Transfer disasters? You’re one to talk, Alan
It was hard not to laugh this week when reading Alan Stubbs’ hammering of Celtic’s summer recruitment.
A little bit of humility or self awareness wouldn’t exactly have gone amiss when he was answering that question.
Claiming there should be some “question marks” over how the Parkhead side have gone about their business was the crux of his argument.
You would think he would know how a failed window comes about.
After all, it is less than 12 months since a Stubbs-led window drove St Mirren to the edge of relegation before August was even over.
Hayden Coulson, Matty Willock, Danny Rogers, Ryan Edwards... all guys who lasted little longer than six months.
Oh, then there is Josh Heaton, Jeff King and Cole Kpekawa, players that ultimately cost Saints money to get rid of.
I suppose it takes having experience of enduring a diabolical window to point the finger at someone else - although Stubbs has never once held his hands up and admitted his part in last season’s mess - despite choosing Nicolai Brock Madsen over Greg Stewart, and the rest.
His comments therefore, are somewhat laced with irony.
Forget abot Celtic, forget about the Champions League collapse, the point of all this is about St Mirren and this year’s additions.
The season is only two weeks old, and St Mirren have the same amount of points as they did this time last year under Stubbs.
But the club appears to be in a much healthier position.
Recruitment has been night and day.
Despite grumbles about the lack of movement earlier this summer, Jim Goodwin has already admitted that he feels vindicated after playing a waiting game to get players in.
Unlike Stubbs, whose squad was littered with guys squashed in for the sake of it or lining the bench, Goodwin’s signings have all been pinpointed as guys who can make his side better.
So far, this tactic has worked, with Calum Waters the latest to look like a great talent, having starred on his debut.
Jon Obika will become more of a presence as the weeks and the fitness build up, while Sam Foley has hit the ground running.
However, having spoken to all the new boys, the most striking thing is the character of each and every one of them.
While the majority of Stubbs’ ragtag of signings constantly looked like they would rather be anywhere else, Goodwin’s players are all at St Mirren with something to prove, either to themselves or somebody else.
Each and every one of them looks motivated and up for the fight.
Goodwin has eluded to this himself, when talking about the importance of getting the right characters through the door and not just focusing on how a player plays.
Waters wants to prove himself at Premiership level as well as showing parent club Kilmarnock that he can be an asset.
Thirty-two-year-old Sam Foley wants a crack at the Scottish top flight after coming to the professional game relatively late down south.
Jon Obika is on the comeback trail from a longterm injury and wants to show that he can still cut it.
That’s just three out of a motivated bunch of players who appearing to be taking on board their manager’s every word.
Goodwin’s influence already can’t be underestimated.
The transformation in style on the pitch is already evident, with the Buddies playing in a fashion you would expect from a Goodwin side had you seen him in his playing days.
Hurrying and harrying the opposition, leaving the boot in to break up play, not afraid to have a go - these are all hallmarks of what he is already trying to achieve and so far, it is working.
What a difference 12 months makes. But it makes you wonder what Stubbs will get asked to comment on next.
Another manager alienating supporters? How to blow 75k in one go? The opportunities are endless.