They are on course for a second-to-last place finish in the
league table but the League Cup triumph in March means this will forever be
looked upon as a positive year for Danny Lennon’s St Mirren. The rose tinted
specs may still apply to some Hampden heroes, but one fantastic game may not be
enough to earn total forgiveness for others. Dave MacFarlane writes.
GOALKEEPERS
Craig Samson – The Ginger Ninja has been ever-present
between the sticks for the Saints this season. The first half of the season saw
some truly awful performances which regular listeners of the SPL Podcast heard
me invent some new swear words when discussing his performances. He seemed to
lack concentration and made numerous errors which cost St Mirren goals and
points.
Since late December though, Craig turned things around to
find the same form as last season which earned him a call-up to the Scotland squad.
He has turned it some colossal performances, particularly in the League Cup
games against Celtic and Aberdeen,
as well as recent SPL games against Celtic and Motherwell. His form and talent
has seen the ex-Ayr United stopper linked with a move to Motherwell recently,
and I’ll be gutted if he doesn’t agree a new contract.
Grant Adam – Signed from The Rangers in the summer after his
contract expired, Charlie’s younger brother impressed in pre-season appearances
and with the under-20 team until a broken leg in August ruled him out for the
remainder of 2012. Until his injury, some fans were calling from Samson to be
dropped for Grant. Hasn’t appeared for St Mirren yet, but at only 22 and
representing Scotland
at various youth levels, his time in the Saints colours will surely come.
DEFENDERS
David van Zanten – Zanty has been as dependable as always
this season. Always a 7/10 player this season and has given 100% effort as
always. David recently signed a contract extension for next season and he’s
certainly earned another year in the first team. However, he’ll turn 31 in a
few weeks and I have noticed his reaction time against attackers starting to
slow down. It’s rare that someone will completely outplay him though. The only
thing I would say negatively about Zanty is he’s guilty of standing off his man
on the wing sometimes, which more often than not will lead to a dangerous cross
or pass into the area for a goal.
Paul Dummett – The left back has been a great asset to St
Mirren since joining on loan (twice) from Newcastle United. The start of the
season saw his attacking instincts impress, with two goals and several assists
from the youngster. I was disappointed to see him go back to Newcastle to make his debut for the Geordies
in the FA Cup. However, he would return a few weeks later and slot straight
back into the first team. Since his return, his efforts in defence rather than
attack have been vastly improved and noticed a lot more, although pacey wingers
have been able to terrorize him on rare occasions. Dummett is also guilty of
not closing down his man in time, allowing a cross or a pass to come into the
box for a goal for the opposition, and he must improve that side of his game.
Paul is considering staying at the club permanently due to his improvement and
Danny Lennon’s management.
Darren McGregor – Darren has only made nine SPL appearances
in two seasons due to cruciate ligament injuries (one in each knee). He’s
recently made a comeback with the under-20 side but has reported discomfort in
his knee which has probably ruled him out of the season. It’d be really unfair
to discuss his season.
Lee Mair – The veteran centre-back hasn’t been first choice
this season, partly due to injury and partly due to Jim Goodwin being a better
defender, which tells its own story. At 32, he’s going downhill and rapidly.
He’s still capable of having a good game, but more often than not Lee has been
outpaced, out-thought and outclassed by SPL strike forces this season. He’s
been on the bench recently and should stay there. He’s found things difficult
this season and I can’t see things improving for him.
Marc McAusland – I suggested at the start of the season that
Cheesy was basically just a shaven baboon in a football shirt in a discussion
with Inverness Caley Thistle super fan Lawrie Spence and we would really miss
McGregor calming influence beside Marc. I’m man enough to admit I was
completely wrong. Marc has been our best defender by far. He’s really come on
in leaps and bounds and earned his contract extension.
While he’s still more than capable of having the occasional
brainfart, he has replaced McGregor as our defensive rock. While he’ll still
make an odd error leading to a goal for the opposition, he’s brave in the air,
solid, not scared of a tackle in any area of the field, and his skills with the
ball at his feet have been a lot better.
David Barron – He’s been on the bench for the most part, and
to be honest, he’s not even good enough for that. At the time of writing, he’s
spent 775 minutes on the field in the SPL, and that’s 775 too much. I named him
in my ‘Worst SPL XI’ for the Terrace, which says it all for me. His performance
against Ross County in particular in the 4-1 home
drubbing was particularly awful. To be fair, he’ll give 100%, but when it still
isn’t good enough, then time to go away. He simply isn’t good enough for the
SPL and he’s yet to impress me in any performance in the Saints jersey.
CONCLUSION – The defence has been our weak point all season.
They don’t seem to start the game until we gift the opposition a goal, although
it’s been improving in recent weeks. Also, St Mirren like to play a passing
game and like to let the game breathe, so we stand off players at left and
right back rather the players just going through the man, which leads to
chances for the opposition. For me, we need to sign Paul Dummett on a permanent
deal, and find another centre back to challenge McGregor (if fit), McAusland
and Goodwin. Mair is rapidly declining and Barron simply isn’t good enough for
the SPL. St Mirren also need to get tough and physical in defence. We’ll stop
gifting easy goals if we do that, I’m sure of it.
MIDFIELDERS
Jim Goodwin – Captain Fantastic. You’re never quite sure
what Jim Goodwin is on the field. Sometimes, you get the hard-tackling, slick
passing, occasionally fond of scoring a screamer defensive midfielder (or centre-back)
that stops the opposition getting any foothold in the game.
Sometimes, you get the nutter who likes to run about kicking
people and generally stay out of position until he gets sent off.
Either way, Jim is usually a solid, no-nonsense player who
really isn’t afraid to put himself about on the field. Just ask Neil Lennon.
Another player who has improved for St Mirren this season and is instrumental
to the team, especially in the big games. When Jim has the head screwed on, St
Mirren usually plays well. His defensive play and mindset is a Godsend
sometimes, as attack in midfield is St Mirren’s strong point.
Jon Robertson – Jon hasn’t played a lot but when he has,
he’s generally run about like a headless chicken. Jon has sent back to
Cowdenbeath on loan in January for a month, where he looked like he’d found his
level. He does have a good passing range, and he has the right attitude for the
club. Maybe next season will see an improvement, but he’s looked out of the
depth so far in the SPL.
Graeme Carey – I simply do not know why Carey doesn’t start
more often. The left winger has pace, a dangerous cross, is deadly from dead
ball situations and we all know he’s capable of scoring the occasional
screamer. He’s been on the bench recently as Isma Gonclaves is preferred out on
the left, but is usually impressive when on the field. At the start of the
season, he was played at left back until Dummett came in. One thing we learned
about Graeme then was he isn’t a left back! There are rumours Graeme and Danny
Lennon have had a falling-out recently, hence his demotion. As Isma will return
to Rio Ave in the summer, I hope Graeme finds his way back into the first XI
next season.
Kenny McLean – At only 21, Kenny has been compared to Barry
Ferguson in his pomp and linked to moves to the likes of Celtic and Crystal
Palace over the past year and is believed to be on his way to Ipswich in the
summer. Although best known as a centre midfielder, he’s also very capable on
the left and has recently been seen there in place of Carey when Gonclaves is
up front.
Kenny is a very hard worker, and this season has seen his
fantastic technique and glorious passing range get even better. He simply never
seems to put a foot wrong or have a bad game. Kenny has been one of our most
impressive players this season and a higher level surely beckons for the
Rutherglen native next season.
Gary Teale – Teale, Teale will tear you apart again… The 34
year old winger has rolled back the years this season and seems to be having an
Indian summer in the twilight of his career. Gary really has been a class apart
on the right wing, and has earned the contract extension he recently received.
This season has seen the Gary Teale who in his pomp played in the English
Premier League and for Scotland. While the extra yard of pace has gone, his
intelligent play helps him find the space he needs to whip in dangerous balls
from set plays and crosses.
Gary has embarrassed most of his opponents. regardless of
ability, and Izzaguirre of Celtic in particular has had his baws felt on more
than one occasion. It remains to be seen if this is just Gary’s last hurrah or
if he’ll keep this level of performance up next campaign.
Conor Newton – Conor only joined the club in January on loan
from Newcastle. The cynic in me wondered if this was only to keep Paul Dummett
company. Conor has made the cynic in me look like a right fanny. Newton has
real talent, and I’d be surprised if he didn’t make his way into Newcastle’s
first team squad next season. Newton has a great work rate and his possession
skills really make him stand out amongst the Saints midfield. It’s very rare to
see Newton give the ball away and he always seems to find his man with his
pass. He knows where the goal is too, just look at his strikes against Hearts
and Motherwell.
Conor has said he would consider staying in Paisley on a
permanent basis, and I’d love to see him continue his development in our
colours.
John McGinn – What. A. Find.
John became the third McGinn brother to play for the club
when he made his debut against Celtic in November. Since then, he’s come on in
leaps and bounds in his 13 appearances for St Mirren. He absolutely dominated
in the League Cup Final and was instrumental in St Mirren’s victory. He’s only
18 but plays the game like a 28 year old. His passing is good, he’s rarely
caught out of position, and his shooting is better than a lot of strikers.
He’s better than Kenny McLean was at 18 and is a better
footballer than his older brothers are ever likely to be, and I wax lyrical
about Kenny! He still needs to develop physically as big bruisers like Victor
Wanyama have bullied him out of games this season, but that’ll come with time.
He has a massive season ahead of him next season as he looks to cement his
first team place.
Sander Puri – There’s little I can say about the Estonian.
He played 45 minutes against Motherwell a couple of weeks ago and he looked
lost and unsure of his position. Apart from that, he’s not had a chance yet.
Paul McGowan – The diminutive midfielder’s season has seen
him touted for a Scotland call-up, and it’s hard to disagree with those shouts.
He’s a dangerous attacking midfielder who sets us and scores goals for St
Mirren, and he’s popped up with a few important ones this term. When the need
arises though, he’s more than happy to get into defensive positions for the
team and get stuck in. His work rate has been top notch and he’s rarely let the
team down.
CONCLUSION – St Mirren are extremely strong in midfield and
it has been our best area by a mile. There is no weakness across the middle of
the park for us, and the midfield has rarely let the team down. The only change
I’d like to see is another defensive midfielder. Goodwin is more or less a
centre back these days and we miss his steel sometimes in midfield. St Mirren
should look at potential replacements for Newton, McLean and McGowan, as
they’ll be linked with bigger clubs in the summer and it’ll be hard to say no
to any lucrative bid. Also, it’s worth looking at a long-term replacement for
Gary Teale, if only to rest his old legs sometimes.
FORWARDS
Dougie Imrie – Dougie is most often used as an impact sub.
Shame he rarely makes any impact.
I don’t want to be too hard to him as he’s a player who
gives plenty of effort and won’t shirk out of any challenge from a big
defender. He did well at Hamilton when they were in the SPL and I thought he
would be a great signing last January.
The move to St Mirren hasn’t worked out for Dougie. Any time
I’ve seen him this term, he’s looked like a player who would run rings around
First Division defences but just doesn’t have enough for the SPL. It’s a shame,
but he hasn’t been good enough for us.
Steven Thompson – What can I say about the ThommoHawk that
hasn’t been said? Our savior. With 13 league goals this season and what feels
like umpteen in the run to the League Cup victory, he quite frankly has stopped
us being involved in a true relegation scrap. The hometown boy has grabbed
points for the Saints when we haven’t deserved them. And who can forget that
overhead kick against Ross County in the 5-4 game? Or the volley against Celtic
in the League Cup semi? Or the finish against Hearts in the final? I could be
here all week, but I have a deadline to meet. St Mirren’s best player this
season, has been head and shoulders above the rest of the strikers and the team
itself if I’m being truly honest.
Sam Parkin – His signing still baffles me. He scored six
times in 15 games for a Queen of the South team on their way out of the First
Division, so naturally St Mirren signed him. It was his level. The big man is
used as a target for the long ball when Thompson isn’t there, but he doesn’t
have Thommo’s ability to hold up the ball, link the play…or be any good at
football. He has been a waste of wages and thankfully was only signed on a one
year deal. I’ll eat your hat if he’s still at the club in August.
Lewis Guy – Lewis has a smashing beard these days. He hasn’t
seen as much football since Goncalves joined the club, but when I have seen him
come on as a sub, he’s looked a better player since he’s had the chance to
learn from watching Isma and ThommoHawk ™. Lewis seems to have modeled his look
on Thompson this season. He has a beard like them, is built like him, and
scores like him, if not as often. They’re dreamy.
Anyway…Guy was sent off on his debut, which immediately
wrote him off as a knob in my book. Luckily, he moved on quickly and started to
find the net semi-regularly. I hope to see him get another chance beside
Thompson. Guy is faster and is more comfortable dribbling than Thompson, so it
could work very well.
Esmael Gonclaves – Big Isma burst onto the scene on his
debut against Celtic in the League Cup semi final with St Mirren’s first goal
and has went on to score numerous important goals for the team during his loan
spell from Portuguese Primera Liga side Rio Ave. I’ve heard a stat that Isma is
the only professional footballer in recent times to score on his club debut in
the league and national cups with those games coming one after another. I doubt
it’s true, but frankly, I like it so I’m taking it.
He’s been out on the left in recent games but he’s clearly a
striker. He only needs half a yard and he’ll score. He’s pacey, built like a
shit brickhouse, dangerous, confident, fantastic with the ball at his feet…and
he’s going home in June.
Boo.
Thomas Reilly – The 18 year old broke his ankle early in the
season, so it’s hard to really judge him. He scored his first ever professional
goal against Motherwell though, so there was a positive.
CONCLUSION – St Mirren need at least two more strikers next
season. Isma is going home, Parkin is hopefully going into a skip, and Imrie
isn’t good enough. Reilly is untested but on the way back. St Mirren really
need a bit of pace and trickery in attack, and would be well served to look for
players like this in the summer. Thompson can’t keep us in the SPL on his own,
after all, he’s 34 and won’t be able to continue playing every single game.
Thompson and Gonclaves are the only positives from a poor campaign for the
forward line.
THE MANAGER
Danny Lennon – Won us our first major silverware in 26
years. And for that, he’s forgiven for that awful run in mid-season where at
one point we were only a single point ahead of Dundee.
I’ve seen Danny learn as a manager this campaign. During that run, he
eventually realized things weren’t working for St Mirren, so he changed our
style of play and the players were rotated for a while.
This really freshened things up and we turned it around.
Danny’s team plays the best football in the SPL at their best, and I look
forward to more of the same in future. Sorry if anyone expected more here, BUT
WE WON THE LEAGUE CUP!!!!
If you like Dave McFarlane’s work you’ll be pleased to know
he is a member of the SPL podcast and editor of the Born Offside blog, he can
also be found on twitter.
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