With half the season gone I thought it would be a good time to update everybody on how things are progressing at the club.

On the playing side I am sure you can all see tangible signs of improvement, however, a cursory glance at the league table shows that we need to start turning these performances into wins and points on the board. As I have said before, the squad is currently imbalanced and I know Jack and James have been spending hours watching potential January recruits over the last month with a view to addressing that as soon as possible once the transfer window opens. 

I think we are all aware what we need and rest assured we will do our utmost to bring in the players we need to help improve the team. 

The biggest positive for me in the first half of the season has been the emergence of the group of Academy graduates who have blossomed into first team regulars in recent weeks. These young kids have been encouraged to go out and play attractive football and it's made a huge difference to the overall performance of the team. The style of football we are playing just now excites me and I now look forward to every game knowing we can compete with anyone in the division as was borne out by our display away from home against the league leaders on Christmas Eve.

The value of the Academy can never be under-estimated and the stature, confidence and skill of these players is a glowing testament to the work being done day in day out at Ralston by Allan McManus and his team. 

The last half dozen or so games have had us all on the edge of our seats. It remains my belief that attractive, exciting football is what will get people coming back to football and through the turnstiles on a match day. This is how we want to develop this club going forward, with this ethos built in to every single side right throughout the Academy and into the first team. I think we now have the staff in place to achieve that goal and I am excited about the future ahead. 

As a relatively new board we are trying our best to foster positive thinking around the whole football club. Negativity is self-destructive and whilst we won't get every decision right for everybody remember that we are all supporters too. We all want the best for the club and every decision we make is made with a view to making things better going forward. 

The task of turning around our fortunes on the field is the primary focus right now, but rest assured we are working away on our overall longer term strategy of improving each and every aspect of the club's operations with a view to increasing our turnover, improving the match day experience for our supporters, enhancing the club's infrastructure and working within the local community to further cement the strong links we have to Paisley and the surrounding areas. 

I have been greatly encouraged by the conversations I have had with supporters I've met at matches in and around the town in recent weeks, all of whom have been greatly supportive of what we are trying to achieve. Most understand that we cannot turn everything around overnight. 

The repair work on the Academy buildings is well underway and I can now sleep easy at night knowing that we are not going to lose our first team down a hole in the canteen floor. You may think that is an exaggeration but believe me, it's not!

Due to financial restrictions and the fact that we still need to be able to use the facilities on a daily basis the work required will be carried out in phases over the next few years. Both Jack and I are comfortable with this and it will allow us to tweak the layout slightly as well to create a new room for match analysis. 

I would also like to thank all of you who contribute towards SMiSA. It is amazing the difference it can make and the extra £2 a month you contribute has already allowed us to complete the raised platform for disabled supporters and now give Jack extra funds to bring another player in for the rest of the season. This additional funding is greatly appreciated. 

Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention once again the support we are receiving from the stands both home and away. It seems to be getting busier and noisier every week and I have no doubt you will rise to the occasion this week once again. The players all appreciate the positive support and believe me it really does help. Stick with us, be positive and encouraging at all times and hopefully 2017 will be a more memorable year for us all. 

Wishing you and your families a very happy New Year when it comes and all the best for 2017. COYS!

Gary Irvine wants to give the fans something to cheer about when Saints close out 2016 as they host Morton at the Paisley 2021 Stadium on Saturday.

The defender, who made his 40th appearance for the Buddies in the 2-1 loss at Tannadice on Christmas Eve, admits that losing at Cappielow to Saturday's opponents at the start of November hurt the players and they'll be looking to give back to the fans when the two meet on Hogmanay.

Speaking to stmirren.com after the Dundee United match, Irvine said:"Looking back since the manager has come in, thinking back on all the performances in the games that we've played, that's the one that for myself and for the boys that was a sore one.

It wasn't like us, it was a poor performance. That Morton game at Cappielow was a sore one and we were disappointed and I was annoyed with it. 

"When it comes to a derby you're needing that extra wee bit behind you and I'm sure the fans will be there because they've been brilliant this year. They're applauding us when we deserve it and it's good to see when they see us putting the effort in and all the hard work.

"Hopefully we can give them a lot to cheer about."

Irvine believes that Saints need to treat all matches from now on with the importance of a derby as the team seeks to win as many points as possible to haul themselves from the foot of the Ladbrokes Championship.

I think we need to treat every game now as a derby," he said. "We're fighting for points now and the fact that it's Morton has that wee added bit for the fans and for the clubs. But every week is massive for us now and it's about getting the three points. 

The defender said that losing to Dundee United on Christmas Eve was disappointing but believes that the manner of the performance gives the team confidence that they can push up the league table. 

First and foremost, it's a sore one," Irvine continued. "We've come up here and been beaten, but we've played well and I felt like we were the better side throughout the majority of the game.

"The positives are that we're still playing well, creating chances and I think you can see the reception the fans gave us. We kept going and that's credit to the boys. We just need to dust ourselves down, keep going and try to turn these disappointments into three points."

 Tickets for Saturday's match are on sale at the St Mirren ticket office and online.

Jack Ross gives his reaction as Saints are narrowly beaten by Dundee United at Tannadice on Christmas Eve.

St Mirren were unable to keep their lead as Dundee United ran out 2-1 victors at Tannadice. 

John Sutton had scored to put the Saints in front but an immediate reply from Simon Fraser and a goal on the half time whistle from Simon Murray saw all three points go to United. 

St Mirren started the match well with Lewis Morgan creating two chanced in the opening stages. The youngster made his way into the box and tried to get his shot away but it was blocked and cleared by the United defence.

Moments later the ball fell to him again but his shot from 30 yards out was no trouble for the goalkeeper as it flew high over the bar.  

Play switched to the other end of the park and United had two quick chances of their own. Blair Spittal headed over from a corner before a second set piece saw the ball trickle wide. 

Both sides were forced into early changes as Gary MacKenzie and Mark Durnan clashed heads in the penalty area after a Saints corner.

Jack Baird replaced MacKenzie whilst Coll Donaldson was introduced for United and it was shortly after the latter substitution that deadlock was broken. 

United had a throw in deep in their own half and after an error from Donaldson, John Sutton latched onto the loose ball and slotted past Cammy Bell. 

The lead didn't last long, as just a minute later Scott Fraser had equalised for Dundee United. 

St Mirren came close to regaining the lead just a few minutes later, as the ball was played to the back post where Naismith was lurking, however his close range effort was saved onto the post and cleared. 

Despite the Saints efforts to find a second goal, it was United who struck the killer blow. Scott Fraser took a free kick on the corner of the box and it was flicked past Gallacher by Simon Murray right on the stroke of half time. 

Half Time: Dundee United 2-1 St Mirren 

Dundee United started the better in the second half winning a free kick just outside the box. Scott Fraser stood over it and blasted it over the bar. 

Gallacher was then forced to make a save low to his right when Sean Dillon headed towards goal. 

St Mirren made their second change as Rocco Quinn made way for David Clarkson and he almost made an instant impact as yle McAllister crossed the ball from the right and Clarkson looked to get on the end of it but it was just too far out of reach. 

Lewis Morgan then forced Cammy Bell into a save with a optimistic shot from distance before creating another great chance.

He found himself through on goal but he didn't take the shot in time and William Edjenguele made the challenge and cleared. 

With ten minutes left to play Lawrence Shankland replaced Kyle McAllister.

Much like Clarkson, Shankland came close after coming on. The ball was played to him at the back post and he tried to slot it past Bell but Edjenguele was there to clear once more. 

Despite late pressure from the Saints, they were unable to find the equaliser and it finished Dundee United 2-1 St Mirren 

Full Time: Dundee United 2-1 St Mirren 

St Mirren: Gallacher, Naismith, Irvine, Webster, MacKenzie (Baird, 19), Quinn (Clarkson, 60), Magennis, McAllister (Shankland, 79), Mallan, Morgan, Sutton.
Subs Not Used: Langfield, McLear, Hardie, Gallagher

Dundee United: Bell, Dillon, Dixon, Durnan (Donaldson, 25) , Spittal, Murray (Smith, 80), Fraser, Telfer (Van Der Velden, 70), Edjenguele, Flood, Andreu
Subs Not Used: Zwick, Murdoch, Obadeyi, Robson

Referee: John McKendrick
Assistant Referee: Alasdair Ross
Assistant Referee: Daniel McFarlane

Attendance: 7,247

Match report and gallery pictures by Allan Picken – © Allan Picken Photography

Jason Naismith makes his 100th start for St Mirren as Jack Ross makes one change to the side that drew 1-1 with Ayr United last Saturday.

Naismith, who made his 100th Saints appearance in the win against Queen of the South a few weeks ago, retains his place in the team while Lawrence Shankland drops out to be replaced by John Sutton. 

Kick-off is at 12:30pm and we'll have all the action covered on Twitter @saintmirrenfc and on our Facebook page.

St Mirren Starting XI: Gallacher, Naismith, MacKenzie, Webster, Irvine, Quinn, Magennis, McAllister, Mallan, Morgan, Sutton
St Mirren Subs: Langfield, Baird, McLear, Gallagher, Hardie, Clarkson, Shankland

Jack Ross believes his players will be looking forward to tomorrow's festive fixture as the Saints take on Dundee United at Tannadice.

The Buddies manager thinks playing at a stadium like Tannadice with a decent crowd will be a good test for his players and one he expects they will eagerly anticipating. 

Speaking to stmirren.com, Jack says it's a game he's excited about as well as he looks to test himself as a manager.

It's an attractive fixture," he said. "It's one as a player I know they'll all be looking forward to because it's a great stage to go and play against the team that's joint top of the league. There will be a big crowd and it's a good stadium so there's a lot of exciting things about it. I'm very much looking forward to it as a manager and I know the players will be as a group. 

With Saints looking to keep up momentum after picking up seven points from a possible nine in the last three matches, the manager admits the only objective for the team at the moment is to win every match they take part in. 

The only target we ever have is to win every game we go into and I know it sounds very simple but that is what it is. We take the next game as it comes and that's about getting the three points.

"I always believe that we can go and win every single game we're about to play in this league. We're getting there with our performance levels and I'm no different going to Tannadice tomorrow. We're respectful of the opposition in terms of the amount of homework we do and the preparation we do and how well we need to play in the game, but we're capable of playing well."

St Mirren's last league defeat came away to Falkirk at the start of the month, however, Jack believes that, despite the loss, the performance that day may well have been meaningful in terms of the players believing in their own ability and could stand them in good stead ahead of tomorrow's match.

I think that game, although we lost it, was perhaps a significant one for us because they went to a team that is challenging at the top end of the stadium and for large spells were very good. I think that helped re-affirm what I've been saying to about how they're good players and they started to believe it from then so yeah they've had recent experience of going to a difficult venue and performing well."

Reports emerged yesterday that Aberdeen midfielder Craig Storie was set to join the Saints on loan in January and the manager discussed the possibility of the 20 year-old joining the Buddies.

I read Derek's comments regarding Craig Storie," he said. "Craig is a player I've admired for quite a while and I've seen him quite a lot.

"I have a good relationship with Derek at Aberdeen on a professional level and a personal level so I've been in contact with him.  Subject to it all being finalised then we hope Craig will join us in the early part of January. If he does then I'll be delighted because he's a player I like.

"We're very close to bringing in a defender all things being well," he continued. "Failing any last minute hitches, which can sometimes happen in football, I'm confident we'll have two in in January and I'd like to get one more in. But getting two in at the start of January will be a boost for us."

St Mirren's IRN-BRU Cup semi-final against The New Saints will take place on Sunday 19 February. 

The match will kick-off at 4:10pm as The Buddies welcome the Welsh side to the Paisley 2021 Stadium. 

The Buddies have seen off Albion Rovers, Hibernian and Ayr United in the run to the last four and will now battle it out with the Welsh side for a place in the final with the winner taking on the winner of the Queen of the South/Dundee United match.

Ticket information will be announced in due course. 

St Mirren make their final away trip of 2016 tomorrow when Jack Ross' side take on Dundee United at Tannadice in a 12:30pm kick off.

The Saints come into the Christmas Eve fixture having picked up seven points from a possible nine with wins over Queen of the South and Raith Rovers followed by draw with Ayr United at the Paisley 2021 Stadium. John Sutton was on target in his 100th appearance for The Buddies as he nodded home David Clarkson's cross in the 81st minute to take a share of the spoils in the 1-1 draw.

Dundee United are in a good run of form having now drawn themselves level on points with Hibernian at the top of the Ladbrokes Championship. The Arabs haven't lost a match in any competition since a League Cup loss in September - a run of 13 games unbeaten. Saints biggest challenge tomorrow will be attempting to breach a defence which hasn't conceded a goal in its last six matches stretching back to the start of November. Mostly recently though United were held to a 0-0 draw against Raith Rovers at Stark's Park.

The only meeting between the two this season came in October at the Paisley 2021 Stadium as Jack Ross took charge of the Saints for the first time. Despite putting in a good performance, it was the away side who ran out winners with goals from Scott Fraser and Tony Andreu securing a 2-0 win.

This is St Mirren's first trip to Tannadice since November 2014 where the home side ran out 3-0 winners. Saints last victory against United in Dundee came on 30 December 2012 as the Buddies came out on top in a pulsating 4-3 win. Goals from Paul Dummett, Steven Thompson, Marc McAusland and David Van Zanten sealing the win in the seven goal thriller to end the year on a high. 

Saints will be without Ben Gordon, who is likely to be out for two-three months, and Jordan Stewart, though beyond that Jack Ross will have almost a full squad to call upon. 

It may be the festive period but the hosts won't be in the mood for sending Saints home with a gift as they look to keep up the pressure on Hibernian in an attempt to displace them at the top of the tree. For St Mirren the aim remains to keep winning matches as the team look to gain ground on those sitting above in the league.

On Christmas Eve St Mirren head to Dundee for a Ladbrokes Championship match-up with Dundee United at Tannadice Park.

The latest info on Travel Clubs heading to The City of Discovery for the match is as follows:

Cockles Wilson Supporters Bus

We will be leaving at 10:00am on Christmas Eve for Dundee.

Please note that the bus is now sold out for this match.

We would like to thank all of our members and regular non-members for their continued support and wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Tile Bar Supporters Bus

Our bus will leave Abercorn Street at 10:00am for the game at Tannadice.

Bus tickets are now on sale.

Chivas Travel Club

We are sharing a bus for this game with the North End Club bus.

The bus will leave at 10:15am.

Non members tickets are now on sale from The Court Bar.

North End Travel Club

Because of the early kick-off and the time of year we are sharing a bus with the Chivas Club.

The bus will leave the Sneddon at 10:15am.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone.

 * Valid ID must be produced as proof of status

** Phone St Mirren Ticket Office to purchase wheelchair user & carer ticket.

There is also a special deal for St Mirren Season Ticket holders where an adult ticket will be discounted by £2 for this match. This offer is valid until 6:00pm today (Thursday 22nd December).

To give Season Ticket holders a chance to cash in on the discount the St Mirren Ticket Office will be open from 10:00am till 6:00pm today (Thursday 22nd December).

Additional Information

On Saturday 24th December, St Mirren head to Dundee to face Dundee United in the Ladbrokes Championship.

The ticket prices have now been confirmed for the fixture at Tannadice Park and these are shown above. Tickets can be purchased from the St Mirren Ticket Office.

St Mirren Ticket Office hours for the remainder of this week are as follows:

22/12/2016 - 10:00am to 6:00pm
23/12/2016 - CLOSED
24/12/2016 - CLOSED
25/12/2016 - CLOSED

St Mirren Ticket Office Tel: (0141) 840-6130

St Mirren Ticket Office E-Mail: tickets@stmirren.com

The referee for Saturday's fixture is John McKendrick and he will be assisted by Alasdair Ross and Daniel McFarlane.