Sam Foley represented St Mirren at this week’s launch of the brand new SPFL Match Attax 2019/20 trading card game, now on sale!

Topps Match Attax, the world’s most successful football trading card game, offers fans of all ages a fun-filled addition to the new SPFL season. Featuring amazing new cards, brand new foil sets and the biggest stars of the Scottish Premiership and Championship, the 2019/20 SPFL Match Attax collection is a must-have for fans of Scottish football and promises to be the biggest season ever.

Steve Conner, UK Sales Director at Topps, comments: "The 2019/20 SPFL Match Attax collection is our eighth release and the world’s most successful trading card game continues to be ever popular with all ages of Scottish football fans. We’re sure this year will be no different!

"The collection has been upgraded for the new season, with new cards to collect and trade, giving fans the opportunity to play a fresh, modern version of SPFL Match Attax."

There are more than 300 cards to collect, including St Mirren’s Rising Star and Captain cards, plus a foil Man of the Match and '100 Club' cards.

This season sees the introduction of the Star Player card, as voted by the fans, with the all-new Trophy cards rounding off the 2019/20 collectables. In addition, for the first time there will be super rare 'Relic Cards'.

Each Relic Card features a swatch of shirt actually worn by the player in an SPFL match. There are shirts from 33 different players with one of these fantastic cards found inside one lucky packet in every box.

The SPFL Match Attax Starter Pack retails at £5 and includes a collector binder, A2 play pitch and game guide and a six-card packet containing two gold limited edition cards. A packet of seven cards will be on sale for £1.

There is also the SPFL Match Attax Collector’s Tin available in two sizes, with the mini tin retailing at £7, which includes a limited-edition legends card, all packaged to keep collections safe and travel handy. The mega tin will retail at £10, containing 60 cards and a guaranteed Superstar limited edition card.

To win some Match Attax goodies, follow @toppsmatchattax and post a picture of you taking a selfie buying a new pack. They will select winners at random. #CollectSwapPlay

Saints travel to Dingwall on Saturday to face Ross County in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

The match will be pay-at-the-gate.

Ross County vs St Mirren
Ladbrokes Premiership
Venue: Global Energy Stadium, Dingwall
Date: Saturday 14th September 2019
Kick-off: 3pm

Gate Prices

Adult - £25
Concessions - £10 (over-65, student & disabled*)
U18 - £5

*Carer free.

St Mirren Colts will travel to Wales in the fourth round of the Caramel Wafer Cup after being drawn to face Wrexham. 

The young Buddies will take on the National League side having beaten Stirling Albion at the Simple Digital Arena on Saturday. 

The match is scheduled to take place on the weekend of 12/13th October.

Full fixture details and ticketing arrangements will be announced in due course.

Head of the St Mirren Academy, Allan McManus admitted that the Colts were given one of the toughest draws possible, but said he and the players are happy with the draw and believes it a good reward for their progression so far.

And he also feels the boys should relish the challenge of coming up against the National League side.

The boys are all delighted with the draw and I'm really pleased they've got something to look forward to after all their hard work.

"It's probably one of the hardest tests we could have got in the draw. But if these boys have got aspirations of playing at higher levels and getting in and around the first team then these are the games they are going to have to compete in and show that they are capable of playing at that level.

"We'll do our homework and we'll go there fully prepared and hopefully give a good account of ourselves. 

"The biggest thing these boys will take from this journey is experience. Ultimately it's about their development and I believe this is the best way for the boys to learn and develop so I'm delighted with the draw."

It's certainly a tie that caught the imagination of St Mirren fans and Allan hopes that as many Saints fans as possible will make the journey down to Wales to back the young Buddies. 

We'd be absolutely delighted to see as many of our fans make that journey as possible.

"It will be a great occasion for the players but also a good away day for the fans. Hopefully as many of the fans can make the journey and will enjoy themselves."

Football Fans in Training (FFIT) is returning for 2019-2020 here within the inspiring surroundings of the Simple Digital Arena.

FFIT runs for 13-weeks and differs to the normal "weight loss" programmes out there, offering advice and practical ways to make changes to your lifestyle and the best part....St Mirren fans can sign up now for free!

The main aims of the programme are to:

• Feel better about yourself 
• Become more active
• Lose weight & tone up
• Develop a healthier lifestyle
• Get fit & have more energy
• Improve your physical, mental & emotional wellbeing.

If you are a man or woman aged between 35-65 with a waist size of 38 inches or more, FFIT may be just the ticket to help you kick-off your new year with a new you and healthier lifestyle.

But don't take our word for it! Read some of the testimonials of those who have taken part in the programme... 

DAVID RAMSAY  

"I heard about the FFIT programme through an article in the Paisley Daily Express and thought it’d be ideal in helping me to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

"Throughout the 13 weeks the coaches at FFIT were always very supportive and helped everyone to meet their individual targets.

"As well as losing 10kg I am more active and would encourage anyone to consider taking part."

DOT FINLAY

"I have just successfully completed the 12 week FFIT sponsored by SPFL Trust and held at The Simple Digital Arena.

"This was for older folk and dealt with diet, mental health, physical health and exercise.

"I was nervous about going but the staff, coaches and other participants were fantastic!

"I managed to lose over a stone but I have now got the incentive to keep going. So a huge thanks to the SPFL Trust, St Mirren and FFIT.

"If anyone is considering getting fit, this is the way to do it."

CHRIS BUCKHAM

"I saw the first FFIT advert on the St Mirren Twitter feed but at the time thought that there was no way I wanted to expose myself to this type of class as I have always been very self-conscious of my weight and body shape.

"When the Summer advert came out I spoke to a couple of guys on the first class, Alan Cross and Gary Matthews, who gave me the confidence to apply.

"A lot of the course was common sense but I didn’t realise the importance of walking each day. Cutting down on Maltesers wasn’t going to make any difference unless there was a physical part to the course too.

"My lifestyle has changed and I now build my day around my walking/swimming instead of trying to fit these things in between watching Eastenders and Coronation St.

"My meals always have a salad or fresh vegetable content in them and my takeaways are now looked upon as a treat once per month.

"I lost over 18lbs in weight and four inches from my waist – total life changing measurements and this is only the start for me.

"The coaches were superb to me and the days when I had a wobble the were there to put an arm round me to help and other times I had to be told to get my finger out.

"I would highly recommend the FFIT course to anyone with any mental or physical health issues.

"My kids said they were proud of me – those words meant the world to me and that is what drives me on each day to keep the weight off and to stay active." 

PETER CAMPBELL

"12 weeks and my life has changed – for the better. This is my journey....

"Just before the start of the summer, the club I love (St Mirren) contacted me about the latest round of Football Fans In Training (FFIT) programme that they were due to start.

"At first I hesitated, was it right for me; was I really out of shape? Would I be able to commit? Me, obese? Surely not!

"In my mind, I just had a wee pot belly like most men my age heading towards the half century and after all I could still last a hour game of fives (just)!

"However, a few emails/discussions later with Gayle and Kerrie of the St Mirren Community Trust and they had convinced me that this journey was right for me and if I gave it a go I would end up feeling better in my mind as well as seeing the benefits.

"Results over the period I dropped almost 10% of my body fat, put on 10% muscle, lost 10cm round my waist (yes the trouser belt had to get two new holes – you beauty!) and my BMI went down to overweight (phew!)

"On top of that I was able to come of blood pressure tablets all the added benefit of starting to look after your diet and exercise. I have stopped taking or reduced the intake of things that I knew were not good for me (fizzy drinks, sweets crisps, takeaways), whilst finding that now I am fitter. I no longer start to sweat or pant going up a few flights of stairs or running to catch the train.

"The group of women and men that took the journey at the same time were not only inspiring, encouraging and supportive at all the sessions and I for one would not have been able to pull through without all the additional support and banter.

"This is just the start for me. I am going to continue to make the right choices and the good work so I can reap the benefits for years to come.

"Thank you St Mirren FC Community Trust (Gayle, Kerrie, Lisa, Kimberley, Michael and Kieran) you have changed my mindset to the benefit of myself and my two girls who are now considering healthier choices on a daily basis.

"If anyone wishes to start new lifestyle journey with community support via your local football club look no further than the first class team at St Mirren FC Community Trust."

HOLLY MCCORMACK

"I heard about the Football Fans in Training (FFIT) course through the clubs official media channels.

"It was refreshing to see that there was going to be a female only programme for the first time and that’s why I decided to apply.

"I wasn’t quite ready in January so when it was announced again I emailed in to ensure that I gave this opportunity a chance. It was important that I improve my physical wellbeing but I was hopeful it would also help my mental wellbeing too.

"The course is not simply following a diet or specific regime for 12 weeks but combines education and exercise in a bid to promote lifestyle change. A mixture of walking, circuits and encouragement to run around the stadium was all part of the weekly sessions.

"For the 12 weeks the course ran I had to battle my inner demons particularly with anxiety but the support of everyone in the group helped me get to the sessions and take in as much as I could.

"I really appreciate the supportive space to do this and all coaches are motivated and understanding, I look at myself as just at the start of a healthier lifestyle and the 12 weeks are up but I want to continue to lose weight, cut down on takeaways, get outside more and also be around people.

"For me I haven’t hit my weight loss targets yet but as I said it has given me the confidence and skills to battle through the barriers anxiety brings and every step I take now is another step forward.

"I’d recommend anyone sign up for the course, it isn’t about football so don’t worry if that isn’t your thing. All you need is the motivation to change and it will kickstart that for you."

NICOLE CAMPBELL

"12 weeks of learning, laughing, keeping fit and having an amazing time with all of you!

"I can’t thank you all enough for all the kind words when my papa passed and all the messages of support the week I gained weight - I could have cried! 

"You really are all amazing good luck to you all with your fitness. Keep it up and I hope I’ll see some of you at boot camp when I’m back.

"It’s just nice to be around happy friendly faces as before this I didn’t get out much at all I lost my confidence big time and I’m slowly getting that back thanks to all of you.

"Coaches you are all outstanding! Keep up the good work!"

IAN WALKER

"I found out about course through social media. I seen on Twitter, and felt would be something of interest to help me.

"From attending the course, I gained a far better understanding of my lifestyle choices and better understanding of fitness and eating habits.

"I enjoyed the whole course and the banter during the course was very good. As all those of course also supported team, which was good as ice breaker for start of course

"I personally gained the following benefits - I lost a stone and six centimetres from waist line, which has me feeling better physically and mentally as have more positive image of myself. 

"All coaches had good understanding of course and were very good at keeping spirits up within team. Lisa, Michael, Kerrie, Kimberley and Kieran were all very good, and Gayle gave positive input on occasions attended.

"The paperwork provided was easy to understand and course content was explained well by all coaches. The coaches were all able to answer all questions asked of them and had a very good understanding of course content.

"Everyone was also very impressed with discussion with Stephen McGinn, who gave insight into eating habits of first team players.

"I would advise anyone thinking about this course to put themselves forward as this a was fun way to meet new people, who all supported each other, and also gain benefits like losing weight and gaining better understanding of nutrition & exercise."

RACHEL NICOL

"I heard about the FFIT programme through St Mirren Football Club.

"After 12 weeks of the programme I cannot praise it enough! I feel better both physically and mentally.

"The course appealed to me as it was about making positive life changes and incorporates exercise into every session.

"Not only did I lose a stone in weight and feel happier in myself, I met a wonderful group of friends who all still keep in touch.

"The coaches are supportive, fun and always keep you feeling positive whatever your goals are or your level of fitness.

"I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this for anyone who wishes to lose weight, understand more about their health and make new friends."

FFIT is open to those who enjoy football and those who just want make positive changes to their physical & health & wellbeing. You do not need to be a supporter of St Mirren to take part in the course and more importantly you will make friends and have great fun!

To register your details for this FREE life improving course please email: communitytrust@stmirren.com or call Gayle Brannigan on 0141-889-2558 ext 6124 before our closing date of Friday 20th September 2019.

St Mirren’s first team visit to Northern Ireland earlier in the summer has made such an impact that C4C Youth Academy visited the club last month.

C4C brought 28 players and four coaches on their trip to Paisley where they enjoyed two masterclass training sessions delivered by St Mirren Academy coaches Sam Mawuena and John Divers, whilst also participating in matches against Thorn Athletic and Crosshouse Boys.

As well as coaching and matches, C4C got a behind the scenes tour of the Simple Digital Arena where they met Chairman Gordon Scott, Chief Executive Tony Fitzpatrick, Manager Jim Goodwin and first team striker Jon Obika, before attending our 1-0 win over Aberdeen in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Rodney Weir from the C4C Youth Academy said: "What an incredible weekend it was in our Paisley with our U17, U14 & U13 Youth Academy squads.

"From meeting Jim Goodwin and Jonathan Obika, to training at their Academy and even taking in a SPFL match, it was amazing from start to finish.

"This year we wanted something different for our tour and visiting St Mirren was certainly that. We were welcomed into the club family and were shown hospitality like never before.

"The boys also met the current CEO and Club Legend Tony Fitzpatrick who shared with them stories of playing under Sir Alex Ferguson and what it takes to make it in the football world.

"We also had the opportunity to train under Academy coaches Sam Mawuena and John Divers who gave the boys a unique insight into the standard required to be an SMFC Academy player.

"The coaches were brilliant with kids and really took the time to help them develop. In particular emphasising that talent is not enough, that our character off the pitch is what sets you apart. 

"A massive thank you to inspiresport, Jed McCabe and Ian Crosbie for their excellent service as always. As a club we couldn't recommend them highly enough." 

Jed McCabe inspiresport said: "It was yet another very successful tour from our relationships in Northern Ireland to St Mirren.

"We set the bar very high and this tour for C4C Youth Academy has just pushed the bar higher by all expectations being met and a bit more."

Tony Fitzpatrick said: "It was an absolute pleasure to welcome C4C Youth Academy from Northern Ireland to our club.

"The great name of St Mirren is definitely taking hold in Northern Ireland having now welcomed over 800 people to experience our hospitality."

Tickets for our trip to Celtic Park to face Celtic on Wednesday 30th October are now on-sale at the St Mirren Ticket Office.

The ticket prices as follows:

Full View

Adult - £30
Concession (13-15/Over 65) - £20
Under 13* - £12

Restricted View

Adult - £27
Concession - (13-15/Over 65) - £17
Under 13* - £9

* - Under 13s attending the match must be accompanied by an adult.

Regular prices for wheelchair/ambulant disabled with free carer.

The St Mirren Colts progressed to the fourth round of the Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Cup for the first time after a 1-0 win over Stirling Albion at the Simple Digital Arena this afternoon. 

Cameron MacPherson drilled home from the edge of the area on 79 minutes to see the Young Buddies through to the next round.

Dean Lyness was named man-of-the-match after saving a first-half penalty from Max Wright and making wonderful stops in the second-half to deny Danny Jardine and Wright. 

The draw for the fourth round will take place on Tuesday afternoon at 12:30pm. 

St Mirren: Lyness, Grant, Walker (McMaster 75), McBrearty, Glover, MacPherson, Reilly (Henderson 72), Gray, Jamieson, Jack (McCaw 88), Breadner
Subs Not Used: Law, Ellis, Girvan, Frew

Jim Goodwin hailed the experience new signing Kirk Broadfoot will bring to Saints after the 35 year-old defender put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal earlier this week.

Kirk returned to the Buddies, where he spent five years with at the beginning of his career, after mutually terminating his contract at fellow Ladbrokes Premiership club Kilmarnock. 

The manager admitted he was surprised that a player of Kirk's ability had become available and with Morton taking Jack Baird on loan until January everything came together. 

And after speaking to people who have worked with Kirk in the past, Jim is delighted to have him in at the club.

Speaking to stmirren.com, the manager said: "We’re really really pleased to have him.

He ticks all the boxes for us with regards to being another good, experienced professional, the right type of character we need and he’s a leader.

"That’s something I have been very mindful of during the full recruitment process. Trying to get that mix of good experience with good youth and I feel we have done that very well throughout the window.

"Kirk became available out of the blue and we had the opportunity to send Jack Baird out on loan and it all just kind of fell into place.

"We’re really pleased to have him in. He’ll add some invaluable experience to the group. It adds competition for places too. Gary MacKenzie and Sean McLoughlin have been outstanding in the opening four league games but Kirk is there now to apply a wee bit of pressure on the boys and make sure that they are kept on their toes.

"I’m pretty sure that every other team out there in a similar situation to ourselves would have been desperate to add him to the squad.

"He’s got a close affinity with this club and he expressed an interest in coming back here as soon as he became a free agent. He kind of emphasised the importance of finishing his career here.

"I don’t know Kirk personally but I made a few phone calls regarding him and anyone who has worked with him in the past have all had glowing references and obviously Gus MacPherson has worked with him previously as well and said nothing but good things about him.

"As I say I’m really really pleased to have him in. I think he’ll add a bit more professionalism, if you like, to an already very professional group and you can’t have enough leaders or strong characters in the dressing room and that’s what he is going to bring."

Kirk's signing brought to an end a transfer window that saw 11 new faces arrive at the Simple Digital Arena and the manager praised the club for giving him the back to bring in the quality he felt was required to upgrade the squad. 

I really am delighted," he said of the business done during the summer.

"I knew when I came in that there was a lot of work to be done and I have to give great credit to the board of directors, the chairman, Tony Fitzpatrick and Gus MacPherson for their help behind the scenes. I made a very strong list, one that I felt that was definitely going to improve us.

"I needed the board to back me and they certainly done that. We didn’t miss out on too many targets that we went for and I’m delighted to say that the players that we have brought in are desperate to be here as well.

"A couple of the English boys have come in and had a look around the facilities and the stadium and were blown away with what we’ve got to offer. I think sometimes we maybe undersell ourselves and we forget what a good club we are and how many good things we have to showcase.

"I’m delighted to have the players in that we’ve got in. We’ve brought in some really good, experiences professionals who will be good role models for the younger ones as well.

"The likes of Tony Andreu, Kirk Broadfoot, Gary MacKenzie, who has obviously already been here, and Stephen McGinn within the ranks as well so we have some great leaders within the group but we’ve also got some young, hungry guys who are desperate to kick on and improve and that’s what we need."

Kirk's arrival coincided with Jack Baird's loan to Ladbrokes Championship side Morton. 

The St Mirren Academy graduate will be with the Greenock side until January after signing on a temporary deal on deadline day.

The gaffer praised Jack's attitude and his desire to play week-in and week-out and says the club will be watching his progress.

Jack has been frustrated at the lack of regular first team football, but his attitude has been spot on in training.

"He accepted the decision and got on with it but I think when David Hopkin phoned us last week to see if Jack was available then I think it was a no-brainer for him to make sure he was playing regularly.

"He’s a very good player and I’ve no doubt he’ll be one of the best centre-halves in the Championship during his time at Morton.

"David Hopkin is a good manager. I had many a battle against him when he was Livingston manager and I think he will bring the best out of Jack.

"We’ll keep an eye on Bairdy, no doubt. It’s a deal up until January and we’ll assess the situation again then regarding what we want to do with Bairdy.

"I have to give him credit. It’s very easy for boys to sit here and not be involved and just hang about in their comfort zone but Jack wasn’t willing to do that. He wanted to get out and play games and I take my hat off to him for that."

The manager also gave an update on captain Stephen McGinn who has missed the opening four league matches. 

He confessed that the skipper will be have to be wait for his chance after the form of the team, but remains an integral part of the squad.

Stephen had a bit of a stop and start pre-season.

"He’s had a hamstring problem and came back a little too soon from that one after the East Kilbride game. It’s one we just need to be wary of.

"As that has happened Sam Foley and Ryan Flynn have struck up a half-decent partnership. It’s one of those things.

"I’ve been there myself as club captain and it’s a difficult one, but Stephen is still a big part of what we are trying to do here.

"He is a top pro, he’s been great around the place and he’s just one that’s going to have to be patient and wait for his opportunity.

"I think that shows the strength we’ve got in the squad now that a player of Stephen’s quality doesn’t just walk right into the team."

Saints travel to Dingwall next weekend to face Ross County in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

The match will be pay-at-the-gate.

Ross County vs St Mirren
Ladbrokes Premiership
Venue: Global Energy Stadium, Dingwall
Date: Saturday 14th September 2019
Kick-off: 3pm

Gate Prices

Adult - £25
Concessions - £10 (over-65, student & disabled*)
U18 - £5

*Carer free.

Our fun, effective and developmental football coaching sessions will be held every Saturday within the air dome from 10am until 11am by our great team of friendly St Mirren FC coaches.

Sessions are suitable for children aged between 3-12 years and are priced at £4 per head per session or we have a monthly membership option which costs £12 per month and can be paid by direct debit.

Season ticket holders and families with more than one child will qualify for a 20% discount on both weekly & monthly options.

For more information on our Saturday Saints Football Coaching sessions please call 0141 889 2558 ext 6124 or email communitytrust@stmirren.com.