These are difficult times for all football clubs and we continue to operate with the tireless support of a core group of loyal staff. These people carry out a number of vital day-to-day roles to ensure that the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the club is kept to an absolute minimum.

However, as we await a decision on how and when the current Premiership season will end we must also start to prepare for the 2020-21 campaign.

With that in mind we would like to announce that season tickets will go on sale from Monday, May 11th, for both renewals and new ticket sales.

Next season is still clouded by uncertainty and we must rely on our fans now, more than ever, to look beyond these uncertainties and continue backing the club in whatever way they can.

Due to the ongoing lockdown the stadium and ticket office continue to be closed physically to the public therefore season ticket sales need to be completed either online or by phone.

As we are operating with reduced staffing levels, you may have to leave a voicemail message. We ask you to be patient and promise we will contact you as soon as possible to help with your purchase or enquiry.

More detailed information will be released through all channels of media during the course of this week.

Meantime we continue to use our social media channels to share both information and fun-based content. This will continue and develop even further both during and after lockdown.

Check out our sites:

Twitter: @saintmirrenfc

Facebook: Stmirrenfc

Instagram: stmirrenfootballclub

YouTube: StMirrenFootballClub

League Reconstruction

Thank you all for a great response to our request for ideas on league reconstruction. It is obvious how passionate all fans are about this subject. The detail and thought process engaged in some of the emails was exceptional and it has given us much food for thought.

Once the process is completed we will produce an article for the website highlighting some of the ideas.

Given the large number of responses it would be impossible to email everybody individually so please accept this as our thanks for your input.

Street Stuff update

Street Stuff have now totally changed how they deliver activities, moving to online social media platforms for quizzes, gaming (FIFA tournaments, Fortnite, etc), open mike nights and other activities to entertain and engage with young people in the evenings. Details of our online activities for this week can be found here.

Many of our coaches have also been supporting the school hubs providing activities for the children of key workers. All our coaches have sent in a video clip of what they are doing and what impact the pandemic is having on them. We are in the process of turning these clips into a video which will be shared on the club website.

Our young coaches are also in the process of setting up a constituted group, supported by Engage Renfrewshire, which will enable them, as a group, to access funding that is not available to street stuff but which will benefit the communities and young people they are working with.

Prior to the lockdown Street Stuff had great success delivering the UEFA Foundation for children funded GoFitba project in association with the Scottish Football Partnership.

Street Stuff Social Media

Facebook: StreetStuff

Twitter: @SMFCStreetStuff

Instagram: @smfcstreetstuff

YouTube: streetstuff1877

Tik Tok: @streetstuff_1877

Supporters can still get in touch with the club via email.

General Enquiries – info@stmirren.com 

Ticket Office – tickets@stmirren.com 

Fans who wish to purchase anything from the club shop can still do so online. All orders will be processed and posted as quickly as possible and we are finding that goods are usually being delivered within 3-4 days. If you have any queries please email the shop on shop@stmirrendirect.co.uk.

The commercial department remains open and supporters and sponsors wishing to make contact are advised to do so by email commercial@stmirren.com.

St Mirren Charitable Foundation

A big thank you and congratulations to all of our Buds In Bootcamp and Football Fans In Training participants for all their hard work and perseverance throughout this difficult time to complete their courses. We are very proud of you, well done.

We will continue to support our current groups and look forward to the online 'Glam' themed awards ceremony tomorrow night with special guests. Gayle would personally like to thank all the amazing coaches who go above and beyond week in, week out. We are incredibly lucky and grateful to have you guys.

Thank you to all SMiSA members who voted for the Foundation to receive their £2 quarterly spend which meant we received a donation of £2,500. SMiSA have shown great faith in the Foundation since our re-launch 18 months ago, we are very grateful and appreciate your unwavering and consistent support.

As promised we have secured a new food partner in A & A Bakery in Johnstone who will be providing 50 loaves per week to us for Star Project and their community fridges. Thank you to the new owner Gary McGaw for his kindness and continued support.

We were contacted by Gary Reid and the Cockles Wilson fan club on behalf of Elderslie Care Home who have been through a very difficult and tragic time over the past month. We utilised the donation given to us by St Mirren FC Disabled Supporters and made a visit to the home yesterday to drop off all the items on their wish list. The staff and residents have passed on their thanks.

Another shout out to our superfan Ian Brown for kindly parting with his prized Ian Ferguson signed St Mirren Top which raised another £400 for our just giving page, thank you Ian and thank you to John McCormack who bought it from him.

We are still keen to secure a fresh fruit and veg partner and will keep you all informed on our progress in the next update.

Thank you to everyone for your continued support and kindness and take care of yourselves.

Instagram – smfc_charitablefoundation

Twitter - @SMFC_CF

Facebook – St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation

Contact - gayle.brannigan@stmirren.com 

And finally

Everybody looks forward to the release of the new season playing kit and with all the uncertainties that still surround football we are sure this year's launch will take on an even greater emotional meaning to both ourselves and many of our supporters.

We are confident of getting the strips in time for a release at the beginning of June but we are hopeful this may happen even sooner.

For the first time in many seasons, and due to popular demand, we will be returning to the historic striped home shirt.

Watch this space!

As a club St Mirren has given its full backing to the SPFL’s plans to terminate the 2019/20 season in the Ladbrokes Championship, League 1 and League 2.

UEFA have now paved the way for the unfinished Premiership season to be called without the remaining games being played.

European football’s ruling body have given acceptable reasons for ending the season prematurely, as:

• Existence of an official order prohibiting sports events so that the domestic competitions cannot be completed before a date that would make it possible to complete the current season in good time before the next season starts.
• Insurmountable economic problems which make finishing the season impossible because it would put at risk the long-term financial stability of the domestic competition and/or clubs.

We believe these are highly sensible conditions as it has become increasingly likely that, firstly, no football will played until next season due to lockdown and social distancing and, secondly, that clubs across Scotland need to receive their end of season fee payments as quickly as possible or suffer serious financial problems.

We appreciate that, in line with SPFL rules, there will now be an EGM on May 12th to discuss the allegations regarding the previous vote on the resolution to end the season.

However, St Mirren’s view is that the safety of the supporters and the survival of Scottish football clubs must be the priority and therefore it is our opinion that the Premiership season should be terminated immediately. This will allow for end of season payments to be made and for clubs to start to plan as best they can for next season.

Street Stuff

Details of our online activities for this week can be found here.

These activities may change based on the demand from young people when online.

Street Stuff Social Media

Facebook page: StreetStuff

Twitter: @SMFCStreetStuff

Instagram: @smfcstreetstuff

YouTube: streetstuff1877

Tik Tok: @streetstuff_1877

Supporters can still get in touch with the club via email.

General Enquiries – info@stmirren.com 

Ticket Office – tickets@stmirren.com 

Fans who wish to purchase anything from the club shop can still do so online. All orders will be processed and posted as quickly as possible and we are finding that goods are usually being delivered within 3-4 days. If you have any queries please email the shop on shop@stmirrendirect.co.uk.

The commercial department remains open and supporters and sponsors wishing to make contact are advised to do so by email commercial@stmirren.com.

St Mirren Charitable Foundation

A big thank you to Stuart Gillespie, Dave Nicol and Paul McNeill for being the masterminds behind our #StripesOnFriday last week which saw so many Saints fans don their strips, take some pictures and donate to the Foundation's JustGiving page.

The entire day was great fun and it was lovely to see so many familiar faces smiling and enjoying being involved.

The fans who donated on the day raised just under £3000 which is quite astonishing and we are very grateful, thank you.

This week Tommy Roberts & Ian Brown have kindly offered to auction off some of their prized St Mirren Strips and memorabilia to raise funds for the Foundation which has inspired us to consider having an auction day within the next week or Two. We would love feedback from fans on this and if anyone has an item they would like to donate then please get in touch by emailing gayle.brannigan@stmirren.com. 

We have secured another food partner this week, this time a bakery, as bread is one of our essential items. We will confirm details on our Feelgood Friday shout out from Jim Goodwin.

We are looking to secure a fresh fruit and veg partner as soon as possible and would welcome any contacts of local companies who may be able to support in some way no matter how small, it all makes a difference.

Lastly, we wish to thank the St Mirren Disabled Supporters Association who donated £300 to our fundraising which they would normally have used towards transportation to games, we are very grateful and really appreciate all of your support.

Thank you to everyone who continues to donate and volunteer week after week, we will not forget the community spirit and generosity. Take care of yourselves and stay safe.

Instagram – smfc_charitablefoundation

Twitter - @SMFC_CF

Facebook – St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation

Contact - gayle.brannigan@stmirren.com 

And finally

Season Tickets

We are still being asked by fans daily as to when they will be able to purchase their season tickets for next season. We previously announced that we would hold off putting them on sale until the beginning of May. With this date fast approaching we are working hard to manage a safe plan for selling these in the current environment and we intend to announce more details next week.

St Mirren supporters raised over £2500 for the St Mirren Charitable Foundation as part of #StripesOnFriday.

The idea came about after Saints fan Stuart Gillespie (second row, middle) floated the idea of supporters wearing St Mirren shirts much like various fundraisers where people are encouraged to wear their team's football shirts at work to raise money for charity.

St Mirren board member David Nicol liked the idea and suggested that money could be raised for the St Mirren Charitable Foundation to aid their hard work in the local community during the coronavirus pandemic.

And so, on Friday last week, fans of all ages donned St Mirren kits, sending in their pictures via social media, while donating to the St Mirren Charitable Foundation's JustGiving page.

It was a huge success with supporters raising in excess of £2500 - more than the Foundation's initial target.

Stuart Gillespie told stmirren.com: "I had seen various online fundraisers and there used to be a Friday every year where people were encouraged to go to work in their football shirts and make a donation for charity. With most people stuck at home there wouldn't be as big a problem with folk wearing their strips so suggested it on Twitter to see if there was any interest. 

"The response was phenomenal with fans and shirts of all ages and even a few members of cup winning squads getting involved. I think a lot of people also enjoyed the chance to get in touch with other fans, which is difficult at the moment."

St Mirren Chief Executive Tony Fitzpatrick added: "It doesn't surprise me to see the St Mirren family lending their support to such a worthwhile cause. It was great to see so many people - young and old - getting their stripes on.

"The donations made are fantastic and will really help Gayle Brannigan and everyone at the Foundation continue the amazing work they have been doing in our community."

St Mirren Chief Executive Tony Fitzpatrick has praised the local community and supporters for the way they have all come together during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Buddies have been active in the community with the St Mirren Charitable Foundation working alongside Star Project Paisley to source, and deliver, food to send to the most vulnerable in the area while Street Stuff have been in at schools working with young people.

Saints supporters have also been playing their part, donating food, while today fans are also taking part in #StripesOnFriday to raise money for the St Mirren Charitable Foundation.

Tony says these acts of kindness have been heartening during a devastating time and hopes they will continue when the virus is eventually defeated.

We do pride ourselves on being a family, community club. We don't just say that we back it up with actions and it's incredible the work that Gayle Brannigan at the Charitable Foundation, Street Stuff, Kibble, the manager and the staff have done in the community.

"The community has given so much back as well and it never ceases to amaze me the way our supporters and community have come together. It's been great to see such actions of human kindness. It shows what we mean to the community and likewise what the community means to us and that's something that will be important to carry on once all of this is over. 

"These are difficult times but it's about trying to stay positive. It's given everyone a shock but it gives us all a chance to slow down and reflect upon our lives. Families are spending more time together, people are coming together to show their support for our amazing NHS and frontline workers. It's hard to find positives because of the devastation this is causing but it has truly made us appreciate the NHS and show our gratitude to those who are putting their lives at risk.

"My message to the supporters would be simple - thank you. It's hard to put into words what they are doing for the club and the community and I'd ask them to please keep it going."

Football has been an understandable afterthought during this pandemic, but Tony confessed that the club, like any other business, isn't immune to the threat of coronavirus and the uncertainty around when football will return.

We have regular board meetings every week and it given us all a chance to plan ahead. It's difficult thought because nobody knows how long this is going to go on.

"St Mirren Football Club is a business like any other business and if there is no income coming in it is tough. We can only do our best just now and once there is more clarity with what is happening with leagues then hopefully there are ways we can start to get income in.

"I'm not hiding the fact these are difficult times for the club and all businesses. We are doing everything possible to keep the club going and there may be a time when we really need our supporters help. But the one thing I know about St Mirren supporters is that they always step up."

St Mirren supporters are set to don Saints colours tomorrow (Friday 24th April) to raise money for the St Mirren Charitable Foundation.

#StripesOnFriday was an idea devised by supporters on social media that will see fans wear St Mirren tops and make a donation to the Charitable Foundation's JustGiving page.

1987 Scottish Cup winner David Winnie is already on board so dig out your best St Mirren top, get involved and remember to send us your pictures on social media!

It's competition time!

Street Stuff are giving you the chance to win a St Mirren branded football signed by first team manager Jim Goodwin.

All you have to do is print, colour in and return the team image attached for a chance to win.

There are two signed footballs available and two chances to win. 

The first is a team prize. The youth team that sends in the most individual designs will win a ball (Make sure you add your team name to banner). The second ball will go to whoever sends in the best design. 

All finished designs should be sent to stephen.gallacher@stmirren.com with winners selected on Friday 8th May 2020.

Good luck!

Last week’s yes vote on the SPFL resolution to terminate the three lower leagues was a much needed acknowledgement of the horrible situation we find ourselves in.

Hopefully we will have more clarity on the way forward from UEFA by the end of the month which will allow us to bring the Premiership to a close bringing much needed finance to all clubs and allowing us to focus on finding a safe and financially viable model which will allow football to start again next season.

As a board we felt that we wanted to have an input into the talks taking place around the future of the SPFL and as a result Chairman Gordon Scott has been added to the SPFL reconstruction group. I am sure everybody has their own ideas on what form this would take and we would be interested to hear all positive ideas on this matter by emailing info@stmirren.com.

Last week we were delighted to be working alongside FareShare Glasgow and one of our shareholders, Kibble Group, delivering much need food supplies to the Tannahill Centre for distribution within the local communities. Kibble supplied the fleet to collect the delivery and our CEO, Tony Fitzpatrick, General Manager, David Jamieson and Head of Media, James Hunter joined the staff from both Kibble and Ferguslie Park Housing Association to unload the vehicles. This will be an ongoing endeavour during these challenging times to help support the communities who support our club.

Street Stuff update

Street Stuff Coaches continue to work in the schools and nurseries assisting with teaching staff to provide activities for young people.

Online gaming activities are still well used and popular with young people and have provoked positive responses from many grateful parents;

"Just wanted to say thanks to the coaches for all you're doing for the kids with quizzes, online games etc. My son is having a great time." Linda

Manager Jim Goodwin has recorded a video message for all the young people attending schools.

We are always looking for new ideas so if any parents or young people want to contact us and let us know how we can assist in the evening we will look into any positive ideas that are put to us.

Street Stuff Social Media

Facebook page: StreetStuff

Twitter: @SMFCStreetStuff

Instagram: @smfcstreetstuff

YouTube: streetstuff1877

Tik Tok: @streetstuff_1877

Supporters can still get in touch with the club via email.

General Enquiries – info@stmirren.com 

Ticket Office – tickets@stmirren.com 

Fans who wish to purchase anything from the club shop can still do so online. All orders will be processed and posted as quickly as possible and we are finding that goods are usually being delivered within 3-4 days. If you have any queries please email the shop on shop@stmirrendirect.co.uk.

The commercial department remains open and supporters and sponsors wishing to make contact are advised to do so by email commercial@stmirren.com.

Unfortunately the St Mirren Player of the Year awards dinner, originally scheduled for Sunday 3rd May 2020, has been postponed.

Commercial Manager, Campbell Kennedy said: "Once the lockdown is lifted, we will discuss suitable dates with the Normandy Hotel and rearrange this popular event for a new date later in the year."

St Mirren Charitable Foundation

The Charitable Foundation continue to work tirelessly within the local community delivering food and posting online programmes to keep everybody active.

A perfect example of how you can all help the trust raise funds to support the community was when Ian Brown and his neighbour Paul took part in an "off the cuff" chest waxing last Saturday night in their back garden which was hilarious. Ian’s daughter Laura filmed it all and they asked fans to watch and donate to the Foundation, it really boosted our just giving page and they ended up raising about £300. 

More importantly it has inspired our fans to think of other fund-raising activities they can get involved in whilst staying at home. This Friday 24th they have come up with #StripesOnFriday where they are all going to wear a St Mirren Strip (the older the better) and then donate to the JustGiving page!

The Foundation would like to thank all the fans for their continued support.

Instagram – smfc_charitablefoundation

Twitter - @SMFC_CF

Facebook – St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation

Contact - gayle.brannigan@stmirren.com 

And finally

Last week we emailed all our season ticket holders asking if they knew anyone that might benefit from the support a phone call from a player or the manager might bring. We had a very positive response and have already started contacting people. Below is a selection of quotes from the emails we have received so far.

"We have received tremendous support from Gayle Brannigan and the coaches, Kerrie, Lisa and Mickey. This has been a huge help to us at this time." - Annette.

"I would like to commend the club and the Charitable Foundation for its efforts in reaching out with assistance to vulnerable supporters who may be struggling in the current climate. Be assured of my continued support through the purchase of season tickets for the 20/21 season whenever those become available." - Jim

"It is very gratifying to see the club taking such a proactive approach to the people in the community and I commend then for doing so. I am looking forward to the new season and will, of course be renewing my season ticket." - John

"Thank you St Mirren Football Club for all your work and input to the community in this time of uncertainty. I certainly will be renewing season tickets for myself and my grandson for the coming season whenever that may be. Keep up the terrific work in the community stay safe and we hope to see you very soon." - Eddie

"I’m so proud of what my club and everybuddie connected with it does in and around the Paisley community. A real community effort. Thank you." - David

"Thanks for getting in touch it’s appreciated. Makes you proud to be a Buddie!" - Douglas

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the St Mirren Player of the Year awards dinner, originally scheduled for Sunday 3rd May 2020, has been postponed.

Commercial Manager, Campbell Kennedy said: "Once the lockdown is lifted we will discuss suitable dates with the Normandy Hotel and rearrange for a new date later in the year."

Jim Rodger wanted to become a school teacher, and that ambition led to him playing a part in one of Saints’ greatest days!

Born in Cleland in September 1933, he began playing football at school, progressing through to the Wishaw High school first team. In his final year, they reached the under-18 Shield final in 1951, winning 5-1.

After school, Jim joined Cumnock Juniors before moving up to the senior game with Rangers in May 1952. Three years later, after three first team appearances, he was released by manager Scot Symon as he was unwilling to turn full-time due to pursuing that teaching qualification at Glasgow University. Rangers loss was Saints’ gain, as manager Willie Reid moved quickly to sign him after being impressed with his displays in recent reserve matches between the sides.

Jim’s first match for Saints was a League Cup game against Kilmarnock on 13th August 1955. He scored his first goal in the opening league match against Raith Rovers in a 2-2 draw. His second goal was against Dumbarton in the quarter-final of the League Cup as Saints won 6-2 on aggregate. A 2-0 replay win over Motherwell in the semi-final led Saints to the final against Aberdeen. On 22nd October 1955 Saints faced Aberdeen at Hampden, but unfortunately, despite playing well, lost 2-1 to The Dons. During that first season Jim played in 24 matches, scoring four times.

Over the next couple of years his appearances in the stripes were limited due to National Service, playing only 14 games with five goals scored. Serving his time in the RAF, he spent a period stationed at RAF St Athan, near Barry, in South Wales. To keep up his playing fitness, he spent some time with local club Newport County, playing several reserve matches during the latter part of season 1956/57. He scored a few goals in these matches and at the start of the following season he made five appearances in the County top team, scoring once against Port Vale in a 2-1 win on 11th November 1957 before returning to Paisley.

It was to be January 1959 before he gained a regular starting place in the Saints’ team, just in time to play his part in St Mirren history as they reached the Scottish Cup final. Having scored in the first three rounds of the competition against Peebles Rovers, Motherwell and Dunfermline, Jim was a vital part of the team that swept Celtic aside 4-0 in the semi-final before lining up against Aberdeen on 25th April 1959. He played his part in gaining revenge for that League Cup defeat in 1955, with a 3-1 win.

After the cup win, Jim started the next season in good form and was to play 30 of the 34 league matches scoring 5 times. He also scored four times in the Scottish Cup as another bit of history was made. The first round of their defence of the trophy saw them face Glasgow University at Love Street. In a one-sided match, Jim scored the 14th goal as Saints ran in a club record 15-0 score line.

The second round paired Saints with Celtic and Jim scored just after the hour mark to put Saints ahead, but the lead lasted just 60 seconds and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The replay saw a goal-fest with Jim again scoring once in a 4-4 draw. A second replay saw Jim continue his scoring record, however this time it was a consolation as Saints lost 5-2.

Season 1960/61 was arguably Jim’s best season at Love Street. He played in 40 matches over all competitions and scored 15 times, making him the club’s top scorer. Best match of the season, and possibly Jim’s best-ever in the stripes, was undoubtedly a Scottish Cup match against Third Lanark. Having drawn 3-3 in the first match, Saints travelled to Cathkin for the replay on 28th February. Jim was on top form and in nine second half minutes he netted his first senior hat-trick. He added a fourth goal later in the game as Saints ran out 8-0 winners.

Season 1961/62 started well with Jim scoring in a League Cup match against Raith Rovers. When the league campaign got underway he scored twice in the first three matches. He continued to play well, making 21 appearances up until the middle of January 1962. His form prompted Hearts’ manager Tommy Walker, to take him to Tynecastle at the beginning of February.

In his seven years in Paisley Jim played 155 matches and scored 44 times, placing him 32nd in Saints’ scoring charts.

This article first appeared in the St Mirren matchday programme on 5th August 2017 for the match against Falkirk.

St Mirren Football Club and the St Mirren Charitable Foundation would like to thank all of those who are playing their part in helping the community during these difficult times.

Firstly, we would like to thank all of our 'Saints of the Day', everyone who has kindly donated essential food and hygiene items and also those who have volunteered their time to support us and our partner organisation Star Project by delivering food parcels to vulnerable homes during this time.

We would like to give particular thanks to Gillian Robinson of Company Shop in Renfrew as she continues to go above and beyond and from week-to-week. Her support is invaluable. We also wish to mention Jim Goodwin & James Hunter for delivering food parcels and boosting morale this week.

Secondly, we wish to thank our new food partners Gary McGaw of Bianco E Nero & George Naismith of Abercorn Dairies who have come on board and agreed to provide 200 pints of milk, our most sought after essential item, per week for the next 10 weeks. It is unbelievably generous and everyone at Star Project and here at the Foundation applaud you, thank you.

Next we wish to thank every member of the community who has already donated and who continue to donate to our JustGiving page. These funds are essential to us as we navigate through this period of lockdown and reduced program delivery.

We would like to take time to thank the first team player who made a substantial donation directly to the Foundation and wishes to remain anonymous, we are humbled by your generosity.

To the St Mirren Disabled Supporters Association we give thanks for your kind donation and show of support, so thoughtful and greatly appreciated.

We also thank our dear friend Paul McGrath from Consilium Contracting Services for your kind donation and constant support.

Lastly a note of thanks to our amazing coaches for all of their care, time and never ending team spirit. They go above and beyond every day supporting Gayle Brannigan of the Foundation and the community. We are very fortunate to have them and every member of the team is truly valued.

Thank you to the Foundation's board, the board of St Mirren, Jim Goodwin, Kate Cooper and all the players for your constant encouragement, advice and unwavering support, what a team we have!

Take care of yourselves, stay home, stay safe and have a lovely weekend.