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.

St Mirren return to Scottish Premiership action this weekend as Jim Goodwin's men host Motherwell on Saturday.

The Buddies picked up five points from our opening two Betfred Cup matches - defeating Partick Thistle 4-1 at St Mirren Park, before coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Queen of the South at Palmerston and taking a bonus point on penalties. 

Motherwell haven't been in action since a 5-1 defeat at home against Rangers at the end of September.

Stephen Robinson's side, who aren't involved in the Betfred Cup group stages due to their qualification for Europe, were due to play Kilmarnock at the start of the month, but that match was postponed by the SPFL after the Kilmarnock squad had to self-isolate. 

Match Details

St Mirren v Motherwell
Competition: Scottish Premiership
Date: Saturday 17th October
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: St Mirren Park

Can I watch the match?

The match is available to all season ticket holders and international subscribers on St Mirren TV.

Non-season ticket holders and Motherwell supporters will be able to watch the match on PPV for £12.50 on ppv.stmirren.com. 

Mark Yardley will join match day host Ali De Foy at pre-match, half-time and post-match with David Van Zanten on co-commentary. 

Live coverage starts from 2:45pm. 

Previous

Saints faced the Steelmen five times last season - winning twice, drawing once and losing twice. 

The last meeting saw Ilkay Durmus score a late winner at Fir Park as St Mirren won 2-1 at Fir Park in February. 

The two sides couldn't be separated when Motherwell last visited Paisley, also in February, in Scottish Cup action. Mark O'Hara scored the opener for the Steelmen before Alex Jakubiak levelled in the second-half. 

Manager's thoughts

"We have to try and approach the game the same way we did the Aberdeen game, obviously with a different outcome.

"If we can take seven points or nine points from the next three games that could really catapult us up the table."

Who are the officials?

Bobby Madden is the referee on Saturday. He is assisted by Calum Spence and Gary Hilland. David Lowe is the fourth official. 

Saints fought back from a disastrous start at Palmerston to draw with Queen of the South before picking up a bonus point in the penalty shoot-out.

Queens stunned the Buddies with two goals inside the first 15 minutes, Connor Shields opening the scoring before Aidan Fitzpatrick finished well after a great passing move cut open the visiting defence.

Jamie McGrath halved the gap early in the second half when his free-kick found the net without appearing to touch anyone. There was plenty of time to find an equaliser but it didn't look as if it would come until, in the final minute, Marcus Fraser headed in his first Buddies goal to force a penalty shoot-out.

The lack of fans meant a lot of the normal drama and tension was missing but Queens were always up against it after missing their first two spot-kicks, Saints converting all of theirs to pick up the extra point.

Saints may have beaten Partick Thistle during the week but that didn't stop manager Jim Goodwin making three changes, Sam Foley, Kyle McAllister and Ilkay Durmus being handed starts at the expense of Jon Obika, Junior Morias and Cammy MacPherson, who were on the bench. The ever-dangerous Stephen Dobbie led the home attack with former Saint Gregor Buchanan in the defence.

Dobbie went close to opening the scoring after just five minutes, drawing a good save from Jak Alnwick after he connected well with Shields' cutback. However, the warning wasn't heeded and moments later Shields nicked the ball from Richard Tait midway inside the Saints half and he powered forward before thumping the ball across Alnwick into the far corner to put Queens in front.

The bad start got even worse five minutes later. McGrath lost possession to Fitzpatrick and some a few slick passes put the on-loan Norwich man through on goal, Alnwick having no chance as the winger fired past him.

Saints had found themselves in this sort of position at Palmerston just before Christmas in 2017 and went on to win, however a similar fightback looked pretty unlikely at this stage. They did begin to enjoy some more possession but did little with it and Queens goalie Rohan Ferguson wasn't unduly troubled. Indeed, the Doonhamers could have moved even further ahead when Ayo Obileye was left unmarked at Joe McKee's corner but he headed wide.

Saints finally threatened in the final 10 minutes of the half. McAllister was desperately unlucky to see his fantastic free-kick rattle the post, Ferguson producing a good save to tip Fraser's follow up header over the bar. Another chance came from the corner, the unmarked Sam Foley failing to find the target with his header.

Obika replaced Nathan Sheron at the break but things almost got worse for Saints when Foley was short with his backpass, Alnwick booting the ball then Dobbie as he bailed his skipper out of trouble. The Buddies made the most of that let-off by reducing the deficit within seconds, McGrath floating a free-kick into the box that sailed into the net after seeming to be missed by everyone.

Dobbie dragged a shot wide as he tried to restore the hosts' two goal advantage before Saints almost drew themselves level, Ferguson producing a great save to keep out Joe Shaughnessy's header. The Buddies looked a much improved side as they looked to get themselves back on level terms, however were almost back to square one when Shields was left in too much space on the left and he found Fitzpatrick, whose shot was blocked by the legs of Tait. The defender showed he could be effective at the other end too when he prodded a corner towards goal, one of his team-mates unintentionally helping it over the bar with Ferguson beaten.

The next goal was going to be crucial, Fitzpatrick shooting wide from close range and Euan East seeing his shot deflected behind after he took advantage of a Fraser slip. The corner provided more problems, Dobbie's shot being blocked on the line before Alnwick saved from James Maxwell. Another chance came Dobbie's way a few minutes later but it was a tight angle and he volleyed wide.

The brief flurry of chances after McGrath's goal proved to be a false dawn, although the Irishman had a penalty shout turned down when his shot appeared to hit the arm of a Queens defender. As the clock ticked down, it seemed the well-organised home defence would hold out but with just seconds remaining, Ethan Erhahon produced a wonderful cross that found Fraser and he looped a header over Ferguson to bring the Buddies level.

With penalties looming, Saints almost snatched a winner deep into stoppage time, Cammy MacPherson drawing a fine save from Ferguson after being set-up by fellow sub Junior Morias. With a draw earning both sides a point, it was on to the shoot-out and this time it was Queens who started poorly as they missed their first two penalties, the next six being converted to give the Buddies an extra point.

Full-Time: Queen of the South 2-2 St Mirren (St Mirren win 4-2 on penalties)

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Sheron (Obika 45), Shaughnessy, Tait, McAllister (Connolly 60), Foley, McGrath, Erhahon, Durmus (MacPherson 71), Erwin (Morias 60)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Urminsky, Jamieson

Queen of the South: Ferguson, Maxwell, Buchanan, Obileye, McKee, Fitzpatrick, Pybus, Shields, Dobbie (McGrory 88), East (Goss 85), Gibson
Subs Not Used: Leighfield, Nortey, McCabe, Robinson, Joseph, McKechnie, Sylla

Referee: William Collum
Assistant Referee: Graeme Stewart
Assistant Referee: Graham McNeillie

Picture courtesy of David Henderson.