Mcginn knows that St Mirren must alter their ‘basketball style’
St Mirren captain Stephen Mcginn believes his team were Scottish football’s equivalent of the Harlem Globetrotters last season as they freewheeled their way to the Championship title.
But the midfielder knows a far more pragmatic approach will be required if the Paisley club’s return to the top flight is not to prove short-lived.
New Saints manager Alan Stubbs has a reputation for encouraging a progressive, passing style of football which is not dissimilar to the philosophy of his predecessor Jack Ross.
According to Mcginn, however, the Premiership newcomers will need to adapt their strategy this season in order to achieve their primary objective of avoiding an immediate return to the second tier.
“Looking back at some of the games last year we were almost allowed to play a basketball style of game where we fancied ourselves to score all the time with some of the players we had,” said Mcginn.
“If a game opened up, we didn’t think there was a team in the league that could beat us. That’s something which will obviously be totally different this year. We can’t be open all the time and if we are open, teams will hurt us.
“Going forward, I think we’ll try to play a different style than we did under Jack but ultimately with the same kind of beliefs and methods, just a little bit of difference.
“The new gaffer has asked us to be a bit more patient as we’re playing against a higher calibre of defence, and maybe we’re not going to break down defences every time we’ve got the ball. So a bit more patience and a bit more care is needed, because at that next level teams can hurt you if you give it away.
“I’ve followed Scottish football long enough to know that for teams of our size in the Premiership, it should always be about how quickly can you be safe. I know it sounds a bit pessimistic but we don’t have the budget, we don’t have the fan power these other clubs have to maybe go and target the top end of the league. So if you give yourself the platform that you’re as safe as you can be, you can then maybe look at top six and threatening other teams up there.”
Mcginn returned for his second spell at St Mirren in January 2017 and has subsequently helped transform their fortunes, initially staving off the threat of relegation to League One and then playing a key role in last season’s Championship title win.
The 29-year-old admits it will be a special moment for him on Saturday when he leads Saints into their Premiership opener at home to Dundee.
“I’ll be really proud,” said Mcginn.“t ow alkoutt here on Saturday having taken St Mirren back to the Premiership will be as proud as I can possibly imagine in my career.”
St Mirren’s early season performances haven’t always been convincing, although they were ultimately unbeaten in the group stage of the Betfred Cup and secured a place in the last 16. Stubbs’ summer recruitment drive has been an influx of players from English football, including Josh heat on, jeff king, hayden coul son, colekpekawa and Jim Kellerman.
Mcginn, who spent time south of the border with Watford, Sheffield United and wycombe after leaving Saints first time around, has urged the new arrivals not to assume they will find Scottish football a more comfortable environment.
“That’s a mistake some players make,” said Mcginn. “While it’s not a feeling everyone down in England has, I know that some believe it’s easier up in Scotland. We know it’s hard and if you’re not willing to adapt and work hard, then you won’t last long.
“The market the manager has gone into so far, the boys who have come in have absolutely no idea about Scottish football. As captain, I do feel that responsibility to help them settle in and make sure they know it won’t be easier for them here.”