St Mirren Archives - SNN Sports

Calvin Ramsay Set for a Return to Scotland

St Mirren are weighing up a loan switch for the Liverpool full-back Calvin Ramsay. Calvin Ramsay started his footballing career in Scotland with Aberdeen, coming through the youth ranks and making his professional debut in March 2021 as a late substitute against Dundee United, as well as making his European debut the same year against BK Häcken, grabbing an assist in a 5-1 victory. Ramsay would then go on to win the SFWA Young Player of the Year during the 2021/22 season after a successful season with his boyhood side, making 33 appearances. Liverpool came chasing the Aberdeen youngster, which saw the right-back depart for a fee of around £4.2 million, where Ramsay would make two first-team appearances for the Anfield side. Unfortunately, his career didn’t go to plan, as the former Aberdeen man was struck with multiple injuries, halting his Liverpool career. Calvin went out on loan to Preston in 2023, making just two appearances, before a second loan spell at Bolton, making just 4 appearances, with injuries holding back the Aberdeen-born full-back. His next step would be a loan spell with Wigan, which again didn’t go to plan, despite playing 12 times for the EFL side. A move back to Scotland was then on the cards, but again he went on to make just 8 appearances for the Rugby Park outfit. Ramsay has made a handful of pre-season outings this season, with many Liverpool fans impressed, some suggesting he should be starting over former Celtic man Frimpong, as the full-back has struggled since signing from Bayer Leverkusen. A move to Paisley might be the next best step and might suit St Mirren’s style of play, with his Liverpool days looking likely to come to an end due to an unlucky spell with injuries.

August 20, 2026

McLeish hopes to create “relentless” St Mirren

Craig McLeish wants St Mirren to become “really good at the basics” after making it two wins out of two to start their league campaign. Killian Phillips converted a 73rd-minute penalty to secure a 1-0 victory over newly promoted St Johnstone, sending the Saints to the summit of the Scottish Premiership. Following the hard-fought win, McLeish emphasised his desire to “keep building” on their impressive early momentum. “Delighted for the group, a really good, hard-fought win. A lot of our performance was good; we just had to add a bit more intensity to our performance in the first half. The victory came down to two penalty kicks, and after Jacob Chapman foiled Jamie Gullan from 12 yards, Phillips showed composure to convert past Toby Steward to the delight of the home faithful. “We were quite comfortable without troubling them too much. We stepped it up a bit in the second half. We got away with one when Jacob made a fantastic save for the penalty. “Then we converted our own penalty, so it was fine margins. Games are going to be like that for us, and we have to show that fight and resilience. Our energy and how we pressed at the end, we could have scored a couple on the counter; that was really pleasing. “We have to be horrible to play against. Two clean sheets set us up well for that. The attacking bit, a few bits didn’t quite click in the final third to create real, clear-cut opportunities. When we counterattack, we do it at speed, and we look dangerous. Replacing the experienced Stephen Robinson with a youthful coach carrying limited top-flight experience was widely viewed as a bold gamble by St Mirren. Yet, after successfully navigating the relegation playoffs last season, McLeish is now stamping his identity on the Saints. While they are playing a more attractive brand of football, the team’s core identity remains unchanged – to outwork your opponent. “Those are standards that we set from day one of pre-season. How quickly do we get back into shape, everyone doing it and joining in. We want to be really good at the basics and not get bored of that. “The running, energy and desire. We want to be fit and strong and relentless this season against whoever we play. We have to keep those standards really high. We did it last week and lived up to it again today. “It helps with the belief in each other. I’ve said to the boys I have confidence in them. Last season, we had two horrendous play-off games – even the emotion about it, there were so many nerves when we stepped on the pitch. “I’m still using that as fuel; I don’t want to be involved in that. We’ve got a massive journey ahead of us, and we have to keep building. Six points out of six is a great start.” That prolific start will instil massive belief across the entire club, from players and staff to the boardroom and supporters, as they head to Ibrox next Sunday for their toughest test yet in the League Cup last 16.

August 9, 2026

Phillips Hails “Perfect” St Mirren Performance

St Mirren talisman Killian Phillips is determined to add more goals to his game after opening the season with a double against Falkirk. The midfielder poked home at the near post after 11 minutes before applying the finishing touch to a swift counterattack in the 87th minute, sealing a clinical 2-0 victory at the Falkirk Stadium. Despite his match-winning contribution, Phillips was quick to highlight the collective effort behind the result. “It’s something I need to add to my game: numbers. So I’m over the moon to get two goals,” Phillips said. “It was a good team performance. I know I could have had a couple more, and we could have scored a couple more as well.” The Buddies successfully navigated the Premiership play-offs against Partick Thistle last season, but goals proved hard to come by throughout the campaign. St Mirren finished as the league’s lowest scorers with just 30 goals, 10 fewer than relegated Livingston, and Phillips acknowledged that is an area that must improve this season. “On another day, those missed chances could have cost us. Last season, we probably struggled to create a lot of chances, so to have as many opportunities as we did today is more of a positive than a negative. “It’s a perfect opening-day performance.” St Mirren return to league action against St Johnstone at the SMISA Stadium on Saturday and will be eager to build on an encouraging start following their impressive victory in Falkirk.

August 3, 2026

Falkirk 0-2 St Mirren: Phillips double send Buddies top against Wasteful Bairns

Falkirk 0-2 St Mirren Phillips (11′ ,87′) The Buddies secured their third straight victory at The Falkirk Stadium after a Killian Phillips double secured a dream start for Craig McLeish in the Scottish Premiership. Falkirk started brightly, keen to build on their top six finish last season. Ethan Laidlaw’s positive play and cross dropped to ex-Exeter City man Jack McMillan. His right-footed shot narrowly snuck wide of Jacob Chapman’s net, encouraging the home support. But the visitors grew into the half, showing good signs under new boss Craig McLeish. Summer signing Samuel Ramos managed three goals in the League Cup group stages; his 40-yard laser pass fell kindly to the onrushing Killian Phillips, who forced a sharp save from Scott Bain. Phillips opened the scoring moments later. The Irishman met Henry Fieldson’s cross, poking home at the near post, and giving the best possible start to The Buddies’ season. Falkirk have lost stalwarts Barney Stewart, Calvin Millar, and Dylan Tait in the transfer market, and were still attempting to blend their new forward combinations. They clicked after 21 minutes. Former St Mirren man Ryan Strain burst forward in the 22nd minute. His cutback gave Finn Yeats freedom in the penalty box, but the midfielder’s strike was tame and didn’t trouble Jacob Chapman. St Mirren’s midfield pivot of Ryan Carr and Paul Nsio was a strong base to launch visiting attacks, and they continued to look dangerous. Nsio caught McMillan napping on the centre circle, allowing Sule to bear down on goal, but his strike lacked conviction and rolled wide of Bain’s goal. Falkirk’s best opportunities continued to come from wide areas; Laidlaw’s inswinging ball narrowly evaded Ross MacIver on 33 minutes. MacIver hit the sidenetting minutes later as the hosts ended strongly. McLeish spoke pre-match about turning St Mirren into an “exciting” side. They looked comfortable in playing out from the back, though goalkeeper Chapman needed maximum concentration on a few occasions to withstand the oncoming Falkirk press St Mirren had a golden chance to double their advantage on the stroke of halftime after breaking from a Falkirk set piece. Carr advanced with Sule and Ramos on either side in a 3 v 2, but after exchanging passes the move fizzled out. A frustrating opening half for John McGlynn’s side, but plenty of encouragement for McLeish to ponder at the break. St Mirren had a chance to double their advantage on the hour mark after a shaky back pass from Deniss Melniks, who had looked uncomfortable in the second half. But after advancing on Bain’s goal, Sule’s powerful effort was blocked by the Scottish internationalist, as another golden opportunity slipped away. The hosts required a spark, and substitute Ben Parkinson provided such in the 70th minute. The former Newcastle boy bundled in Melniks’ knockdown from close range to the delight of the Falkirk support. Unfortunately, in the build-up, Melniks’ touch had made contact with his elbow, and after a lengthy VAR check, Duncan Nicholson consulted the monitor and ruled out the equaliser. Despite encouragement from the home crowd, Falkirk continued to waste possession, and St Mirren would shortly close off the game in the 87th minute Substitute Ronald Idowu broke to the 18-yard box before sliding Phillips into space. His right-footed strike deflected past Bain, sending the away allocation into frenzy. Victory was nothing short of what the visitors deserved, as they moved top of the Scottish Premiership. Falkirk: Bain 7 McMillan 6 Henderson 6 Strain 5 Tanser 4 Gardner 5 Melniks 3 Sibbald 5 Laidlaw 6 Yeats 5 MacIver 5 Substitutes: Doherty 6 Parkinson 6 Ross 6 McCann 4 McGovern 4 St Mirren: Chapman 7 Richardson 7 Fraser 7 Fieldson 8 Gogic 8 Ramos 7 Carr 8 Mochrie 7 Nsio 7 Sule 7 Phillips 9 Substitutes: Young 6 Donnelly 7 Idowu 7 Thomas 7

August 1, 2026

McLeish vows St Mirren will “fight” after difficult League Cup draw

Craig McLeish has vowed that his St Mirren side will do everything in their power to retain the Scottish League Cup after being handed a daunting trip to Ibrox in the next round. Speaking after his side’s narrow defeat to Dunfermline, which saw them slip to second place in Group C, McLeish was frustrated by the late penalty that allowed Chris Kane to snatch an 88th-minute winner. “Frustrated by the ending of it,” the manager said. “I don’t think it’s a penalty, but we kind of brought pressure on ourselves when we didn’t need to. Dunfermline were throwing everything at us to chase the game. “We need to be smarter in our decisions at that stage of the game.” Despite progressing as one of the best runners-up, St Mirren now face a difficult trip to Rangers after Dunfermline leapfrogged them at the top of Group C. The Pars were rewarded with what appears to be a more favourable tie against League One side Ross County. McLeish was also left to rue Samuel Ramos’ disallowed first-half goal, which was ruled out after referee officials deemed Eseosa Sule to have fouled goalkeeper Aston Oxborough. “I also don’t see how our goal has been disallowed in the first half,” McLeish said. “That kind of changes the game. I don’t think there were many clear-cut chances, but when we put together a good move and finish it off, I don’t see why we are penalised for it.” St Mirren lifted the trophy last season with a memorable 3-1 victory over Celtic in December, and McLeish knows his side must once again overcome the country’s biggest clubs if they are to retain the cup. “The frustrating thing is we’ve thrown away the opportunity to come through as one of the seeded teams, and we’ve ended up with probably the toughest draw possible in Rangers away. “But we are the holders, and I’ve told the boys we’re going to fight to make sure someone has to claw it off us. “If we are going to defend the trophy, we have to beat big teams, and we had to do that last year to win the cup.”

July 27, 2026

St Mirren 0-1 Dunfermline Athletic – Match Report

Dunfermline Athletic qualify for the Last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup with win in Paisley. The early exchanges were evenly contested, with neither side creating any chances. The first chance of the match came the way of the hosts. Phillips whipped in a corner which found Fraser, who could not keep his header down. On 15 minutes, Amade went for goal from outside the box, which forced Chapman into a brilliant save down low. On 23 minutes, the hosts thought they opened the scoring. Phillips played a pass with the outside of his boot, into the path of Sule, who beat the defender and appeared to have got a toe on the ball ahead of the goalkeeper and played the ball into Ramos, who smashed home, however, the referee had already blown his whistle for what he deemed to be a foul on the goalkeeper, much to the disappointment of the home support. Phillips freed Richardson down the right-hand side, but Richardson, with plenty of time and space, could not find Sule with his attempted cut-back. With slightly over 5 minutes until the interval, Ramos’ corner found the head of Gogic, whose flicked header was easily caught by Oxborough. Rudden found space on the edge of the box, but his left-footed effort was well saved by Chapman, who once again got down low well. HT: St Mirren 0-0 Dunfermline Athletic Into the second period, Rudden did well to control the ball from a corner and get a shot on goal, but the striker’s effort was cleared off the line by Richardson, whose clearance came off the head of Andrew Tod and went out for a goal kick. 5 minutes into the second period, Cleall-Harding appeared to be kicked in the chest after getting his head on the ball first, but the referee saw nothing in it. Moments later, Sule received the ball and played it out wide to Mochrie, who played the ball back to Sule, who took a touch before striking, but his powerful effort went narrowly wide. Andrew Tod looked to have been played through on goal, courtesy of a lovely flick by Amade, but Gogic was present to put in a crucial last-ditch challenge. Cooper found Kane with a cross, but the striker failed to get his header on target. Robinson played a ball towards the back post, which found substitute Cooper, who could not direct his volley from close range on target. With just under 5 minutes until stoppage time, Dunfermline were awarded a penalty. Andrew Tod headed the ball into the path of Bray, who was taken down inside the area. Chris Kane stepped up, and held his nerve, slotting his penalty down the middle of Chapman’s goal. After 4 minutes of additional time, the referee brought the game to a close. As a result, Dunfermline Athletic progress to the next round. St Mirren on the other hand, still go through, but not as a seeded side. St Mirren: Chapman (6), Richardson (5), Fraser (4), Gogic (7), Fieldson (7), Carr (8), Phillips (6), Ramos (6), Taylor (8), Mochrie (7), Sule (6) Substitutes: Urminsky, King, McEvoy (6), Falconer (6), Idowu (6), Dijksteel (6), Calvin, Douglas (6), Young Dunfermline: Oxborough (7), J.Tod (7), Robinson (7), Morrison (5), Rudden (6), Kearney (6), Amade (7), Cleall-Harding (8), Corbally (6), A.Tod (7), Fraser (7) Substitutes: Terrell, Gilmour (6), R.Macleod, Kane (8), Bray (6), Davidson, E.McLeod (6), Rowe, Cooper (6)

July 26, 2026

A COMPLETE preview of the 2026/27 William Hill Premiership

Millions of eyes from all around the world were fixed on the Scottish Premiership last season as Hearts bid to end the Glasgow-centric dominance that has reigned over Scotland since the 80s. Celtic got the title over the line at the last minute, which many will find disappointing, but the global attention on Scottish football can only be a good thing. Hearts’ weren’t the only underdog story of last season with Motherwell and Falkirk providing excellent stories in their own right. Whilst the 2026/27 season certainly has a hard act to follow in terms of entertainment factor, here’s everything you need to know about the league heading into the next season. Aberdeen: It’s a first full season in charge for Stephen Robinson who replaced Jimmy Thelin in March. It’s always hard to predict how Aberdeen will fair as life post Derrick McInnes can best be described as a rollercoaster. Aberdeen have flirted with relegation the past few years before proving to be too big to go down. But of course, there is the third place season of 2022/23 and the Scottish Cup win in 2025 to counter. It’s been a busy summer in the North East with 10 signings thus far. Stephen Robinson has re-united with Connor Ronan from their time at St. Mirren. They’ll hope the force is with them after signing Obi Wan Kenobi’s great-grandson in Nesta Guinness-Walker, Tony Yogane’s positive loan at Dundee has rewarded him with a move to Aberdeen. They’ve also added household Premiership names in Lewis Mayo and Brad Lyons to name a few. Incomings: Connor Ronan, Alexander Briedl, Lewis Mayo, Brad Lyons, Toyosi Olusanya, Nesta Guinness-Walker, Dan Happe, Ayoub Mouloua, Marius Müller, Tony Yogane. Outgoings: Topi Keskinen, Alexander Jensen, Graeme Shinnie, Ryan Duncan, Marko Lazetic, Tom Mcintrye, Per Kristian Bratviet, Elvis Bwomono, Vicente Besuijen, Alfie Stewart (loan), Alfie Bavidge (loan). What to expect: Mid-table finish. Celtic: Celtic are now five-in-a-row champions, but it somehow feels like a dark cloud is hanging over the club. Despite the drama from the end of last season, it’s fair to say that last season’s Celtic side are probably the worst title winners in recent memory. Although, that speaks to just high the bar is for Celtic. Martin O’Neill will lead Celtic out for another season after signing a further one-year deal, somewhat delaying another managerial appointment. Despite criticisms surrounding their performances or style of play, O’Neill’s Celtic have shown that they can really turn it up when it matters, You can look ash their second half dismantlement of St. Mirren in the Scottish Cup semi-final, or snatching the title from Hearts with just minutes remaining, or their comeback against Rangers in the split and much, much more. Unfortunately for Celtic, the fall-out between the fans and the board continues after a lack of signings, with Celtic fans standing firmly behind the ‘not another penny’ campaign until they see change. Failures to secure new deals for Marcelo Sarrachi and Kelechi Iheanacho only add fuel to the fire too. It truly feels like a lot of discontent hangs over the club at the minute. Incomings: Camilo Duran Outgoings: Luis Palma, Maik Nawrocki, Kelechi Iheanacho, Stephen Welsh, Hayato Inamura, Josh Clarke, Shin Yamada (loan), Kasper Schmeichel (retired) What to expect: Title contenders Dundee: When Stephen Pressely was appointed as Dundee boss last season, many eyebrows were raised from Dundee fans and neutrals alike, many even tipped them to go down, but Pressely kept them up at a canter. They’ll be without last season’s star man in Luke Graham after the defender departed for Stoke in a club record deal. Losses of Trevor Carson and Jon McCracken in the goalkeeping department may force the club to look for a replacement between the posts. Incomings: Idris Odutayo, Zan Besir, Alan Forrest, Ryan Finnigan, Owen Bevan Outgoings: Luke Graham, Jon McCracken, Ethan Ingram, Clark Robertson, Paul Digby, Billy Koumetio, Emile Acquah, Lewis Montsma, Trevor Carson (retired) What to expect: Bottom-half/ relegation candidates Dundee United: Much like his former club Aberdeen, Jim Goodwin’s recent career is another rollercoaster. When he took the Tannadice helm in 2023 the club was as good as relegated. Goodwin led them back to the Premiership at the first time of asking, before securing European football upon their Premiership return, even going toe-to-toe with Rapid Vienna in the conference league. They seemed to revert to the mode with a bottom six finish last year. It’s been a busy window on the other side of Dens Road so far. Jack Walton has returned to the club, there’s also been promising signings from Australia whilst Dylan Tait is an impressive signing from their competitors in Falkirk. Incomings: Jesse Randall, Lachlan Rose, Joshua Rawlins, Dylan Tait, Michael Forbes, Jordan Amissah, Jack Walton, Medhi Merghem, Idjessi Metsoko (loan) Outgoings: Craig Sibbald, Ryan Strain, Ashely Maynard-Brewer, Johnny Russell, Kristijan Trapanovski, Dave Richards, Lewis O’Connell, Owen Stiron (loan), Ruairidh Adams (loan) What to expect: Mid-table finish Falkirk: Falkirk returned to the Premiership after 16 years last season, marking a double-promotion with a top-six finish. A side who built on solid home performances last season and nearly secured European football in the process. Falkirk are on the up at the moment and they can build on this success. Or, whatever goes up can come straight back down. They’ve lost star men from last season in Barney Stewart and Calvin Miller, Filip Lissah hasn’t returned to the club following an impressive loan spell. It could well get worse with John McGlynn being one of the leading contenders to replace Steve Clarke as Scotland boss. Incomings: Lewis Nielson, Jack McMillan, Deniss Melniks, Craig Sibbald, Scott Tanser, Jay Hogarth, Ethan Laidlaw, Paul McGovern Outgoings: Barney Stewart, Calvin Miller, Dylan Tait, Jamie Sneddon, Gary Oliver, Brian Graham, Rhys Walker, Sean Mackie What to expect: Bottom-half finish Heart Of Midlothian: Hearts were mere minutes away from becoming the first non Old-Firm cub to win the league in over 40-years. Derrick McInnes has since departed for Rangers and its a completely new look Hearts side for the Wouter Vrancken era. Numerous new signings

July 20, 2026

“We have to keep building” – St Mirren begin League Cup Defence with Victory

St Mirren manager Craig McLeish was overjoyed with his side’s 4-0 victory against Dumbarton to open their Premier Sports Cup campaign, singling out the debut performances of Samuel Ramos and Chris Mochrie. Ramos, who spent last season in Slovakia’s top flight, provided a double, with further goals from ex-Airdrie midfielder Mochrie and youngster Thomas Falconer to secure the win. McLeish believes victory is a positive first step for the Buddies, as they begin their League Cup defence. “I’m delighted for them both,” McLeish said. “That’s why they were brought in, to add creativity, to add assists and goals to it. Ultimately, that’s what players at the top end of the pitch will get judged on, so it’s a good start from the two of them. St Mirren successfully navigated the Premiership playoffs against Partick Thistle, maintaining their stay in the top flight of Scottish Football. Despite the gap to yesterday’s opponents Dumbarton, McLeish was delighted with the professionalism of his side’s victory. “It was just a really professional performance,” McLeish added. “Delighted to get off to a winning start. “We spoke about this not being an extension of pre-season for us; this is our season start and we’re the holders in this competition. “I said to the players that we have to get off to a good start. We have to make sure we get through the group first and foremost. We have to just keep building from here.”

July 12, 2026

“Buzzing” Fraser takes St Mirren captaincy

Marcus Fraser admits he “jumped at the chance” to take the St Mirren captaincy role, ahead of the 2026/27 Scottish Premiership campaign. The 32-year-old takes over the position from the departing Mark O’Hara, who left the Buddies to join Kilmarnock. The former Celtic youngster hopes he can reward the faith shown by manager Craig McLeish. “I had a chat during the week with the manager and the coaching staff, and they asked me if I’d like to take the role on – and of course, I jumped at the chance.” “I thanked them, and I appreciate it. Since they’ve been in from the end of the season to now, they’ve really backed me and shown faith in me, so I’m just happy, and hopefully I can reward them with performances on the pitch and gelling all the new guys together as well. “Since the start of pre-season, the manager’s asked me a few questions here and there about different things to ask my opinion about stuff. “That’s been good from the players’ point of view, and it’s good to get that connection with the manager and coaching staff early.” Fraser has 264 appearances for St Mirren since his 2020 move from Ross County, opening the scoring in last season’s League Cup Final win over Celtic. But perhaps even more crucial was his volley against Partick Thistle to help maintain the Buddies’ Premiership status. St Mirren also confirmed Alex Gogic as vice-captain for the new season. Manager McLeish knows that he will be able to rely on both players, as well as other experienced players in the groupp “When you’re in the building, you see how Marcus runs the changing room and sets standards, day in, day out, on and off the training pitch,” said McLeish. “Gogic is similar. Even beyond that, we’ve got an experienced group of players with Declan John, with Jonah Ayunga, Keanu Baccus and Liam Donnelly. “We’ve got a really good core of experienced players that I can lean on at times. But having Marcus lead the group on and off the pitch, I’m delighted with that.” St Mirren kick off their League Cup defence against Dumbarton on Saturday afternoon.

July 11, 2026

St Mirren Standout signs for Austrian Champions

Miguel Freckleton has left St Mirren to join Austrian giants LASK, in a deal that will include “significant” add-ons for the Buddies. The 22-year-old joined from Sheffield United in July 2025, and with 47 appearances last season, was a prominent figure for both Stephen Robinson and new manager Craig McLeish. A statement on St Mirren’s website read as follows. “With a year remaining on his Saints deal, Miguel made clear his desire to take on a new challenge with the Austrian champions.” “We sincerely thank Miguel for his contributions. He departs with the best wishes of everyone at St Mirren.” The move is an exciting opportunity for the Englishman, as LASK secured their 2nd Austrian Bundesliga title last season, edging Sturm Graz by two points in the championship round. His best moments for the Paisley outfit include a key late winner against Hearts and the equaliser for a crucial win at the Falkirk Stadium. He also played all 120 minutes of their extra-time Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic.

July 2, 2026