CRISIS MANAGEMENT
■ Saints women’s team decimated by covid outbreak ■ Head coach hoping to rescue season and bolster squad
The St Mirren Women’s team were wiped out by Covid-19, it has emerged.
Four players and head coach Kate Cooper were struck down with the killer virus.
Another three in the first team squad were also hit with flu-like symptoms, but tested negative.
And Kate, who has battled back from coronavirus for the SECOND time, said: “It has been a nightmare, a very difficult time.
“But we have all made it through and now have to try and pick up the pieces.”
Their away tie in Airdrie on Sunday against Gartcairn had been rescheduled as St Mirren were forced to call off two weeks ago.
The outbreak hit the squad at the beginning of October and the coach reckons some picked it up through their work life, rather than on the pitch.
Kate revealed: “I had covid in March last year and it was terrible, it took me three weeks just to get out of bed. “Fortunately two vaccines later and it was much more manageable this time around. “I would definitely be a supporter of being double vaccinated as I am back at work and feeling pretty good.
“And happily none of the girls had it really bad.”
The team had to pull the shutters down and all games and training were axed.
With the forced break, the challenge against Gartcairn - in fifth spot in the Scottish Women’s Championship South - will be much stiffer.
Kate said: “We just got back to training last Thursday and have had no games, so the Gartcairn match will be really tough.
“But were are up for this challenge and the players are glad to get back.
“I always thought this season would be stop-start and it has been proven.”
The training regime has had to be altered to make sure the recovering players are not stretched too much ahead of Sunday.
The side started the season well but have only managed two wins out of eight after injuries and work pressures took their toll.
Some line-ups had to include inexperienced Academy players to allow the matches to go-ahead.
It has put them third bottom of the league.
But the good news, Kate revealed, is she is in discussion to bring in four new players on loan.
Kate added: “Reflecting back on the results, we know this has been tough to take as we know we can do better and be better.
“We just have to be willing to endure the difficult parts.
“I have been talking to a couple of clubs and fingers crossed we will be able to bring in four players on loan to boost the squad for the rest of the season.”
A week on Sunday St Mirren get back on home soil with a local derby clash against high-flying Renfrew Ladies, currently third in the league.
It’s been a nightmare, a very difficult time... but we made it through and have to try to pick up the pieces