ST MIRREN

LAST SEASON PREMIERSHIP 7th SCOTTISH CUP Semi- Finals LEAGUE CUP Semi- Finals TOP SCORER Jamie Mcgrath ( 17)

F A n F I L E JAMIE COCKBURN @ Jamiecockburn Last season was different. It took a while to adjust to no fans, but overall a vast improvement for us and no relegation battle. The big talking point among the fans is being supporter- owned. We’ve been working towards it for the past few years, and to see it come to fruition is exciting. This season will be different to last

because we actually have our business done early. We’ve made the signings we needed and are in a great position to start the season.

Our most underrated player is Joe Shaughnessy. The guy is a natural leader and faces unfair criticism.

Look out for Dylan Reid. Made his debut at 16 last season, becoming the youngest player to play in the SPFL. I can’t wait to see him receive more opportunities. The player I’d happily drive to

another club is Lee Erwin. It might seem harsh, but he’s had too many opportunities to redeem himself. The opposition player I secretly admire is Scott Allan at Hibs.

The pantomime villain will be Alan Power, brought in to fill the role of our former coach. Opposition fans will hate him. Can’t wait.

Save the date for Hearts’ return to Paisley on August 7. We relegated them and they’re bitter about it. I fancy handing them more misery. The best thing about matchday at St Mirren is the atmosphere it gives the town. With everything that’s happened over the past year or so, it will be good to get that feeling back. Other clubs’ fans don’t know that we’re reaching Europe this season... Our key player will be Jamie Mcgrath [ below], who really lifted the team last season and is a bona fide penalty maestro. The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is that Jim Goodwin [ above] is a real St Mirren legend and we have the utmost respect for him. He carries himself well and knows how to talk to the fans. That said, we have high expectations, and sometimes the supporters can get carried away with that and be quick to criticise.

We’ll finish 5th. 9TH FFT VERDICT

The Buddies came so close to their top- six target and will hope to build on the progress made under Jim Goodwin. Creative ace Greg Kiltie could be an excellent signing behind striker Eamonn Brophy, but the Hibernian- bound Jake Doyle- Hayes will be missed.