Jack Baird admits he's enjoying being back in the Ladbrokes Premiership despite a challenging start to the season.

The St Mirren Youth Academy graduate made his Saints debut in the Premiership back 2014/15.

But it was the following seasons in the Championship where he established himself as a regular at The Buddies. 

While it's been a difficult beginning to life back in the Premiership, Bairdy says he has relished testing himself at the highest level in Scotland and feels Saints can take positives from performances over the last few weeks.

I'm enjoying it," he told stmirren.com.

"I was lucky enough to have played a few games in the Premiership a few years ago. Having played three seasons in the Championship and getting to test myself at another level now I'm really enjoying it. I'm hoping I will get better and keep improving.

"Obviously we've had a bit of a rough start, but the home games have been decent with the manager coming in even though we've not had the results that we wanted.

"The draw against Celtic was a good result and the Hibs game we probably should have taken a point. At the weekend against Kilmarnock we were dominant in the first half, but they get two goals in the second half - one of which was dubious. 

"There are positives to take though and we are building to something. Those three teams are all proper top six teams and Celtic have obviously won the league every year for the last couple of years. We more than matched Kilmarnock and Hibs at points in the game so there are positives." 

Oran Kearney took over as St Mirren manager last month and Baird says it's been good working with the gaffer. 

Kearney's arrival saw the Northern Irishman bring in former English Premier League defender Anton Ferdinand, someone Baird is revelling in learning from.

I've really enjoyed it since the new manager came in even though results haven't gone our way.

"His training is good and I like working with him and some of the players he's brought in.

"I've been really lucky since I've been at this club to play alongside experienced guys like Andy Webster, Gary MacKenzie, Harry Davis and now Anton Ferdinand.

"You can't beat that because you are learning from guys who have played in the English Premier League and that has been massive for me.

"I'm very grateful I've had the chance to work with people like that."

Saints travel to McDiarmid Park on Saturday to face Tommy Wright's St Johnstone.

The Perth side defeated Motherwell last weekend and sit in eighth place with 11 points. 

St Johnstone are an established Premiership team," Baird said. 

"They've done well the last few years and they are a strong team.

"It's a hard place to go and we can't be complacent about anything.

"We need three points and we are going to work hard to get them."

St Mirren travel to Perth on Saturday to face St Johnstone in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

It has been confirmed that the match will be pay-at-the-gate.

The match details are as follows:

St Johnstone vs St Mirren
Ladbrokes Premiership
Venue: McDiarmid Park, Perth
Date: Saturday 27th October 2018
Kick-off: 3:00pm

Gate Prices

Adult - £23
Over 65 - £13
Aged 17-18 - £12
Aged 13-16 - £9
Aged 12 and under – Free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult – gate 5 only (max 2 x U12 per adult)
Family Gate £16 - (Maximum 2 x U13s admitted FOC when accompanied by a paying adult – gate 5 only)
Wheelchair users - £14 (personal assistant free of charge)*
Ambulant disabled £14 (personal assistant free of charge)*

*Tickets for wheelchair users and ambulant disabled must be purchased in advance from the St Mirren Ticket Office.

The St Mirren fans will be accommodated in the Main Stand at McDiarmid Park with entry via gates gates 5, 6 and 7.

Please note that supporters who use wheelchairs or who have mobility issues should use the accessible entrance adjacent to gate 5.

St Johnstone also have a limited number of accessible parking bays which can be booked in advance (£5 - payable on the day). Bus/coach/minibus parking is free of charge in the McDiarmid Park car park.

St Johnstone also have a limited number of ADC receivers for supporters who are blind/partially sighted. These can be booked in advance, to be collected from the St Johnstone ticket office on match day.

St Johnstone's match day bar ‘The Muirton’ is located in the Main Stand at McDiarmid Park and will be open to both sets of supporters from 12 noon on the day of the match. Hot and cold snacks and drinks are available and children are welcome. There will be live football on the screens (Manchester Utd FC v Everton FC 12.30pm k/o) and the bar will be open at full-time again for anyone looking for post-match refreshments.

St Mirren Ticket Office Phone No: (0141) 840-6130.
St Mirren Ticket Office E-Mail: tickets@stmirren.com.

A gallery of pictures from the Westmarch Suite from Saturday following St Mirren's match against Kilmarnock in the Ladbrokes Premiership. 

Thanks to our match sponsors A.K. Vehicle Rentals and our captains armband sponsors Tommy O'Rourke Builders.

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

Trevor Mills from Burger and Keg put pen to paper on a season-long contract for St Mirren. 

Trevor discussed "signing" for his boyhood side and getting to meet the players.

To find out more about Burger and Keg please click here.

St Mirren welcome Motherwell to The Simple Digital Arena next Wednesday and we have a special discounted package on offer to season ticket holders as a thank you for your support. 

Guests have the option of a pay bar or drinks inclusive package on the evening for what is a very important game. 

Hospitality Update

Packages for Rangers (03/11/18) and Hearts (24/11/18) are all now completely SOLD OUT! 

There are still packages available for the visit of Hamilton on December 1st and limited availability for the Aberdeen game on December 15th. 

Hospitality @ The Simple Digital Arena
St Mirren v Motherwell
31st October 2018 
Kick-off 7:45pm 

Season Ticket Holders Midweek Special Deal

Guests will enjoy the following: 

• Arrive 5:15pm
• Private car parking facility
• Enter through the exclusive Hospitality Suite entrance 
• Hostess table service
• Three course meal accompanied with wine
• Accreditation in the match day magazine
• Exclusive match day competitions
• Match day magazine and corporate team sheets
• Exclusive Q&A with match day ambassadors
• Executive seating in the Main Stand
• Half-time pie and biscuits served with tea or coffee
• Post-match presentations by the match sponsors' man of the match
• Post-match visit to the lounge by players
• Inclusive drinks package or pay bar package available pre and post-match
• Last orders - 10:15pm
• Bar closes - 10:30pm

Cost per person - £95.00 + VAT (Drinks inclusive)*
Cost per person - £70.00 + VAT (pay bar)
Season ticket holder - £65.00 + VAT (Drinks inclusive)*
Season ticket holder - £40.00 + VAT (pay bar)
Children - £30.00 + VAT

Adult season ticket holders require to give ticket number when booking to receive discount. 
To reserve your package contact Commercial Manager, Campbell Kennedy on 0141 840 1337 or email commercial@stmirren.com 

MENU

Highland lentil soup served with petit pan

******

Roast topside of beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, baby carrots and green beans

Filo basket filled with roasted vegetables, mozzarella and fresh basil surrounded with sweet potato wedges (vegetarian option)

Beef burger with fries (Children menu)

******

Toffee and honeycomb cheesecake

******

Freshly brewed tea and coffee

St Mirren in The Community hope that all players, families and supporters had a fantastic October holiday period.

Please note that all Football Centres resume this week (normal days and times apply).

For further information about St Mirren in The Community, please contact Ross Paterson (Ross.paterson@stmirren.com)

St Mirren manager Oran Kearney reflects on a frustrating afternoon at The Simple Digital Arena as The Buddies suffered a controversial defeat against Kilmarnock.

Saints' disappointing run of form continued with a controversial defeat to Kilmarnock in Paisley.

At half-time the Buddies looked on course for their first win since the opening day of the season, Adam Hammill's free-kick missing everyone – apart from maybe Danny Mullen – as it flew into the net.

However, Killie drew level just after the break with a fantastic goal from Alan Power before they scored a debatable winner, the officials ruling Aaron Tshibola's header had crossed the line before being saved by Craig Samson.

Conslusive proof that things really go against you when you're struggling came moments later when Simeon Jackson thought he'd levelled things up – only for the offside flag to cut short his celebrations and any hope of a point.

Hammill's inclusion from the start was a surprise considering he went off injured on his debut against Aberdeen a fortnight ago. Danny Mullen was also back after injury and Matty Willock returned to midfield with Cammy MacPherson and Ryan Edwards the pair dropping out.

Former Buddie Kirk Broadfoot headed an earlier corner wide for the visitors before Saints threatened for the first time, Paul McGinn's attempt to head Ryan Flynn's cross to Mullen being deflected behind for a corner. Hammill's delivery was cleared back to him but as he tried to control the ball he was bundled to the ground. The winger took the resultant free-kick himself and curled it into the box, Mullen throwing his head at the ball as it bounced into the net. The striker seemed to suggest he'd got something on it, however Hammill claimed the goal – not a bad way to introduce himself to the Paisley punters.

Broadfoot headed a free-kick straight at Craig Samson as the visitors tried to respond before the defender gave away a free-kick in a dangerous possession when he clipped Jackson as the striker tried to spin. Hammill was unable to repeat his earlier magic, this time the ball clipping the top of the wall. Play was then stopped so a Killie player could receive treatment, the Saints fans and some players annoyed it resumed with Mr Collum giving Jamie MacDonald the ball. The visitors quickly attacked and Eamonn Brophy should have done better than curl a shot wide before Samson was booked for continuing to protest about how play had restarted.

It was an entertaining game without too much in the way of chances, Tshibola meeting a Killie corner at the back post but he could only head wide. The Saints defence had dealt well with what came its way in the opening 45 minutes but there was a blow when Anton Ferdinand failed to re-appear for the second half, MacPherson taking his place.

The visitors looked a different team after the break, Greg Stewart lashing an early sighter over the bar. Power was next to have a go after being teed up by Chris Burke but his daisy-cutter was easily dealt with by Samson. The keeper was in action again soon after, doing well to turn Stuart Findlay's drive round the post. However, it was merely a brief delay as the following corner was worked to Power at the edge of the D and he crashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner to deservedly bring the visitors level.

Saints had barely got going in the second half but nearly re-took the lead from another Hammill free-kick. This time the winger found Jackson and his close range shot was blocked by MacDonald before hitting the striker and bouncing behind. It was another set-piece that was to prove Saints' undoing as Killie scored from another short corner that was crossed to the back post for Tshibola to head towards goal. It looked as if Samson had kept it out but linesman Douglas Ross and ref Willie Collum decided it had crossed the line before he'd managed to save it, much to the fury of the home players and support.

Initially, they channelled their anger into trying to find an equaliser and thought they'd grabbed it moments later. Hammill's chipped free-kick found Stephen McGinn and his shot was parried by MacDonald before Jackson netted the rebound – only for the joy to be cut short by linesman David Roome's flag going up for offside. It was as close as the Buddies were to get to an equaliser, Killie sub Rory McKenzie heading a late effort wide as the Ayrshire side tried to seal victory.

Full Time: St Mirren 1-2 Kilmarnock

St Mirren: Samson, P.McGinn, Baird, Ferdinand (MacPherson 45), Hodson, Hammill (Smith 82), McGinn, Willock (Edwards ), Mullen, Jackson
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Jones, McShane, Kirkpatrick

Kilmarnock: MacDonald, O'Donnell, Taylor, Broadfoot, Power, Enobakhare, Findlay, Stewart, Brophy, Tshibola, Burke
Subs Not Used: Bachmann, Boyd, Byrne, Ndjoli

Referee: William Collum
Assistant Referee: David Roome
Assistant Referee: Douglas Ross
Fourth Official: Barry Cook

Attendance: 5,889

Match Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

St Mirren are back in league action tomorrow as The Buddies play host to Kilmarnock following the international break. 

PREVIOUS 

Saints have already faced Kilmarnock this season - opening the 2018/19 campaign against the Ayrshire side at Rugby Park in the Betfred Cup. 

The Buddies impressed that night, but couldn't find the goal their play deserved and settled for a 0-0 draw. 

Tomorrow's match is the first league meeting between the two in over three years, when a Steven Thompson double helped Saints record a 4-1 win over Killie at The Simple Digital Arena back in April 2015.

THIS SEASON

Saints sit 11th with four points from our opening eight matches, while Kilmarnock are in fourth on 16 points - three points behind league leaders Hearts. 

The Buddies solitary league win came on the opening day when a Danny Mullen double helped see off Dundee at The Simple Digital Arena. 

After an impressive end to last season, which saw them finish 5th, Kilmarnock have scored wins against Aberdeen and Celtic so far this season.

STEVE CLARKE

Ex-Saint Steve Clarke celebrated a year in charge of Kilmarnock this week and the former St Mirren defender has presided over a real turn in fortunes for Killie. 

Clarke made over 200 appearances for The Buddies during the 1980s before moving on to English Premier League side Chelsea. 

TEAM NEWS

Oran Kearney confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Adam Hammill and Danny Mullen have both trained this week.

Kyle Magennis, Adam Eckersley and Gary MacKenzie remain out. 

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 Premiership fixture against Kilmarnock, is a 52 pager with a £3 cover price.

This latest edition includes the following:

Front Cover – Paul McGinn.
The Gaffer - Oran Kearney looks ahead to the match against Kilmarnock and delivers his pre-match message for the fans.
Last Time Out – A look back at the recent Premiership match against Hibernian.
The Opposition – Brian Corry runs the rule over Steve Clarke's Kilmarnock side.
Matchday Announcements - Bulletin Board of info, dates and events in the world of St Mirren.
Decade of Football at Greenhill Road - A look back at St Mirren's first league win at Greenhill Road.
St Mirren Greats – David Cochran looks back on the St Mirren career of Ally McLeod.
Matchday Gallery - Pictures from the post match presentations in the corporate suite after the recent home match against Hibernian.
Match Action - Pictures from the St Mirren Colts' IRN-BRU Cup tie against Queen's Park.
Action Shot & Q&A (Centre Pages) – Defender Cole Kpekawa. Cole also shoots back answers for our quick-fire questionnaire.
Player Kit Sponsors 2018/19 – Check in to see who is sponsoring your favourite player's shirt for the season.
Fans Corner - Ticket prices, travel clubs update, match info and dates for fans to keep in their diary.
Premiership Round-Up - A rundown on weeks 6, 7 and 8 of the Ladbrokes Premiership season.
Street Stuff - The latest timetable of events for the Street Stuff programme.
Paisley Panda's Fun Corner – Some puzzles to keep the youngsters entertained during the half-time break.
Marketing Matters – Campbell Kennedy updates on the latest events and happenings at the club's Commercial Department.
St Mirren Fixtures & Results 2018/19 – 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 2018/19 season click HERE.