Holding out for a hero
Jim wants to take the strain off Obika
Jim Goodwin is hunting for a hero to lift the goalscoring burden on St Mirren striker Jon Obika.
Fan favourite Obika netted eight Premiership goals in his debut season in the stripes, representing a pivotal third of the club’s 24 domestic strikes last season.
And the Saints gaffer is determined to ease the pressure on the powerful former Tottenham Hotspur striker.
While he is patiently on the hunt for some backup firepower, Goodwin is also determined to get more goals out of his existing squad when the new season kicks off on Saturday, August 1.
“We can’t rely as heavily on Beeks as we did last year,” Goodwin told Express Sport.
“That’s been a big part of the conversations that we’ve had with the players so far. It’s been a part of the practises we’ve had with them in the opening three weeks.
“It’s been based around ‘How do we get more goals from other parts of the team?’
“At the moment we’ve only got two natural strikers - Junior Morias and Jon Obika. I would definitely like to add another one at the top end of the pitch but as of now there isn’t one out there that ticks all the boxes for me.
“We spoke to a few early on but weren’t quite able to make it happen. I’m willing to be patient in that area of the pitch as we have some good attacking options.
“But I do want competition in that particular area. I don’t want to have to rely on one individual to win us games.
“We need to bring in another striker who will give us ten to 12 goals.”
After a slow start adapting to life north of the border, Obika opened his account last October with a stunning bicycle kick against St Johnstone, helping to set up an important 2-0 win.
He went on to net vital goals in victories against Hearts and Motherwell, as well as a clinical brace in a stunning late 3-3 draw with Livingston.
While Goodwin is desperate to bring in some backup for the 29-year-old, he believes that fellow attacking- minded talents like Kyle McAllister and Ilkay Durmus can light up the scoring charts next season.
He added: “Kyle McAllister is looking extremely fit.
“He’s come back in great shape. Ilkay will chip in too I’m sure.”
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