The publishing of the following update for April from SMiSA Chairman Alex Dillon was delayed due to the fact that Alex was one of five candidates up for election to the SMiSA Board. This decision was made to ensure that the Chairman's update was not giving an unfair advantage to one candidate over another. With the AGM now concluded, we have published the Chairman's update for April below. Although some of the contents are now outdated, there is still some useful information about our progress and plans for the rest of May.
Well, we did it!!
On behalf of the SMiSA Board, members of SMiSA & all St. Mirren fans, I’d like to congratulate Stephen Robinson and his team for breaking a near 40 year hoodoo and getting us into the top 6. Make no mistake about it, this is where St. Mirren belong.
With the post-split fixtures now known we have winnable games away to Hibs and Aberdeen, Celtic & Rangers will take care of themselves with Hearts visiting in what could then be a 4th place play-off and potential European space up for grabs. It couldn’t happen, could it?....
As European draws are now regionalised it’s possible Saints fans could dream of an away trip to some exotic location, but just as likely play in Wales, ROI or Northern Ireland!
The month started in style sweeping Livingston aside to give us the platform to finish Top 6. For the Kilmarnock game we seen a crowd of nearly 8000 turn up with great expectations. The atmosphere pre-match was electric. Danny Lennon, legend and ex St. Mirren manager appeared trackside. He also got a rousing reception in the 1877 Club which was packed full of Saints fans.
For those attending the match you must have been blown away by the flag display put on by the Northbank & W7 supporters. The guys and girls gave up hours of their own time to arrange the display; from both the Family Stand and Main Stand the view was sensational. Well done and thanks to all who took part, it is much appreciated and created a brilliant match day experience. As for the game, the less said about it the better….
One main aim of the SMiSA Board has been to engage more with you, our members. We completed the first fans survey in a number of years, and will share the feedback of that in May. We have had free giveaways for members this month, a family day at the Ralston Training Ground, three signed shirt winners by survey participants, and the unique 10th anniversary League Cup winning bundle signed by Danny Lennon and Steven Thompson.
Look out in May for the for the 100th anniversary of the historic Barcelona Cup win. A limited edition of Saints Gin donated by Saints fan Donald Boyd of Teardrop Gin and the Journey to Barcelona book from Jack Paterson and Alan Wardrop. Can Saints lay claim to be first Scottish team to win a European trophy?
Also in May is the St. Mirren POTY Dinner at the Normandy Hotel. SMiSA Members have the opportunity to enter the draw to win a place at the event, and maybe get on stage to present the SMiSA POTY award! Another great benefit of being a SMiSA member.
May also sees the SMiSA AGM take place on 17th May at the Stadium. Full details on registering attendance will be on the SMiSA homepage. I’d urge as many SMiSA Members to attend if you can. It gives opportunity to engage with not only SMiSA Board but the St. Mirren Directors too.
As we head into May, this also brings the football season to an end. It’s also the time, for whatever reason, players see their time at St. Mirren come to an end. As fans it’s sometimes difficult to understand that players are not as passionate about the club as we are, and reality is that gone are the days of a Shuggie Murray or Tony Fitzpatrick giving years of service to the club.
For those who move on we thank them for their service playing in the Black and White stripes, helping us reach Top 6 and maybe European football? It is great to see the club extend contracts of a few players already, and, maybe with the prospect of European football, the potential for a couple of new signings.
Now where’s that passport….
COYS,
Alex