Flashback So much hope but so little in return

Illias Haddad’s stint at Saints was short but relatively sweet.

Not short on confidence, Haddad reckoned St Mirren manager Danny Lennon got two players for the price of one when he plucked him from relative obscurity and thrust him into Scottish football’s top flight.

Moroccan-born Haddad was signed by the Buddies after centrehalf Darren McGregor suffered a serious knee injury which would rule him out for most, if not all, of the 2011 season.

And, while Haddad reckoned he could do a fine job for Lennon in defence, he also insisted he was comfortable playing in the middle of the park.

He told Express Sport: “I can play at centre-half or in midfield – and Underwhelming

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 the arrival and subsequent departure of Moroccan Illias Haddad.

I’m a footballer. I’m not the type of guy who just wants to kick the ball away.

“I feel that I’m technically very good – and I always want to win.”

Haddad, 22, had been on trial at Saints for several weeks before he earned a deal at the Paisley club, having previously played in the same Telstar side as St Mirren team-mate Jeroen Tesselaar when he plied his trade in the Netherlands.

While Tesselaar was making a name for himself by playing on the left flank for Telstar, Haddad was carving out a reputation as a promising midfield anchor man.

He had already given St Mirren fans a glimpse of what he was capable of during a substitute appearances in the 2-1 win over Hibs at Easter Road and the 4-3 League Cup victory against Morton at Cappielow.

On both occasions, he came on to bolster the team in the middle of the park.

Haddad said: “I think it is going well so far. I only played for a couple