It’s time to shine
It’s been a long time coming, but derby day is finally back.
Meetings of Renfrewshire’s old foes haven’t exactly been in short supply over the past three years, but each time a defeat comes around the gap between the games feels increasingly bigger.
On the last fateful day down at Cappielow, St Mirren were given a taste of their own medicine as Morton righted the wrongs of a thumping defeat at the end of the previous campaign.
Not even a Cammy Smith thunderbolt could raise a smile at the end of a torrid 90 minutes for St Mirren fans everywhere as Jim Duffy’s men clinched a 4-1 victory.
Since then, all you have heard from St Mirren is that the scoreline, although the defeat was deserved, was unjust.
And maybe it was. At the end of the day, defensive mistakes and a sendingoff killed St Mirren.
But in the history books no- one cares whether or not the margin of the scoreline was fair or not. Football can be the most unfair of sports and, in some cruel way, that is a contributing factor to why we love it so dearly.
If St Mirren get hammered for 89 minutes and score the most undeserved winner in the last minute following a bombardment that we have never seen the likes of before - you won’t see anyone caring.
But, the truth of the matter, regardless of the previous result, is that St Mirren really need a win. Sounds obvious, right? However, the issue that runs deeper is that Saints really need a win... and a good performance.
One thing is for sure – St Mirren have done incredibly well so far this season to be top of the table.
When you scan back over the results, the win over Dundee United stands out due to the manner of the display that earned the victory.
But outwith that, there hasn’t exactly been much to write home about, despite the results. It is an indictment to the grit that Jack Ross has instilled in the dressing room that the Saints have managed to grind out wins and draws so far.
But every now and then the side still looks capable of slipping to defeat, and a sizeable one at that.
The wins so far have been deserved, and sometimes the ball just drops for you at the right time.
In the league so far, St Mirren have only suffered two defeats. Livingston, in second, share a similar record.
Dundee United and Falkirk still lag desperately behind with a hill to climb, but one that you wouldn’t necessarily bet against.
A hammering tomorrow, however, would set out a signal of intent. For all I admit that a 1-0 win would do, a hammering would show to everybody that St Mirren really are back in business.
The results on the board may show that they already are, but performances on the park have still left something to be desired when it comes to exciting the support.
It would be fair to admit that Saints haven’t hit their best form yet, which seems crazy to say when the side is top of the league, but, with a self-proclaimed perfectionist at the helm in Jack Ross, it would be safe to declare that he will also be looking for improvement from the hardy bunch of Buddies in the dressing room.
Ross might not be in the business of tippy-tappy football.
He might not be in the business of edge-of-your seat football. But he is definitely in the results business and he is excelling so far.
One thing of note from this week, which shouldn’t be passed over, is the sacking of Ray McKinnon as manager of Dundee United.
It would be pretty easy to write off United for another season following their poor start to the campaign.
Poor recruitment, poor performances and poor results were always going to put paid to any chance of McKinnon lasting till Christmas.
Admittedly, it has come as a surprise that he has even lasted this long, if truth be told.
But from a Saints perspective, his sacking could also serve as a blow. Under McKinnon, United were going nowhere fast.
Now, depending on the appointment, it could have a major bearing on where the title eventually goes at the end of the season.
The United board have acted quickly and they remain within touching distance of the top.
An inspired decision could take the title to Tayside, and with the squad they have got it is easy to see why.
John Hughes has somehow been tipped for the job – despite the disastrous tenure at Raith last season. St Mirren fans everywhere will be hoping he would have the same affect if he gets the gig.
But, if Jim McIntyre and Billy Dodds take the reins, Saints will have to be ready to welcome the chase.