A SIGN OF THE TIMES
Every transfer window throws up a few surprises.
To those who have followed the gradual demise of Spanish giants Barcelona over the last three seasons, Lionel Messi’s announcement that shook the football fraternity this week hasn’t come as much of a shock.
The magnificent magician’s impending departure has nevertheless still sent shockwaves through the sporting world.
As someone who counts themselves very lucky to have seen the six-time Ballon D’or winner several times in his natural habitat in the Camp Nou, I like millions of others can vouch that his skill and talent certainly still deserves to be on show at one of the very best clubs in Europe.
Sadly, Barca can no longer count themselves in that bracket. They’re no mugs by any means, but they can no longer compete with the biggest and best on the continent in the Champions League - and Messi knows it.
It makes perfect sense for 33-yearold Messi to move on and flourish somewhere else in his final few years in the sport he has lit up given time is ticking on towards his last shot at his ultimate goal - 2022 World Cup glory.
Bagging another Champions Leagues medal with his mentor
Pep Guardiola at Man City certainly wouldn’t go amiss either.
At St Mirren Park, the signing announcements have been rolling out at pace over the last few weeks.
Despite budget fears initially at every club due to the coronavirus pandemic, manager Jim Goodwin has managed to seriously strengthen his side over the course of this window so far.
Striker Kristian Dennis arrived last week to try and give Jon Obika a hand with the goalscoring up front, and pacey winger Dylan Connolly was unveiled this week.
Representing a healthy eighth signing of the summer, the former Wimbledon man will look to add some speed to a sometimes stuttering forward line - as well as add to the growing contingent of
Irish accents in the Buddies dressing room.
Goodwin made some tough decisions when the curtain came down on last season, with fan favourites Stephen McGinn, Cody Cooke, Danny Mullen and Gary MacKenzie all forced to make way.
But anyone who has seen Richard Tait and Jak Alnwick, in particular, in action so far can see that Goodwin has moved wisely in the market.
The experience he has brought in has seen the Saints beat Livingston and hang on to a point against Ross County despite being down to ten men.
I’m not sure if the Saints side from last season would have managed either given the circumstances in both games.
Goalscoring continues to be an issue, but this team is growingly representative of the manager currently in charge - strong and effective.
And they have managed to produce the Saints best start to a top flight season since 2006, with the only loss so far coming at the hands of league leaders Rangers at Ibrox.
Given their defensive solidity, and with a bit more attacking flair thrown into the mix, there’s no reason they can’t extend this promising start at St Johnstone this weekend.