St Mirren Football Club can confirm that tomorrow’s match against Hamilton Academical has been postponed following Public Health Scotland’s decision to place the entire first-team and coaching staff into isolation.

Chief Executive Tony Fitzpatrick said: "We appreciate this is a frustrating situation for all connected to the club and those involved at Hamilton Academical. 

"This continues to be a challenging time for the club but the health and wellbeing of our players and staff remains our utmost concern."

St Mirren Football Club can confirm that following another round of testing we have unfortunately received more positive COVID-19 cases.

In line with Government guidelines, those affected will self-isolate for 10 days.

This has been a hugely challenging time for the club but the health and wellbeing of our players and staff remains our utmost priority.

A further update on this matter will be made available tomorrow following meetings with health authorities.

St Mirren chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick has written to his Motherwell counterpart Alan Burrows to complain about unacceptable statements by Fir Park coach Maurice Ross during a BBC Radio Scotland broadcast in which Ross cast doubt on the reasons for St Mirren seeking the COVID-related cancellation of Saturday’s scheduled clash between the two clubs. 

The text of Tony’s letter reads: 

"I am writing to express my disappointment at the comments of Maurice Ross on the above Podcast following the postponement of the fixture between our respective clubs on Saturday 17 October. 

"In particular I deprecate any suggestion that we or any other football club would take advantage of this pandemic for personal gain.  Any notion that we have been “opportunistic” in seeking to discharge our public health responsibilities is a fallacy.  I cannot fathom why Mr Ross would seek to publicly call into question the integrity of a fellow SPFL member club for adhering to the agreed protocols which are in place to protect players, officials and clubs. 

"As we, and all football clubs in Scotland, try to navigate our way through these difficult times the comments of Mr Ross are both unfortunate and unhelpful. 

"With respect I would suggest Mr Ross might want to reflect on the comments which he broadcast to the nation and I am sure he will support your fellow clubs in being hyper vigilant as we work together to tackle this virus.  I would be grateful if he could avoid such derisory language in future." 

St Mirren Football Club are proudly continuing their support for the education charity, Show Racism the Red Card throughout the upcoming Fortnight of Action. Our club have supported the charity’s messages of tolerance and inclusion within football for many years. Now more than ever, the importance of this fortnight cannot be overstated.

All professional clubs in Scotland will show their support over one weekend – Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October. Clubs will be united in calling for an end to racial discrimination and inequality throughout society.

Show Racism the Red Card work all year round with schools, workplaces, grassroots and youth football clubs and the prison service to educate young people and adults on challenging prejudice and stereotypes, using the power of football as a positive way to instigate conversation on anti-racism.

Covid-19 and events overseas have shone a light on the growing inequalities that some of us unfairly face. Still today, many experience this disproportionately due to the colour of their skin.

Last year in Scotland, 81% of young people felt more confident in identifying and safely challenging racism after working directly with Show Racism the Red Card.

In addition to raising awareness of the charity’s work in Scotland, the Fortnight of Action from 10th – 25th October 2020 shows commitment at the highest level of Scottish football in eradicating racism and discrimination in all its forms from our game.

We call on our supporters to continue to challenge racism. It is the responsibility of us all to ensure that the anti-racism message is carried out beyond the Fortnight of Action.

Sam Foley, St Mirren's Fortnight of Action Ambassador said: "Football is a game that is loved and played all around the world by people of all races, colours and religions.

"As a sport, football is the ultimate team game where everyone taking part is encouraged to bring their best game forward for the team's cause while at the same time showing respect and tolerance for all of those on the field of play, just as we all should strive to be in everyday life.

"All at St Mirren Football Club are fully behind and pleased to support Show Racism the Red Card's Fortnight of Action."

St Mirren stands with everyone who has had to endure racial prejudice in all areas of their lives. We condemn all forms of racism and any racist behaviour will not be tolerated at our club.

Football is a sport that is loved by people across the world and football matches should be an enjoyable experience for all, whatever your background. Education is the key and St Mirren will support Show Racism the Red Card to ensure our future generation are equipped with the tools to challenge and eradicate racism from football and society.

For useful resources and information, please visit www.theredcard.org

Follow Show Racism The Red Card on:

Instagram: @SRtRCScotland
Twitter: @SRtRCScotland
Facebook.com/theRedCardScotland

St Mirren Football Club can confirm that a further first-team player have returned a positive COVID-19 test and is now self-isolating. In line with Public Health and Scottish Government guidelines, a number of additional players are now required to self-isolate.

Chief Executive, Tony Fitzpatrick stated: "It is very disappointing that we are faced with this situation despite the numerous precautions and safeguards that are in place within the Club.

"As a result we regret this has caused our game against Motherwell to be postponed.

"This is hugely frustrating for our fans, the players and staff, and for everyone connected with the club. We will be working with the SPFL and relevant health authorities on this matter and will provide an appropriate update when more information is available.

"This once again underlines the absolute necessity of maintaining vigilance to ensure that players, officials and their families minimise the risk of infection to keep everyone safe."

It’s been a long seven months without match day entertainment and the SLO’s/Panda know you are missing it as much as they are so this Halloween, they are coming to you!

Between 3-8pm on Saturday 31st October a very spooky looking Paisley Panda will be going 'trick or treating' around Paisley (PA1 to PA11). Not only is the Panda going to bring the trick but the club will also be supplying a treat for the kids!

To get involved all you have to do is email colin.bright@stmirren.com with your address and how many kids will be in your house.

You will then receive a confirmation email followed by a further email nearer the time giving you an estimated time of arrival for the Panda.

This service is absolutely free however spaces are limited so please book now, we don’t want any disappointed buddies!

It will be possible to have a picture with the Panda, however, please note we must comply with social distancing rules at all times.

The SPFL’s chief executive Neil Doncaster called on Scottish football supporters to observe all relevant physical distancing guidelines when watching in the biggest weekend of the SPFL season so far.

Doncaster said: "A huge amount of hard work has gone into ensuring a safe return to competitive action for Scottish football and we are all desperate for fans to get back into stadia as soon as possible.

"The overwhelming majority of clubs, players and supporters have been impeccable, consistently conducting themselves safely and responsibly. Clubs have gone above and beyond to make stadia and training grounds safe for their players and staff and it is only as a result of this combined, massive effort that we have made such positive progress.

"However, in recent weeks, we have seen how quickly the virus can re-emerge, highlighting the need for continued vigilance from fans as we look forward to the first Old Firm game of the season, as well as the long-awaited return of Championship, League One and League Two matches.

"Given the very clear evidence that household mixing brings the highest risk of spreading the infection, we are urging supporters not to congregate in houses to watch matches. They put themselves and their loved ones at significantly increased risk.

"Fans should also be aware that travelling from the Central Belt health board areas covered by current additional measures – Great Glasgow & Clyde, Lanarkshire, Forth Valley, Lothian and Ayrshire & Arran – to other areas in Scotland to watch games in licensed premises is a clear breach of the guidelines.

Likewise, we echo the message from police forces in England that attempting to circumvent Scottish rules by travelling south of the border to watch matches in pubs would be completely irresponsible and could result in significant fines.

"With such a high-profile round of fixtures ahead, the eyes of the world will be on Scottish football, offering a fantastic opportunity to showcase what makes our game so compelling and exciting.

"However, it’s now more important than ever that all supporters continue to stick rigidly to the latest Government guidance, as well as any specific local restrictions that are in place.” Scotland’s Interim Chief Medical Officer, Dr Gregor Smith, echoed these messages ahead of this weekend. He said: “We know it has been really hard for supporters to not be able to attend matches or meet in each other’s homes, but we also know the highest risk places for transmission are where people gather together.

"Once the virus gets into your house, it’s most likely it will infect others in your home, which is why it’s vital we all protect each other by continuing to follow physical distancing guidance and avoid non-essential travel this weekend.

"I want to thank everyone who has been following the guidance, and the SPFL for their support. The less chance we give this virus to spread through our communities, the faster we can contain it and start to ease restrictions, allowing the quicker return of supporters to stadiums."

Saints are back in league action this Saturday as we host Motherwell at St Mirren Park for a Scottish Premiership match-up.

We have a limited edition run of programmes, published in partnership with Curtis Sport, for the behind closed doors Scottish Premiership fixture played on Saturday 17th October.

This issue is a 32 pager with a £3 cover price.

This latest edition includes the following:

Front Cover – Cammy MacPherson.
Jim Goodwin - The St Mirren gaffer's thoughts on the matches since Saints' last home outing and his take on the upcoming fixture against the Steelmen.
The Opposition – We run the rule over Stephen Robinson's Motherwell side.
Game Rewind Gallery – A pictorial look back on the match played between Saints and Motherwell on 5th April 2014.
St Mirren Programme Archive - Derek Drennan reviews the programme for the League Cup semi-final between Saints and Motherwell on 1st October 1955.
Centre Page Poster – Ilkay Durmus.
Player Kit Sponsors 2020/21 – Check in to see who is sponsoring your favourite player's shirt for the season.
Marketing Matters – Campbell Kennedy updates on the latest events and happenings at the club's Commercial Department.
Yesterday's Saints – David Cochran looks back on the St Mirren career of Alan Gebbie who was part of the Saints side that won the Scottish Cup for the first time in 1926.
Football Bloody Hell - Alan Gallacher states his case for Scotland to qualify for next summer's Euros.
St Mirren Fixtures & Results 2020/21 – A handy reference page of all the fixtures and results 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 2020/21 season click HERE.

St Mirren Football Club can confirm that two first-team players have returned a positive COVID-19 test result in our most recent round of routine testing.

The players who returned positive tests will self-isolate in line with Scottish Government guidelines. We can also confirm that another player is in self-isolation as a precaution.

As a result, the three players will be unavailable for this weekend’s match against Motherwell.

Everyone at the club wishes those involved a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming everyone back once it is safe to do so.

The SMFC Charitable Foundation is happy to announce their October Saturday camp this Saturday the 17th!

The Charitable Foundation are running their October Camp this year on Saturday due to current circumstances, but nonetheless will have fun!

Learn new skills! And meet new friends! 🙌

There are 40 spaces available and all of the information is in the registration form available here.

Saturday - 3-6 years old - 9am-12pm (£15)
Saturday - 7-12 years old - 9am-1pm (£20)

To book simply click on this link to submit your registration form.