Sammy has been the heart and soul of Saints – cut him some slack
Through both the good times and the bad, you can always rely on Craig Samson to tell it how it is.
A straight talker but a man who speaks sense whenever he discusses St Mirren’s plight, the Paisley club has lost a beacon of truth after his departure this week.
To say his exit comes as a shock would be the understatement to rival all understatements, which is good going considering how things have took a turn for the worse over much of this so-far wretched campaign.
Only in football would some grumble at a man taking up an opportunity that could propel his career beyond his wildest dreams – with a bumper paycheck to boot.
In Samson’s case, as he has insisted, it was never about the money – but more the opportunity to kick-start his coaching career at a side destined for big things.
Sunderland might not be the most fashionable but they have a platform to restablish themselves as one of England’s biggest clubs, while Samson can start making a name for himself south of the border.
Of course, the grumbles will still come, with the timing of the decision the main bone of contention for many.
But it has to be stated that even in a time of great opportunity, Samson put the Buddies first in a bid to help them out as much he could.
“Why couldn’t he wait until at least January?”
That has been the most common criticism aimed from the malcontent.
It should be placed on record that he offered to, but ultimately it was decided that it was best to call it a day as the Buddies look to get their house in order as soon as possible before the season gets away from them.
Samson said: “I’d like to say thank you to the St Mirren fans for the way they’ve treated me and my family.
“It’s the best club I have ever been at. The way they have treated me, and everyone associated with me, has been absolutely amazing.
“I know it’s not ideal timing, but it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
“We had talked about the option of staying until January and playing until then but we all agreed it was best that we let the club go on.
“I hope the club can do really well and stay in the division as they really deserve it.”
With planning already in place for the January transfer window, Saints are well within their rights to just draw a line under it and move on for the sake of everybody involved. Some will still complain but it is a game of opinions. If anything, Samson should be given the send-off he deserves.
A hero of two silverwarewinning sides, his feat is rivalled by few to have ever donned the black and white stripes.
A gentleman, a character, and a player who is certain to find himself in the realms of the club’s hall of fame at some point regardless of the opinions over his ability.
Samson’s loss will also be felt both on and off the park.
Just last Saturday, Kyle Magennis expressed his shock at being handed the captain’s armband over the goalkeeper because at times this season Samson was the glue that has held the side together. But life goes on and football goes on.
Players come and go, and there is very little room for sentiment when you are scrapping it out at the bottom.
Danny Rogers will be given his chance to shine, while Dean Lyness may make his presence felt as well.
These individuals have some pretty big gloves to fill.