St Mirren Football Club is delighted to announce that Jonah Ayunga has signed a contract extension until summer 2025.
The 26-year-old – who is edging closer to a return from injury – joined Saints from English side Morecambe in summer 2022 on an original two-year deal.
He impressed in his first season at Saints with seven goals in 24 appearances before rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in a cinch Premiership match against Motherwell in January.
As the forward nears a return to action, the club has moved to extend his deal to keep him tied to Saints for a further year.
Speaking to stmirren.com, Jonah admitted it was an easy decision to further his stay at the club which he described as having been the most enjoyable of his career.
The manager asked if I would like to extend my stay and it was a no brainer for me. I’m still injured at the moment but it shows a lot of belief from the club and the gaffer.
"Before I got injured I was enjoying it here more than I have at any other club. That’s down to the boys in the changing room, the manager, the staff and just the feeling around the club with supporters.
"I wasn’t really expecting to get an offer until I was back playing and back fit but the fact the club has offered me it shows they believe in me and will support me through my recovery and building up to what I was before."
The forward admitted his working relationship with Stephen Robinson was a big factor in signing his new deal and spoke about the impact the manager has had in his career.
When I first signed with the gaffer [at Morecambe] I had only been playing professional men’s football for a season at Bristol Rovers so I was still getting used to the levels required and finding out what I needed to do as a player.
"The manager has given me a lot of advice, a lot of lessons and he obviously believes in me. I enjoy working with him so it was a no brainer."
Stephen Robinson added: "I think loyalty works both ways.
Jonah was very good for us before he got injured and it was important that we tied Jonah down as he’ll be a big part of what we are doing.
"He’s a very talented player and we’re backing him before he’s 100% fit again but we are confident he will be and will play a big part in things. It's a credit to the football club as well that they’ve gone and give him the contract on the basis that he’s not 100% fit yet.
"Jonah has showed a really steeliness and mental strength and really pushed himself every day which he will get the rewards for. A lot of credit has to be paid to Gerry Docherty as well for keeping Jonah motivated and keeping him believing.
"He’s joining in with bits and pieces in training and hopefully over the next few weeks we’ll get some reserve game time into him.
"When he’s joined in with training and done a little bit of finishing he’s been getting rounds of applause. It’s a super group of boys. They support each other and I can see why he feels at home because everybody wants him to do well."
