As we approach the final weeks of the regular season I thought it appropriate to give you all another update from the board.
ON THE PITCH
The form shown by the team since our squad restructure in January has been remarkable. It’s a testament to Jack, James and the players that they have managed to turn in a series of results that now leaves our destiny in our own hands with just two games remaining.
It’s been a roller coaster season like no other, and there is still much work to do over the last two matches but there is a positive energy about the whole club right now that has been a joy to be part of these last few months and I have the utmost faith that this will continue to be the case right to the end of the campaign.
It’s really satisfying to me that we have earned these positive results by playing entertaining football. Seventeen goals scored in our last six league matches has been typical of the brand of football Jack and James have fostered at our club. It’s been really enjoyable seeing a St.Mirren team play with a bit of swagger again and long may it continue!
It’s a cliché but the supporters have truly been that 12th man this season. You have stuck with the team and the management through that difficult transitional period and the backing you’ve given through what has seemed like an endless series of “must win” games has been truly fantastic.
The players, the management & the board of directors truly appreciate your loyalty and support and we know we can count on you again for the remaining games of the season.
NEW SPONSORS
In my last update I mentioned forthcoming news on a new major sponsorship and kit deal.
I am delighted to welcome Skyview Capital and Joma to the St.Mirren family.
It goes without saying that such major deals are vital to the ongoing finances of our club and give us a solid foundation on which to go forward. We are fortunate to have these organisations on board and look forward to working with them over the coming seasons.
PLAYING KITS & CLUB SHOP
As part of the new deal it will be fantastic to once again see replica shirts and other merchandise being sold directly by the club from our own shop and via our own website.
We will shortly be expanding the stadium shop to cope with what we hope will be a great increase in customer numbers coming in throughout the week and not just on match days.
I can’t give away too much on the new kits at this time but, like me, I’m sure you will be glad to know we will be back in our traditional stripes again next season on both the back and front!
We expect the kit to go on sale in early June, with pre-orders being accepted here on STMIRREN.COM in our e-store. Look out for more details on the website and on our social media channels in the coming weeks.
SMISA UPDATE
The SMiSA AGM takes place this Saturday in the UWS Library on Storie Street (1230 start and open to all SMiSA members – Register your attendance here)
I’d like to thank all SMiSA members for their help during the course of the season. There were a number of financial challenges that we inherited and the loan we were given to allow us to fix the undersoil heating was greatly appreciated as that cost came at a very difficult time for us. It took longer than anticipated but I’m pleased to advise that the USH system is now functional again although it will still need some further work to make it more robust in time for next winter.
The construction of the disabled platform and the contribution to the playing budget during our time of need in January were positive examples of the club and SMiSA working together to achieve a common goal – that being the continued progress of the club both on and off the pitch.
The deal between SMiSA and myself and the selling consortium was complex and one which was constructed with meticulous detail by all of those involved. The SMiSA committee worked really hard to ensure the agreement represented a good deal for both the fans and the club.
That attention to detail has delivered a completely secure and robust plan and one which remains well on track to achieving it’s published aims in the timescales originally quoted.
I am very happy that we are heading in the right direction towards full fan ownership and the relationship between SMiSA and the board is very healthy, with David Nicol performing the role of conduit between both organisations perfectly.
I will be on hand at the AGM to answer any questions any members might have.
INFRASTRUCTURE WORK
In addition to the club shop expansion which I’ve already touched on we have just started phase 3 of the renovation work at the academy buildings at Ralston.
This will take in the necessary repairs to the coaches changing room and will also involve the relocation of the kit room to allow for an office for the medical and football analysis staff. We have also created a separate video analysis area.
There have been some issues with drainage on the grass training area which will need to be addressed in the close season.
IN SUMMARY
Thank you for your continued support both emotionally and financially this season. It’s been greatly appreciated and hopefully the next 10 days will see that support rewarded with a positive outcome on the pitch allowing us to move forward into next season with justified optimism.
See you Saturday.
#COYS #ThisLove
