St Mirren Football Club are offering free entry to any members of the Armed Forces for this weekend's game against Ayr United. 

The Saints host the Honest Men in the IRN-BRU Cup on Remembrance Sunday and any member of the Forces will be given a free ticket if they show their HM Forces ID card at the ticket office.

The club will be joined by four veterans from the Erskine Hospital who will attend the match as guests and there will also be a minutes silence ahead of kick-off.

Chief Executive Tony Fitzpatrick said: "It's important for us to show our appreciation for all the sacrifices our servicemen and woman have made throughout the years."

We have had control for three months now and have been through an eye opening evaluation of where the clubs is right now and what is required to put it back where it belongs. There is much to be done, and for now it is a case of prioritising and progressing on as many fronts as possible. 

As I mentioned in my first update I am keen to keep supporters as informed as we can so here is an update on what has happened in the past few weeks. 

ON THE PARK

To say things have not gone as we would like on the football side of things so far this season would be an understatement. 

First and foremost, every member of the board is a St Mirren supporter and we are all hurting as much as everyone else, however it is vitally important that we all stick together through these tough times and come out the other side stronger as a result. 

Personally I have seen enough in the last few weeks both behind the scenes and on the park to have faith that we have the right management team in place to start moving the club forward on all levels. We have started to develop a long term strategy as to how the youth system will funnel into the first team with Tony at the forefront of developing this along with Jack, James, Allan and his academy team. 

THE ACADEMY

The academy has just been awarded gold status for another year, which is a fantastic achievement as we are the only side holding gold status in Scotland. Only Celtic & Rangers hold a higher status than St Mirren, so we should all be justifiably proud of this. 

Unfortunately the AstroTurf pitch at Ralston will only last another year before it will need replaced as it just scraped through the testing procedure this time. 

The first team buildings also need some major repair work as we look to protect our investment in Ralston. 

This investment cannot be avoided so this may impact on some of our other planned projects in the short term as we juggle the resources we have available. 

DISABLED SUPPORTERS PLATFORM

We will have the raised platform completed in time for the quarter-final of the IRN-BRU Cup against Ayr United. The Fans Council have arranged for some veterans from Erskine Hospital to attend the game on Remembrance Sunday. 

Although this is the very first game where the platform will be in use, the disabled supporters association have made the selfless decision to let the veterans have access to the platform. A terrific gesture which reflects well on all at the club. 

WORKING WITH SMISA

The funding that was initially available to pay for the platform was dramatically reduced prior to our takeover. Without the assistance of the SMiSA members' £2 a month contribution and the generosity of some others this wouldn't have happened. We will thank them all properly in a future article. 

A big thank you as well to the SMiSA volunteer squad who are going around the whole stadium giving it a good clean from top to bottom. We are committed to making the matchday experience as enjoyable and safe as possible for fans of all ages and these efforts definitely help. If you can give your time - and particularly if you have a trade - your support would be very welcome. You can register your interest by emailing jim.crawford@smisa.net

SMISA & THE FANS COUNCIL

We have had positive discussions with the SMiSA and the Fans Council as to how we move forward utilising the unique skill sets of both organisations and as part of that review we are looking at how we develop the St Mirren Trust to increase our role in the community. 

NEW FACES AND NEW ROLES

We have employed Fiona Dainty as our new Football Development and Community officer. Fiona is also a coach with Scotland woman's under-17s and part of her remit will be to develop the woman's football side of our club. 

James Hunter has now been appointed as our Head of Media. I hope you are all starting to see the increased flow of information on the new website and on our social media channels. Norrie Jamieson remains a valued member of the team and will assist with certain website aspects whilst also co-ordinating the production of the Matchday Programme. 

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT

We have gone live with online booking for corporate hospitality and player sponsorship on the website in our new e-store and have already taken our first few orders on this platform. Our aim is to make it as easy as possible for supporters and local businesses to book and pay for services online and will be reviewing other operations within the club with a view to taking those online too. 

A MESSAGE FOR THE FANS

It would be remiss of me not to mention the support we have received from the fans. I know things have been very tough for everyone connected with the club. 

Trust me when I say it hurts even more when you are putting your heart and soul into trying to improve things every day only to be left disappointed on a Saturday.

It has been a massive boost to both Tony, myself and the other board members to receive the backing and support of every fan we meet. 

The positive feedback helps reinforce our absolute belief that we are heading in the right direction and will come out of this difficult period as a stronger club. The support for the team on a Saturday has been exceptional even when things haven't been working out. 

I'd urge you all to stick with Jack, James and the rest of the team as your support really does make a difference. 

Thank you!

The St Mirren U20s are in action at New Western Park in Renfrew this afternoon as they take on Partick Thistle.

The SPFL Development League clash kicks off at 2pm as the Buddies host the Jags at the home of Renfrew FC.

Kick off is at 2pm and entry is FREE. 

Kyle McAllister said it felt amazing to be named man of the match on Saturday after the game against Dumbarton. The 17 year-old may have been on the losing side, but it was a game Saints dominated with the youngster putting in an impressive performance in his 75 minutes on the park. 

However, while he felt he did well throughout the match, he believed that the award may have been heading to another academy player who has made the step up to the first team. 

Speaking to stmirren.com after being presented with the award in the hospitality suite after the match, McAllister said: "I didn't actually know until I got it there and I wasn't expecting it to be fair. I thought Kyle [Magennis] would have got it. But it's amazing." 

The new manager has come in and given the two of us the chance to start in just his fourth game. It's a good feeling and hopefully we can do well for him. He's brought in different training and everyone is enjoying it."

The midfielder hasn't had his injury problems to seek in the early goings of this season and said that he hopes it is behind him. 

All my life I keep getting injuries," he explained. "But hopefully this time I don't get injured again and I can keep going and play in the first team. All you can do is work your hardest and hopefully get your rewards."

The St Mirren U20s were knocked out of the Youth Cup by Dunfermline yesterday afternoon in a game that could've turned out so different. 

Stuart Morrison put the visitors ahead just before half time when he poked the ball home after a flick on from a free kick. 

As time ticked away in the game, Cameron MacPherson picked up a red card for the Buddies which looked like killing off any hopes of progressing to the next round. But Saints had a great chance to take the game to extra time when they won a penalty in the 90th minute. But Craig Johnston's effort was saved by the Dunfermline goalkeeper. 

Any hopes of taking the game further were ended in injured time when Conner Duthie struck to double the visitors lead and send them through to the next round.

Match report pictures by Allan Picken – © Allan Picken Photography.

Match Gallery Pictures by John Millar - © millarpictures

Saints did pretty much everything but score against Dumbarton this afternoon - and ended up paying the penalty for it. 

Despite being on top for much of the game, Saints just couldn't find a way through, John Sutton in particular finding his luck was out in front of goal with a series of headers. Having been the dominant force, it was perhaps inevitable what was to happen next. 

The nature of Dumbarton's goal midway through the second half proved particularly painful and summed up the sort of season it has been. Saints goalie Jamie Langfield was under no real pressure when he played the ball straight to Joe Thomson, the Dumbarton man squaring for Garry Fleming to tap home what proved to be the only goal, despite Sutton and Ryan Hardie both hitting the bar late on. 

Sutton was back in the team at the expense of Lawrence Shankland, who dropped to the bench. There was a first ever senior start for youngster Kyle Magennis and only a second appearance of the season for fellow teenager Kyle McAllister. The fit again Gary MacKenzie started with with Kyle Hutton and Jack Baird benched. 

Saints made a bright start, David Clarkson firing over after collecting Gary Irvine's early throw and Sutton heading off target from Lewis Morgan's cross. The striker was getting a lot of aerial balls to work with, heading straight at goalkeeper Alan Martin from Stephen Mallan's delivery. The midfielder had the Buddies' next chance when he let fly from 25 yards, however his shot was always bending away from goal and Martin wasn't troubled. 

Saints continued to push, McAllister's ball over the top finding Morgan and the young winger switched to his right foot before shooting, Martin getting down to his near post to turn the ball behind. The corner provided another chance, Mallan finding Sutton and his header was inches past the post. The Sons defence seemed unable to deal with the big forward and it looked like he'd get the opener when Morgan provided another cross but Sutton wasn't able to get enough on it to force it home.

Dumbarton had barely threatened, Docherty shooting well over from miles out, with Saints enjoying most of the possession. Just before the break they had another chance, Martin unable to hold Magennis' shot from the edge of the box but he smothered the ball before the lurking Sutton could pounce.

Half Time: St Mirren 0-0 Dumbarton

Jamie Langfield had had little to do in the first half but that was quickly put right a few minutes after the break. A ball into the box caught the Saints defence off-guard and the unmarked Garry Fleming's header was superbly kept out by the Buddies keeper. 

The response was swift as Saints quickly won a corner, McAllister exchanging passes with Clarkson before lashing a shot over. Langfield was in action again when he saved Sam Stanton's shot before the hosts really should have been in front. Morgan hung a cross up at the back post and Jason Naismith charged in unmarked only to send a thumping header into the side netting.

Saints had been well on top but, as has been the case far too often this season, were about to prove architects of their own downfall. There seemed to be no danger when Langfield collected the ball but he kicked it straight to Joe Thomson at the edge of the box. The Dumbarton man couldn't believe his luck and, after composing himself, squared for Fleming to stroke the ball into the empty net. 

Instead of looking for a winner, Saints now found themselves desperately for an equaliser. Clarkson was replaced by Shankland before Sutton was denied once again, this time Martin saving his header from a corner. However, just before Ryan Hardie replaced McAllister, Fleming almost finished things off, his shot from the edge of the box finding the side netting when many Dumbarton fans thought it was in. 

Sutton's day was summed up 10 minutes from time when he rose highest to meet a corner, only to see his header hit the bar with no one able to force home the rebound. The final few minutes were to prove even more agonising for Saints fans. Shankland worked himself into some space on the left and crossed for Hardie to surely snatch a point, only for the on-loan Rangers man to hit the bar from just a few yards out. 

As Dumbarton scrambled the ball behind for a corner, Calum Gallagher - on for Ben Gordon - dinked a ball up for Shankland but he tamely headed at Martin and the Sons held out for the win. 

Full Time: St Mirren 0-1 Dumbarton

St Mirren: Langfield, Naismith, Gordon (Gallagher, 85), MacKenzie, Irvine, Mallan, Magennis, McAllister (Hardie, 76), Clarkson (Shankland, 64), Morgan, Sutton
Subs Not Used: Gallacher, Baird, Hutton, McLear

Dumbarton: Martin, Docherty, J.Thomson, Buchanan, Fleming (Stevenson, 82), R.Thomson, Stanton, Harvie, Barr, Smith, Stirling (Todd, 80)
Subs Not Used: Ewings, Pettigrew, McCallum, Wright

Referee: John McKendrick
Assistant Referee: Sean Carr
Assistant Referee: Chris Phillips

Attendance: 2,758

Match report pictures by Allan Picken – © Allan Picken Photography.

Match Gallery Pictures by John Millar - © millarpictures

Academy players Kyle Magennis and Kyle McAllister both start for St Mirren in today's match against Dumbarton as Jack Ross makes four changes from the team that lost to Morton on Tuesday night. 

Magennis and McAllister are joined by Gary MacKenzie and John Sutton in coming in in place of Jack Baird, Kyle Hutton, Tom Walsh and Lawrence Shankland. 

Magennis came on at half time in both of the last two matches and his cameo appearances have impressed Jack Ross enough to merit a start for the youngster. Meanwhie, his fellow Academy player McAllister played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 win over Dumbarton back in February.

Kick off at the Paisley 2021 Stadium is at 3pm and we'll have all the action covered with live updates on our Twitter account @saintmirrenofficial 

St Mirren: Langfield, Naismith, Gordon, MacKenzie, Irvine, Mallan, Magennis, McAllister, Clarkson, Morgan, Sutton. 
Subs: Gallacher, Baird, Hutton, McLear, Gallagher, Hardie, Shankland

Calling all Saints fans!

We want your help as we look to make some changes around the Paisley 2021 Stadium. 

In a bid to bring the players and supporters closer together and to create a sense of unity between the two, we are asking for your suggestions for what we can put above the tunnel area for the players to see right before they run on to the park.

The plan will be to have the slogan emblazoned on the area just above the tunnel exit on the inside of the stadium and have the exact same thing on the exits from all the vomitories throughout the stadium. 

We've all seen some of the iconic examples in football, such as the 'This is Anfield' sign that sits above the tunnel area at the home of Liverpool FC and we want to replicate that at our stadium. 

So send your ideas - whether it's a slogan or some artwork - to us on our Twitter or Facebook page or email james.hunter@stmirren.com and the best will be adorned throughout the stadium.

St Mirren play host to Dumbarton at the Paisley 2021 Stadium tomorrow afternoon with the Saints searching for their first league win of the season. 

Tomorrow's match begins a run of four consecutive home games for the Buddies, with league and cup action on the agenda. The Sons are the first side to visit the Paisley 2021 Stadium over a busy November month with Dunfermline due in two weeks time in the league also. Sandwiched between that is the IRN-BRU Cup quarter final against Ayr United, before the Saints round off the month with the Scottish Cup clash against Spartans.

Jack Ross has been in charge for around a month now and the new manager couldn't have picked a more difficult start to his managerial career at the Saints if he tried, with tough matches against Dundee United, Hibernian and Morton at the beginning of his tenure.

Saints come into this match with one win, one draw and three defeats from their last five matches. A 1-1 draw at the Paisley 2021 Stadium with Falkirk at the start of October was followed up with a 2-1 victory away to Hibernian in the IRN-BRU Cup before losses to Dundee United, Hibernian and Morton. Dumbarton's only win in the Ladbrokes Championship came back in August when they defeated Dundee United 1-0 at home with Mark Docherty scoring from the penalty spot. They've picked up two draws and two defeats from their last four league matches, coming from 2-1 down to draw 2-2 with Dunfermline last weekend.

The Sons were a difficult opponent for St Mirren last season, winning three of the four encounters. In the first clash, ex-Dumbarton midfielder Scott Agnew scored with a magnificent volley from outside the box for the Saints to level the scores on match day two of the 2015/16 season after Willie Gibson's deflected free kick had given the visitors a first half lead. However, a late penalty from Garry Fleming meant all three points were heading across the Clyde and back to Dumbarton. 

Garry Fleming was the scourge of St Mirren again when the two sides met in December 2015. His goal early in the second half was enough to seal victory for the home side and open up a five point gap over the Buddies. The roles were reversed come February though when Saints opened up a five point gap over Dumbarton with Lawrence Shankland netting the only goal just after the hour mark to give St Mirren their only win over Dumbarton last season. 

The final meeting of the two came in St Mirren's last away game of the season and saw Dumbarton make it three wins out of four over Saints to secure their status as a Championship club for another year.Calum Gallagher had given St Mirren the lead before an own-goal by Saints player of the season Keith Watson levelled the scores. But once again it was Garry Fleming who was the hero for Dumbarton as he scored the winner on 54 minutes. 

There has been one meeting between St Mirren and Dumbarton this season, with nothing to separate the two sides as they fought out a 1-1 draw at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium in September. Andy Stirling put Dumbarton one ahead before loanee Ryan Hardie nodded home an equaliser for Saints just before half time. 

A win in tomorrow's game would take St Mirren level on points with Dumbarton who sit directly above Saints in the Ladbrokes Championship, while a win for the Sons would see them move six points clear. 

All the ticket information for tomorrow's game can be found here

Our match day programme, published in partnership with Curtis Sport, will be available from the Club Shop ahead of Saturday’s game.

This issue, for the Ladbrokes Championship match against Dumbarton, is a 48 pager with a £3 cover price.

The latest edition includes the following:

Front Cover – John Sutton.
The Gaffer - St Mirren manager Jack Ross with his pre match message for the fans.
Matchday Gallery – A gallery of pictures from the post-match presentations in the corporate suite after the recent home game against Dundee United.
Buddies News Update – News of the latest happenings in and around the Paisley 2021 Stadium.
Last Time Out – A look back at last week’s match against Hibernian at Easter Road.
Football, Bloody Hell – Alan Gallacher talks about the decline of Manchester United since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Opposition – Brian Corry gives the lowdown on Saturday’s visitors – Stephen Aitken's Dumbarton side.
Hall of Fame – David Cochran highlights the St Mirren career of Ludovic Roy.
Player Interview – Ben Gordon talks about being back at St Mirren after his spell out on loan with Alloa Athletic.
Action Shot (Centre Pages) – Striker John Sutton.
St Mirren Supporters Trust – John White brings us up to date with the latest happenings at SMiSA.
Fans Corner – Ticket prices, travel clubs update, match info and dates for fans to keep in their diary.
Championship Round-Up – Kyle Gunn’s run down on weeks 9 and 10 of the Ladbrokes Championship season.
Saints in the Community – A catch-up with the latest happenings at St Mirren in the Community.
The Academy – A look at the under-20 side’s recent outings in the SPFL Development League.
Kit Sponsors 2016/17.
Marketing Matters – Commercial Manager, Campbell Kennedy brings us up to date with all the commercial activities within the Club.
St Mirren Fixtures & Results 2016/17 – A handy reference page of all the fixtures for this season.
Team Lines – The two squads and match officials for Saturday’s match.

To buy this issue or to place your programme subscription for the 2016/17 season click HERE.