren FC is a club with a proud tradition — and a history to match.
They have been at the centre of the Scottish game since their formation in 1877.
Today, we look back at former Saints striker Brian McGinty, who struggled for game time due to his misfortune with injuries.
decision. I don’t think the board could afford to give me another contract because I’ve been out injured for so long.
“Whatever happens, happens, but in my mind I don’t believe I’ll still be here.”
McGinty had experienced a nightmare time with the Buddies and hadn’t played a single first-team game for Gus MacPherson’s side since tearing his hamstring against Partick Thistle in pre-season.
The forward recovered from that setback and was given a chance to revive his season courtesy of a threemonth loan deal at Dundee, where he played six games, scoring once.
However, his hamstring trouble flared up again and he was forced to return to Paisley prematurely.
But he knew it may be too late to salvage his Saints career.
“It’s been a real waste of a season for me,” said McGinty. “It’s not really started for me at all.
“I did well in pre-season when I played every game, but then I picked up the hamstring injury and things went from bad to worse.”
In the end, McGinty’s six-year Saints career came to an end where he made over 100 appearances for the club.
After the Buddies he turned his attention to the juniors, signing for Meadow and being a member of their Scottish Cup run which seen them become the first junior side to face a top-flight side when they took on Hibs, at Easter Road, in January 2010.
Now on to management, McGinty is one of the up and coming managers in the juniors having previously enjoyed success with Bellshill and Rossvale before joining Ayrshire giants Meadow.