Jack knows it’s good to talk with Goodwin

Jack Baird experiences Covid-19 precautions at St Mirren’s training base last Monday

Jack Baird is hoping for good news from Jim Goodwin – six years after the first boost from his boss.

Goodwin and team-mate Gary Teale, were Tommy Craig’s assistants during his short spell as St Mirren manager in 2014, which coincided with Baird making his first-team debut in the Buddies’ defence. A lot has changed since then, and Goodwin is now approaching his second season in charge of the Paisley club. When he took over a year ago, one of his early moves was to send Baird on loan to Morton. But the 24-year-old is now back in pre-season training, and hopes to impress his former team-mate.

Baird recalled: “Stevie Mallan made his debut the same day, and we both probably had sleepless nights because it was something you’d dream of it as a kid. “When I got home from hearing I was making my debut, Jim Goodwin phoned. He told me it was a big challenge, but said I deserved my chance and wished me luck. “With the way the season was going, he said if I went in and did a good job, then it would reflect well on me. But we lost 3-0!

“It was good of the gaffer to phone me. And now, six years on, he’s the guy I’m trying to prove myself to.

“When he came in last season, he had to build his own team and I understand that. But we’ll see how this season pans out and if I get a shot.

“Last season was good for me. I played almost every game at Morton and it’s probably given me a fresh outlook.

“I’d gone to St Mirren for training almost every day for 10 years and only ever played in that one strip.

“This was totally new. Suddenly Cappielow was my home stadium after only ever playing there in a derby.”

Baird is in the final year of his contract, but it’s not a situation that causes him any anxiety.

He went on: “I’ve got pals, or ex-teammates, who had a deal that was over at the end of the May.

“They’re waiting until they can try to find another club and get paid again. It could be October before they can play again.

“It’s down to me if I’m going to stay at the club. So the coming season is a big one.”