St Mirren

“I Thought I Was a Bit of a Roy Keane, But Now I’m Turning Into Robbie!” – Phillips on Forward Deployment

St. Mirren’s Killian Phillips is embracing being deployed as a striker after scoring his side’s only goal in a 1-1 draw away to Partick Thistle in the first leg of the Scottish Premiership relegation playoff. The Irish international, who normally plays in centre midfield, has scored two in his last two appearances, which has seen him used as an attacker in both. And the 24-year-old joked that he has began transitioning from one Irish Keane to another. “It’s the business end of the season where anything goes, and look if it’s going to help the team I’ll play anywhere” Phillips said on the decision to play him up front. “It’s probably something that he [Craig McLeish] noticed in training. I don’t mind, I grew up playing football on the roads, so I think I can play anywhere on the pitch, and I think I’ve shown that. “I thought I was a bit of a Roy Keane, but now I’m turning into Robbie a little bit! My celebration isn’t as good!” Phillips scored the opener in the first half with a composed outside of the boot finish, but it would be cancelled out by an Aidan Fitzpatrick tap-in on the hour mark. The former Crystal Palace man however did not underestimate the challenge of the side in the division below. “They’re a very good side, they’re unbeaten at home, so we know how much of a fortress this is for them. “It’s level again, coming into our gaff, and I’m sure they’ll [St. Mirren fans] will be bouncing. “I think both sets of fans were unbelievable, it was rocking. They have a great set of fans here and it was bouncing, and I’m sure the SMISA will be bouncing next week. “I think we need to start well, I think that’s very important. We need to probably control the game a little bit more at times as well. “They’ll have spells where they’re on top and I think we need to nullify that. Tonight we probably didn’t do that as well as we’ve done through the season.” St. Mirren host Partick Thistle in the return leg this Monday night as Partick Thistle aim to redeem their playoff heartache of 2023.

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Partick Thistle 1-1 St. Mirren: Playoff Remains in Balance After First Leg Spoils Shared

Partick Thistle came from a goal behind to earn a 1-1 draw against St. Mirren in the first leg of the Scottish Premiership promotion/relegation playoff at Firhill. It was the Paisley Saints first time in this playoff since they defeated Dundee United on penalties in 2019, and Thistle’s first time getting this far since the infamous trip to Dingwall in 2023 when they fell short to a Ross County comeback in the final 20 minutes of the tie.  It leaves the tie with everything to play for going into Monday night’s fixture at the Smisa Stadium, which will be as raucous at the capacity crowd at the Wire Stadium this evening.  Aidan Fitzpatrick attempted to capitalise on the electric home atmosphere inside the first ten minutes, cutting on to his right foot and causing the St. Mirren defender to slip. His curled effort though, just wide. Scotland international Allan Campbell seen his name in the back of the paper moments later when a Killian Phillips’, who had been deployed as a striker, chested ball fell to him at the edge of the box, but the midfielder sliced the volley as Josh Clarke watched it sail over his crossbar. Irishman Phillips had a big chance of his own on 21 minutes when he received the ball in space after a well-worked St. Mirren move, but his effort was deflected wide. And just three minutes later, Thistle fashioned a big chance of their own. Alex Samuel pounced on a slack header from Richard King and was just about to stab an effort towards goal. However, it was saved by Ross Sinclair and ricocheted back off of the Welsh forward, trickling wide. The deadlock would be broken six minutes before half time through for the visitors by makeshift forward Phillips. The 24-year-old received the ball from strike partner Mikael Mandron, and put it beyond Clarke with the outside of his right boot to give the Premiership side the 1-0 lead.  The hosts had a glaring opportunity from a Fitzpatrick corner to pull level just before the interval as his in swinging ball landed to an unmarked Lee Ashcroft. The Thistle captain was unable to steer his header on target from six yards out, letting the Paisley opposition away with one. The second period certainly began more nervy than the first, with on loan St. Mirren goalkeeper almost gifting Fitzpatrick a goal had the 25-year-old been able to control his poor kick out inside the opening minute of the half.  And seven minutes later, Clarke of the Jags’ net inexplicably lost the ball in a shoulder-to-shoulder with physical forward Mandron in his own penalty box. With the angle tight, the Frenchman found Campbell, but the former Motherwell man’s chip attempt came nowhere near scoring.  Fitzpatrick would make reprieve himself a moment after the hour mark when he tapped the ball into an empty net thanks to Tony Watt’s hard-work to get the ball in from the right hand side. It is the sixth time the Scot has found the back of the net this season, bringing his side level to 1-1 at a point when tensions were beginning to rise amongst the Jackie Husband and John Lambie stands.  And the Thistle academy graduate should really have been made provider with 12 minutes of play remaining, when his tantalising ball zipped passed everyone across the six-yard box, needing just a mere touch from anyone to put the Maryhill team ahead but there was nobody home.  Partick hit the post in the final minute of injury time to give their guests a scare, but the linesman’s flag was up for offside. The Championship side have their biggest chance to earn promotion since their capitulation in Dingwall three years ago, this time only facing a short journey down the M8 for a return trip to the promised land. As for St. Mirren, they will be doing everything to ensure the do not tarnish their League Cup winning season with the blemish of relegation and maintain their Premiership status for a ninth consecutive season.  PARTICK THISTLE: Clarke 5, Reading 6, Ashcroft 5, Samuel 7, Chalmers 3 (Lets’osa 46’ 3), Crawford 6, McBeth 4 (Turner 80’ 1), Fitzpatrick 9 (Mackay-Steven 88’ 1), Loughrey 5 , McPherson 4 (Logan 59’ 2), Watt 7   SAINT MIRREN: Sinclair 5, Tanser 5, King 3 (Richardson 70’ 1), O’Hara 4 (Douglas 64’ 2), Devaney 6, Mandron 6, Gogic 7, Campbell 7, Freckleton 6, Fraser 5, Phillips 8 (Idowu 77’ 2)

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Dundee 1-0 St Mirren – Dundee edge past St Mirren to steer away from relegation

A first-half Westly strike earned Dundee a huge three points as they look to steady the ship and avoid the drop and remain in the top-flight. Dhanda had the first real big chance after ten minutes as he fired a tame effort from the edge of the box which was easily gathered by Ross Sinclair in goals. Dundee shortly fired ahead after a slack pass at the back allowed Dundee to attack with Congreve twisting-and-turning on the right flank, he then whipped a ball into the box where Joe Westley struck it home to steer Pressley’s men away from the relegation fight. The hosts nearly had a second as Dhanda struck the ball goal bound but was deflected onto the bar by a St Mirren body to deny Dundee a second. Congreve again whipped a low ball in, it found Westley once again but his effort went just wide of the target. St Mirren were denied a penalty just before the break after a pretty dreadful half by the Buddies’ but after a lengthy VAR check, the penalty was denied. Into the second half, Richardson took on a shot from distance which ended up being palmed away by the Dundee number one to deny an equaliser for the Paisley outfit. St Mirren had another big chance which saw Campbell deliver a ball into the box and Mandron met with it but his strike fired just wide. Not much drama in the second period going into the 70 minute mark as St Mirren struggle to pull one back despite a slightly better half than their first half showing. St Mirren again came close as Idowu made a darting run towards goal and took on a strike from a very tight angle which rattled the side netting as St Mirren keep pushing for an equaliser. Congreve had a chance to see off the game with a right-footed strike inside the box but too many touches allowed St Mirren bodies to come back and block his effort. Dundee had a massive late chance with a ball across goal mouth but the Dundee forward unable to tap the ball into the net to go two clear. Dundee see out a vital win at Dens as they continue their relegation fight as their Premiership status for next season looks very likely and for the visitors, well they drop into 11th as they go into the fight with Kilmarnock – which they will meet next Saturday in Paisley. Dundee: McCracken (6), Astley (7), Wright (7), Murray (6), Halliday (7), Yogane (8), Westley (8), Congreve (7), Dhanda (9), Hamilton (7), Graham (7). Substitutes: O’Hara (7), Robertson (7), Hay (6), Samuels (6), Koumetio (6). St Mirren: Sinclair (6), Richardson (6), Tanser (5), King (6), O’Hara (6), Idowu (6), Devaney (6), Mandron (5), Campbell (6), Freckleton (6), Phillips (5). Substitutes: McMenemin (6), Fraser (6), Young (6).

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St Mirren’s fan-owned structure: How influential has it been to the club?

Five years ago, St Mirren executed their long wait into becoming a fan-owned club. The St Mirren Independent Supporter’s Association (SMiSA) purchased the leftover shares to turn the club into an official fan-owned system, gaining 51% stake. Partners Kibble own 27.5% and then the rest has been shared amongst various shareholders at the club. And ever since the purchase, the club has progressed monumentally. With a Scottish League cup to their name, European football and achieved three consecutive top-flight finishes. Their three consecutive top-flight finishes were accomplished with the second lowest budget in the league, which is a remarkable accomplishment. When SMiSA became the majority shareholder of the club, they had a total of 1200 members. Now their aim is to expand that number to 3,000 members by October 2027, which is also the 150th anniversary of St Mirren. St Mirren’s SMiSA also holds a minimum of four seats on the board, which contributes massively to allowing fans opinions and ideas to be heard. And most importantly, give help towards both the team and club itself. Also launched in June 2022, was the “Help a Buddie campaign”, which is a chance for people to give to those who are less fortunate, in aid to bring more support to the team. Ultimately St Mirren’s fan-owned structure has made a significant impact to the club’s progress over the last few years. Their structure may be an idea which other clubs take into consideration over the coming seasons.

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St Mirren applaud “brilliant” Tamosevicius debut in Hampden cauldron

A 6-2 pummelling could drain the confidence of any side, but St Mirren’s defeat to Celtic at Hampden offered several positives, including the introduction of 17-year-old debutant Grant Tamosevicius. Ryan Mullen’s early injury handed the academy goalkeeper the opportunity of a lifetime, striding onto the National Stadium’s turf to face the Scottish Champions in the Scottish Cup semi-finals. Grant’s teammates, including defensive stalwart Alex Gogic, hailed the youngster’s maturity in handling the occasion. “For Grant it was a special moment,” Gogic stated. “I just told him when he comes in, just enjoy every second, because you never know if you will ever come back. “I just told him, if you have nerves, just relax, enjoy every second, it doesn’t matter if you make a mistake, just enjoy every second of it, because you never know. “I’m 32 and you don’t come here often, so I said enjoy it, take it in and enjoy every moment. “It’s special, the boys were over at him and especially the fans, and he did brilliantly, some good saves.” Craig McLeish’s objective is simple – keep St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership. Clawing back a two-goal deficit to Celtic, thanks to a Mikael Mandron double, should offer further confidence to the side, who have already picked up crucial victories over Aberdeen and Falkirk. After three straight top-six finishes, the Paisley faithful have endured a testing campaign in the latest campaign. But having already lifted the Scottish League Cup trophy in December, surviving this intriguing relegation battle would cap off another memorable season.

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James Forrest makes admission on Celtic future after Scottish Cup victory

James Forrest has revealed he wants to stay at Celtic despite contract expiration this summer. The 34-year-old is already Celtic’s most decorated player with 26 trophies but could extend his trophy haul to 28 come the end of May. The winger came off the bench to set up Celtic’s third goal in Sunday’s 6-2 win against St. Mirren and has revealed he’s told Celtic bosses that he doesn’t want to be anywhere else next summer. Forrest said: “I think at Celtic you’re always (playing for a new deal). I remember (Brendan) Rodgers telling me when you sign a new deal you’re always working hard to get the next one. Obviously I’m going to be 35 next summer, but I still feel as though I can contribute in and about the team. The main thing just now is helping the team win the league and obviously we’ve got a cup final to look forward to as well, so hopefully I can be a part of that. “I spoke to the club… I’ve been here for a long time and I don’t want to go anywhere else. So it’s not a big discussion.” Forrest was also asked about how valuable his and his teammates Hampden experience was to staving off a St. Mirren comeback. But the winger was full of praise for the whole squad’s mentality. He said: “Obviously you’ve been and done it. But I think the players, any new signings, any young boys coming through at Celtic quickly realise how big it is every game you play and especially in semi-finals, finals. You’re expected to win these games and it’s onto the next one. “The boys dug in to be fair. Obviously made a lot of subs. The team that started the game wasn’t the team that finished it and I think that’s happened a lot this season. The veteran also agreed that the prospect of Neil Lennon and Martin O’Neill facing off against each other in the Scottish Cup final is an interesting one. “It’s unbelievable, obviously I came through with Lenny as well. He obviously gave me my debut and I played reserves with him and I’ve got a lot of good memories with him. It’s obviously great for him to get into the final as well. “It’s a good one, hopefully by the end of the season we’ll have the league in the bag and a cup final to look forward to. It’ll obviously be a good day for the two of them as well.” With no official word on whether Forrest will remain at Celtic next season, the forward has six games remaining after 24 years at Celtic, where he could extend his trophy tally to a historic 28.

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Alex Gogic disgusted with the criticism Ryan Mullen has received after horror start

Daizen Maeda was gifted a present to open the scoring in the first minute of the Scottish Cup semi-final, while Alex Gogic has defended the goalkeeper amid scrutiny. Following the nightmare opening 15 minutes, Mullen was substituted after he picked up an injury early in the match. Which granted 17-year-old Grant Tamosevicius his debut in the national stadium during a massive semi-final fixture. Although rampant Celtic scored five goals in quick succession during the first half of extra-time, Tamosevicius should be proud of his efforts in what was a huge fixture to be thrown into. After the defeat, some supporters took to social media in anger against Mullen’s error. However, Gogic voiced his opinions on X in support of Mullen and in letdown of “disgraceful tweets”. He said: “I have seen some disgraceful tweets about Ryan Mullen after the game yesterday. “Ryan is a top goalkeeper and gives everything on and off the pitch and by no means did he want to leave the pitch yesterday. Every player makes mistakes it comes with the job and I’ve made plenty. “Unfortunately for Ryan yesterday he was unable to play on despite persevering at first. He does not deserve any of the negativity or accusations he is getting, it’s disgusting.” St Mirren are unaware of the severity of Mullen’s injury, and with Shamal George still out, it could leave The Buddies with Tamosevicius as the only option for the five final matches.

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McLeish Commends Buddies after “Sore” Scottish Cup Exit

Craig McLeish believes there are plenty of positives to take from St Mirren’s semi-final defeat against Celtic, admitting he is “more critical” of himself following the 6-2 loss at Hampden.  A second-half Mikael Mandron double pushed the tie into extra time, but the Buddies would eventually run out of steam, surrendering four goals in six minutes. Whilst they were unable to repeat their League Cup Final heroics, McLeish exuberated pride after the full-time whistle. “I’m so proud of the group and how they performed. To come back from the setbacks that we had early on in the game like losing a goalkeeper early on, losing the goal in the manner in which we did early on, to fight back from that and the fans pulled us through. “Second-half performance was up there with the best since I’ve been in charge of the group. We thought we were in a really good place going into extra time. We made some changes that probably helped us get back into the game. We end up with a lot of attacking players on the pitch. “We change our shape as well so taking those risks helps us get to extra time and then they maybe expose us a little bit there, the quality that Celtic bring on the pitch then takes its toll and they hurt us. “It’s maybe a wee bit of naivety on my part with the way we finished the 90 minutes and the message was to keep going. We were trying not to be reckless with it but we thought we were in a good place. There’s maybe bits that I need to look back on. “I’m not going to be critical of our group and our players at all. I’m probably first and foremost, I’m more critical of myself. The score line looks really sore. I don’t think we deserved that score line. “We have to retain our status in the league. There has to be positives that we take. We can’t just ignore negatives. We’ve got a massive five games, we’re fighting for survival, we know that, the group knows that.” McLeish acknowledged goalkeeper Ryan Mullen’s first-half injury. The 24-year-old’s error allowed Daizen Maeda to open the scoring in the first minute. “Ryan’s a professional, he’ll deal with that well.” “He kind of kicked the ground and then got robbed of the ball and he’s ended up kind of pulling his thigh muscle.” Five games remain for St Mirren, as they aim to consolidate their Premiership status. Victories over Falkirk and Aberdeen, as well as spirited displays against Celtic, will offer encouragement for the League Cup Champions. Sitting precariously above the relegation playoff spot, Saturday’s home encounter against Livingston could offer breathing space for the Paisley side, before crunch games against Dundee and Kilmarnock.

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“We had to show it again today, and we showed it in abundance to get the job done!”- Anthony Ralston reflects on a dramatic Scottish Cup victory

Celtic right-back Anthony Ralston praised the character shown by the Celtic squad to fend off a St. Mirren comeback and reach a fourth consecutive Scottish Cup final. Celtic ran out 6-2 winners, but needed extra-time to see off Craig Mcleish’s side who came back from 2-0 down in stoppage time. Ralston scored his first Hampden goal in a Celtic shirt to put Martin O’Neill’s side 2-0 up just before half time. But Celtic needed to show a lot of resilience after dropping a two goal lead. “The mentality that we showed, that we’ve showed all throughout the years has gave us success. We had to show it again today and we showed it in abundance to get the job done.” He also mentioned that Celtic will be keen to win May’s cup final, having lost their last two cup finals. But focus now immediately shifts to the title race. “It’s in the back of our mind in terms of we’ve obviously got a title race to take care of in the next couple of weeks. Then we can have that at the end of the season and hopefully get more silverware.” Ralston also acknowledged that his place in the Scotland World Cup squad isn’t guaranteed, but a goal today as well as two more potential winners medals will certainly help his case for a call-up. “I don’t take anything for granted. It’s a crazy game. That’s why days like today, I need to keep taking my opportunities, I need to keep proving myself to hopefully get in that squad and that’s obviously my aim. As well as obviously being successful and winning trophies. I’ve got a lot that keeps me going and a lot that drives me everyday to be at my best. “Everybody’s a collective here. You know, we’re all hungry, we’ve all got the desire. We know it’s been a tough season. “I’ve got enough on my plate to try and win more. So I’m going to try and win more trophies at Celtic going into the end of the season and also trying to be successful internationally as well. So I’ve got a lot to keep me going.” He also admitted that prior to his goal, his first instinct wasn’t even to go for goal. “Initially, in my mind I was going to cross it. But then I thought I’ll just have a hit. Then it’s about having as clean a strike as possible across the goal and maybe not as close to the crossbar as I wanted. “I’ve not scored at Hampden for Celtic and I’ve said it all through the years. It was an incredible feeling.” Celtic will now face Dunfermline Athletic on the 23rd May in the final of the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup. But they’ll first turn their attention to league action with five games remaining in this year’s title race. Celtic host Falkirk on Saturday.

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Celtic 6-2 St. Mirren: Celtic extra time barrage sees off St. Mirren comeback

Celtic 6-2 St.Mirren (AET) Celtic overcame worries of a St. Mirren comeback with an extra-time punishment to exact Hampden revenge and reach the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup final. Maeda (1′) Ralston (45+3′) Iheanacho (96′, 100′) McCowan (98′) Nygren (102′)       Mandron (53′, 90+1′) Celtic wasted no time after kick-off as Daizen Maeda pounced on a poor kick from Ryan Mullen. A block from the forward trickled over the line to give Celtic at the lead in the opening minute. Martin O’Neill’s side continued to apply early pressure as Arne Engels attempt bounced off the post within the opening ten. It became an afternoon to forget for Ryan Mullen who filled in for the injured Shamal George. Mullen would pick up an injury of his own in the 15th minute meaning he was replaced by 17-year-old Grant Tamosevicius who made his senior debut. The teenager was called into action early on as his kick out was intercepted by Tounekti who played through Benjamin Nygren, but the effort was straight into the hands of the keeper. Moments later, he would deny Maeda a brace with a great stop from inside the area. St. Mirren’s first shot of the afternoon came from Mikael Mandron just before the half hour mark, but his effort from outside the area was blocked. Liam Donnelly would then force Viljami Sinisalo into a fantastic save from the corner. St. Mirren would then start to grow into the game and nearly recreated Celtic’s goal when Killian Phillips’ block of Sinisalo’s kick out caused a scare. Luckily for Celtic, if the ball had crossed the line, it was ruled that it came off Phillips’ arm. Moments later, Arne Engels entered the book for a challenge on Jacob Devaney. Celtic’s first effort since Engels struck the post would strike the bar as Tamosevicius could only watch on as Yang headed goal-wards from a Kieran Tierney cross. The drama of goalkeeper kick outs continued as Sinisalo’s short pass was intercepted by Mandron inside the box. Mandron laid the ball off to Phillips whose close range effort was wide off the post. Anthony Ralston put Celtic two goals to the good with the last kick of the half as Yang’s back heel was left perfectly for the fullback whose shot came off the underside of the bar. Mandron then pulled one back for St. Mirren shortly after halftime as he headed in from a Declan John cross. Celtic looked to respond fast through Yang, but his goal bound effort was blocked by Jonah Ayunga for a corner. Celtic would then recycle play as Tamosevicius collected the ball in a congested penalty area. Allan Campbell entered the book moments after for a challenge on Ralston. A triple-substitution 15 minutes from time would allow St. Mirren captain Mark O’Hara to move back into his natural position in the middle of the park. He’d then instantly have an attempt at goal, but his header from a deep free-kick was just over the bar. St. Mirren had a penalty appeal waved five minutes from time when Jayden Richardson went down in the box following contact from Marcelo Saracchi. Sinisalo would then produce an excellent double save to keep Celtic’s lead in the closing stages. The lead didn’t last long however as Mandron latched onto a Jake Young through ball and beat Sinisalo low into the bottom corner to equalise in stoppage time. Luke McCowan came close to winning it at the death, but his half volley from outside the box was just over. The first chance of extra-time fell to Mandron, looking for a hat-trick. The forward managed to meet Declan John’s cross once more, but the shot was blocked by substitute Dane Murray. Celtic then looked to James Forrest to counter from a corner, but was shut down by Mark O’Hara who was booked for his foul. Iheanacho restored Celtic’s lead in the 96th minute, heading in from a James Forrest cross. McCowan put Celtic two up immediately after with a great finish. The fourth then became the fifth when Ihenancho cooly finished past Tamosevicius. The fifth became the sixth when Nygren gave Celtic their fourth goal in six minutes. Celtic didn’t look to let St. Mirren off the hook in the second half of extra-time as Tamosevicius produced saves from Forrest and Iheanancho before Austin Trust fired high and wide from close range. The final chance of the match fell to Iheanacho, but his effort went out for a throw in. The whistle sounded shortly after as Celtic reached their fourth consecutive Scottish Cup final. Celtic will return to Barclays Hampden to face Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline in the final of the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup on the 23rd May. This ensures a re-run of the 2007 cup final, where Lennon was the Celtic captain in a 1-0 win. Celtic: Sinisalo, Ralston, Arthur (Murray 91′), Trusty, Tierney (Saracchi 82′), McGregor (Oxlade-Chamberlin 74′), Engels (McCowan 74′), Nygren, Yang (Iheanacho 82′), Maeda, Tounekti (Forrest 60′) St. Mirren: Mullen (Tamosevicius 16′), Donnelly (McMenamin 82′), Gogic, Freckelton, O’Hara, Devaney, Campbell (Richardson 74′), Phillips (Idowu 74′), John (Tanser 105′), Mandron, Ayunga (Young 74′)

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