Buddies aim for the top
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We choose the best stories to highlight each week before an expert panel of judges decide the winners. Those chosen will have the night of their lives at a gala Hampden dinner in September. St Mirren boss Jack Ross insists his Buddies can go all the way from relegation candidates last season to promotion contenders.
The Paisley men saved their Championship status thanks to a stunning late run of form.
And Ross believes getting the bulk of that squad to stay at St Mirren Park, as well as making early signings of young, hungry players, will stand Saints in good stead for the next campaign.
Ross said: “It won’t be easy. I’ve always been careful to say it’s not me being bul l ish or arrogant but promotion has to be the ambition for the club.
“When we return on June 15 it will be hammered home to the players from the first day of pre-season.
“It has to be the aim. I believe we will put together a squad who are good enough to do that.
“What they have to do is maintain the intensity they showed in the second half of the season. They have to go into games believing they can win.
“We’ve got recreate that and build on the momentum and feelgood factor from last season.”
Seven of his players out of contract at the end of the sea son have penned extensions, including latest pairing Gary MacKenzie and Cammy Smith.
Ross said: “To get Gary to re- sign then get Cammy’s deal made permanent is brilliant.
“Hopefully it’s a sign of the strength of the squad we’re trying to build. So it’s good they’ve committed so early in the close-season.”
Keeper Ross Stewart from Albion Rovers, midfielder Jordan Kirkpatrick from Alloa, centre-back Gregor Buchanan from Dumbarton and Albion Rovers striker Ross Stewart have been brought in.
And Saints assistant boss James Fowler said: “We are maybe looking to get another few in as well.”
Ross is believed to be keeping tabs on 24-year-old Hearts striker Gavin Reilly who spent last season on loan from the Jambos at Dunfermline, scoring twice in 28 appearances.