Last week, St Mirren manager Jack Ross hosted a presentation with coaches and staff members from the St Mirren Youth Academy at the Paisley 2021 Stadium.
The Buddies gaffer discussed many topics with the coaches such as preparing for a match, training, player recruitment and more.
Allan McManus, the Head of the Youth Academy, has a close working relationship with the manager and believed it would be beneficial for all at the academy to see the standards he sets at first team level.
Speaking to stmirren.com, Allan said: "I thought it was very important that the guys within the academy got to see the structure and the high standards that the manager has set and how that filters down through the rest of the club.
I think it was important that that message came from the manager because, as much as I emphasise the high expectations and the standards to all the staff within the academy, they are probably sick and tired of hearing my voice.
"The manager has always said that anything he can do to assist the academy he is more than happy to do it. Our relationship is probably very unique in that I get to work very closely with him on a daily basis. For the young players it gives them that link because he is very interested and the first thing he asks me on a Monday morning is about how the young players are getting on.
"He's very hands on and it's important when these players move up to the full time environment that I can feedback to the manager on how they are fitting in and when they go over into the first team I can explain what to expect and it makes that transition a bit easier."
The manager admitted that he was more than happy to do it and says it was important to show that the coaches hard work doesn't go unnoticed.
He was also pleased with the response to the evening and reckons it's something they will do again.
"Allan knows I have a consistent and strong interest in how the academy is doing," he said. "I like to be aware of what is happening and I like to be able to help when I can.
"There were two strands to it. One, how I work and prepare and the second part of it about the culture we are trying to create within the club.
"The reaction was really positive and it just strengthens the connection between the whole club. The academy guys have a completely different job to me, but one, nonetheless, just as demanding and what they do should be awarded and appreciated and it certainly is with me.
"Allan's role is head of the academy and I don't stand on his toes in that respect, but I'm keen to see how the whole club progresses. I'm also interested in helping to aid and develop them as coaches. In a lot of ways it was beneficial, the feedback was really positive and it's something we'll do again."
