We’ve offered Jamie biggest Buddies deal in club’s history
Goodwin in fight to keep star McGrath
JIM GOODWIN last night revealed St Mirren have made Jamie McGrath the biggest contract offer in the club’s history.
And he warned admirers they’ll “fight tooth and nail” to hold on to the Ireland star.
McGrath was presented with the bumper new offer on Wednesday – a day after winning his fifth Ireland cap in Tuesday’s 4-0 friendly win over Qatar.
The 25-year-old has emerged as one of the Premiership’s hottest talents since moving to Paisley from Dundalk 22 months ago.
Hibs saw a last-gasp deadline-day bid fall through for the playmaker last month while Aberdeen and a number of clubs down south were also linked with a swoop.
Goodwin knows the list of admirers for McGrath, whose current deal at the Buddies runs out in the summer, will be even greater when the next window opens.
But he said: “We’ve made an incredible offer to Jamie. Let’s make it clear to everybody we’ve made him an offer we have never made a player in the history of the club.
“The offer only went out on Wednesday. His agent will no doubt have a look over it and discuss with Jamie.
“I’m not sitting here thinking Jamie will sign it next week. The point I’m making is that we are going to fight tooth and nail to hold on to him.
“But we are realistic and the supporters will be too that other teams probably will be able to offer him a better financial package.
“If that’s the case then so be it but at least we will be able to look in the mirror knowing we did all we could to try and keep him.”
Goodwin has seen a number of stars leave St Mirren for rival top-flight clubs in recent years – with Hibs having snapped up Kyle Magennis, Paul McGinn and Jake Doyle-Hayes in the last 18 months.
But he is adamant the deal placed in front of McGrath, just a month or so after the club turned down offers, is a sign they won’t be bullied into selling a player.
The Buddies are currently seventh in the league ahead of tomorrow’s trip to face Ross County.
And Goodwin said: “I hope it is a statement.
“One or two were trying to lowball us, maybe like what has gone in the past. But I am thankful to the board and Tony Fitzpatrick for being strong and not being willing to accept a low offer.”