St Mirren and Queen of the South face up to each other for the first time this season tomorrow afternoon in a Ladbrokes Championship match-up at The Paisley 2021 Stadium.

Leading the team from Dumfries will be Gavin Skelton who took over the managerial helm at Palmerston Park at the end of last season after the departure of James Fowler. Having struggled by their own standards last season, the Doonhamers under Skelton have found their swagger again this term having got the season off to a flying start.

The Dumfries side lost a lot of good talent from their squad over the summer but Skelton has recruited well as he looked to find more balance again in the side. A really good pick-up is former Hearts and Kilmarnock defender Jamie Hamill who will shore up a defence that shipped 56 league goals last season, their poorest tally since season 2011/12 when they were relegated. Man of many clubs, Stephen Dobbie made a return to Palmerston this summer and has got off to a great start by scoring 6 goals in just as many outings so far this season, adding to his previous total in Dumfries of 54 goals in 97 appearances.

Skelton also brought in former Carlisle player Steven Rigg and midfielder Grant Anderson who made the move to Queens from Raith Rovers after a four year stint with the Kirkcaldy side. The Queen of the South manager also snapped up 20-year-old Aussie Lyndon Dykes Dykes from Surfers Paradise Apollo Soccer Club of Queensland Australia. There are also a few more familiar faces still around such as club captain Chris Higgins and striker Derek Lyle who knows the way to the back of the net having already bagged 6 this season.

The Doonhamers have got this season off to a really good start with three wins out of four ties in their Betfred Cup group, their only loss coming to Premiership side Partick Thistle, but the three wins assured qualification to the round of 16. A more than creditable 1-1 draw away to Dundee United on the opening day of the league season was followed by an incredible 3-1 victory away to high-flying Hibernian in the Betfred Cup which earned them a tie away to Rangers in the quarter-finals which will be played the midweek after next.

Since then league wins against Ayr United (4-1), Falkirk (2-0) and Dunfermline (1-0) see Queens sit in 3rd spot two points behind table toppers Hibs and on level points with Raith Rovers. Last weekend they went on a goal-scoring spree as the booked their place in the last 16 of the IRN-BRU Cup with a thumping 7-1 win against Stenhousemuir.

St Mirren also had success in the IRN-BRU Cup last Saturday as they battled back from two goals down to win 4-3 after extra-time. After going down to an early two goal deficit against Albion Rovers, goals from Lewis Morgan, Stephen Mallan and John Sutton hauled Saints into the lead but a quick equaliser just ahead of half-time saw both sides battle out a dour second half. With the game forced into extra-time Saints got the last say as Lawrence Shankland was on hand to head home to put Saints into a last 16 tie with Hibernian.

Another positive from last week’s match at Coatbridge was the return from injury of midfielder Rocco Quinn and a St Mirren debut for Gary MacKenzie who had been battling injury in the early part of the season also.

St Mirren had the upper hand across the four meetings with Queen of the South last season. The teams met in September last year in Dumfries with Saints running our 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Sean Kelly and Steven Thompson. Saints and The Doonhamers didn’t go head to head again until February when Stephen Mallan’s goal was the difference between the sides. But the following week an Alex Harris goal saw Queens get revenge at Palmerston. Stephen Mallan gave Saints the lead on the half-hour mark from a penalty-kick in the last meeting between the sides on 12th March. Gary Oliver pulled Queens level again midway through the second half but within sixty seconds Saints were back in front when Callum Tapping put the ball through his own goal.

It may only be the fifth league game of the season but both teams will be looking for maximum points. Queens will be looking to try and put pressure on the two sides above them in the league table while Saints will be looking to build on last week’s come-back win and hope to put together a game-winning performance to get their league season up and going.

The 1877 Supporters Club is offering FREE entry for members’ guests this Saturday and reduced admission for non-members.

As a result of feedback that many members will be unable to attend this Saturday’s match due to holidays, we plan to create an initiative to encourage more use of the club this weekend.

The biggest incentive is free entry for members’ guests which as always has to be pre-booked to allow us to monitor our numbers.

In addition we will also allow non-members entry for a reduced fee of £3 based on a first come, first served basis on the day.

This is very much a try and see initiative with the aim of getting better numbers using the bar prior to the two televised derbies in Glasgow and Manchester kicking off at 12:00pm and 12:30pm.

The club will open early at 11:45am due to the early kick-offs.

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 Championship match against Queen of the South, is a 48 pager with a £3 cover price.

The latest edition includes the following:

Front Cover – Stephen Mallan.
The Gaffer - St Mirren manager Alex Rae’s message to the fans ahead of the game.
Matchday Gallery – A gallery of pictures from the post-match presentations in the corporate suite after the recent home game against Hibernian.
Buddies News Update – News of the latest happenings in and around the Paisley 2021 Stadium.
Last Time Out – A look back at last week’s match against Albion Rovers.
Football, Bloody Hell – Alan Gallacher reckons that this season’s English Premiership isn’t as wide open as others may suggest.
The Opposition – Brian Corry gives the lowdown on Saturday’s visitors – Gavin Skelton’s Queen of the South side.
Hall of Fame – David Cochran highlights the St Mirren career of Alistair Miller.
Player Interview – Rocco Quinn talks about his fight back from injury.
Action Shot (Centre Pages) – Midfielder Stephen Mallan.
St Mirren Supporters Trust – John White brings us up to date with the latest happenings at SMiSA.
Fans Corner – Ticket prices, travel clubs update, match info and dates for fans to keep in their diary.
Championship Round-Up – Kyle Gunn’s run down on weeks 3 and 4 of the Ladbrokes Championship season.
Saints in the Community – A catch-up with the latest happenings at St Mirren in the Community.
The Academy – A look at the under-20 side’s opening two games of the SPFL Development League season.
Kit Sponsors 2016/17.
Marketing Matters – Commercial Manager, Campbell Kennedy brings us up to date with all the commercial activities within the Club.
St Mirren Fixtures & Results 2016/17 – A handy reference page of all the fixtures for this season.
Teams Lines – The two squads and match officials for Saturday’s match.

To buy this issue or to place your programme subscription for the 2016/17 season click HERE.

The St Mirren Under-20 side are back in action again next midweek when they play host to their counterparts from Hibernian.

The SPFL Development League fixture between the young Buddies and Hibees on Tuesday, 13th September will take place at the Paisley 2021 Stadium and it will kick-off at 18:00. Admission is FREE.

For more news on the SPFL Development League please click HERE.

St Mirren chief Tony Fitzpatrick is on a mission to get fitter and healthier in a bid to find his perfect love match.

The Saints legend has joined Pro-Life Fitness Centre in Paisley in a bid to improve his lifestyle, shed pounds and get himself back into the dating game.

Fitz is taking action hoping he might find the love of his life at the popular gym where he will be put through his paces under the watchful eye of fitness guru Gayle Brannigan.

The former captain and manager of the Buddies has vowed to dump crisps, chocolate and biscuits in the fight to get leaner while tackling a tough training programme designed to help him reach his goal.

Tony, who took over as chief executive at the club he loves earlier this year, revealed: “The truth is I’m looking for love. The time is right. It’s been a long while since I had someone special in my life.

“But I need to get myself back into shape first, leaner, fitter and healthier and if I train hard I will be lucky enough find romance at Pro-Life.

“To be honest I think it is time to tackle both my fitness and love life. I’m not in the best shape I’ve ever been in and would like to lose a few pounds. I used to be a machine – working hard at training and fitness levels daily as a player and then as a manager.

“I’ve let that slip because of the hours I put in and the lifestyle I lead where I’m grabbing a snack whenever I can and it is never a healthy option. It’s easier just to have a packet of crisps or chocolate on the road or when I get home late at night than cook something. I love chocolate, it’s my downfall.

“My goal is to get fitter, healthier and if, at the same time I meet someone special that would be great. I know the team here can help me with nutrition and exercise advice. They are training our players so I thought it would be a good idea to join Pro-Life as well to take advantage of the expertise here.”

The former Saints captain revealed frankly: “it would be a real bonus if I found romance and I believe it might just happen at this smashing gym in Paisley.

“I don’t mind admitting that the truth is I’m hoping to find the new love of my life and if I get fitter and healthier in the process then what’s not to like.”

The former player and manager added: “The fact that every penny profit from the gym goes to help our hospices and rising young sports stars in the community is another reason I’m here.

“Renfrewshire Sports Charity who run Pro-Life is doing a great job with Gayle and the team working hard to make sure it just keeps growing and growing getting better and better.”

The gloves are off too as Tony is going head to head in this fitness challenge with the Buddies commercial manager Campbell Kennedy.

Campbell joked: “I’ve been in the gym but only to hand in a signed strip or a ball as a donation for a charity event. I’m a bit nervous about all of this but I’m definitely up for it.

“Tony and I do stressful jobs with long and often unusual hours. You’re basically on call 24 hours a day and that’s fine but it can lead to ignoring your lifestyle when it comes to eating healthy food at regular times and getting some exercise.

“I’ll give it my best shot.”

The duo kicked off their new fitness regime by trying out some of the equipment at the centre in New Sneddon Street where they were left in no doubt it wasn’t going to be easy.

Chief executive at RSC Gayle Brannigan said: “We’re delighted Tony and Campbell have joined the Pro-Life family but they will get no favours from us.

“After their induction which includes a health check and fitness level test we will devise a unique programme for each of them which will include cardio vascular workouts like the treadmill, rowing machines and bikes.

“Campbell’s wife Eileen and his daughter Fiona have also joined us so it is great to get this support for the gym and the charity.”

Gayle added: “I remember Tony training as a player. He was like a machine nothing got in his way. I know his level of dedication for anything he takes on board. I never knew Tony was looking for love but he deserves to have someone special in his life. He’s just a great guy.”

If you want to get into shape while looking for love just like Tony or join a gym where members become part of the family then ring the Pro-Life team at 98 New Sneddon Street on (0141) 889 5027.

Your membership will also help Renfrewshire’s two hospices.

Paisley Panda will be a busy mascot at this Saturday’s match with the return of the popular half-time competition ‘Bung a Baw’.

To take part fans need to purchase a small foam ball which is numbered and they will then have a chance to throw their ball towards our club mascot Paisley Panda in front of the Family Stand. Each person will have 60 seconds to do this and the winner will be the person who has thrown the ball closest to the feet of the Panda with the winner being confirmed over the PA system.

The competition is sponsored by The Linwood Farm Restaurant who are supplying a family meal voucher as the prize for the contest winner.

Each ball will cost £1 to buy. The balls will be available from sellers inside the Family Stand in the 30 minutes leading up to kick-off and then again in the first 5 minutes of half time before the competition starts (subject to availability). Each ball is numbered and participants will also get a ticket with the corresponding number which they will use to claim the prize if they win.

There will also be a new competition called ‘SPOT PRIZES‘. All Season Ticket holders and anyone who buys a ticket for Saturday’s match against Queen of the South before the St Mirren Ticket Office closes on Friday, will be entered into a prize draw.

On the 30th and 60th minute of the match a seat will be selected at random which will be displayed on the scoreboard with the winners each receiving a family munchy box (4 slush puppies, 4 hot dogs, 4 ice creams and 6 packets of traditional sweets) from Tasty Treats of Bridge of Weir.

Our ‘MAN OF THE MATCH AWARD‘ is also back for Saturday’s match. Fans have the opportunity to vote for the man of the match that will also put two lucky fans in with the chance of winning a £10 voucher for the Club Shop.

Every home game we’ll throw open the voting on the 60 minute mark for 20 minutes where votes can be cast on Facebook and Twitter. All you have to do is use the hashtag #SMFCMOM followed by the name of the player you are voting for, eg ‘#SMFCMOM MALLAN’.

With 10 minutes of the game remaining all the votes will be counted then Stadium Announcer Phil Clark will confirm the winning player over the tannoy system.

From all the fans who nominate the winning player one will be picked at random from the Facebook account and another from the Twitter account and they will each be awarded a £10 voucher for the Club Shop. The winners will be notified through the account they posted from.

St Mirren continued their 100% win record on Tuesday evening as they won 2-1 against Aberdeen in a SPFL Development League fixture at Brechin City’s Glebe Park.

Saints took an early lead when Conor O’Keefe put the Paisley side ahead on 12 minutes. Greig McNaughton’s free-kick found its way to O’Keefe who fired the ball past Dons keeper David Craddock.

Within a minute Saints had doubled their lead when O’Keefe’s shot was saved by Craddock but the ball spun off the post then defender Sam Roscoe before nestling in the back of the net.

Saints were comfortably in control of the game as they saw the first half out but Aberdeen came out with more purpose in the second half.

The Paisley side looked to be coping with what Aberdeen were throwing at the them but the home side did get back into the game with 20 minutes remaining. A challenge on Scott Wright saw referee Chris Fordyce award a penalty-kick which was coolly slipped past Reece Willison by Bruce Anderson.

Aberdeen pushed for an equaliser but Saints hung in to claim the three points and keep their place at the top of the Development League.

St Mirren: Willison, McNaughton, Stewart (Barclay 55), Magennis, Gordon, McDonald, Flanagan, Whyte, Orsi, McLear, O’Keefe.
Unused Substitutes: MacPherson, Fawkes, Johnston, McKendry, Scally, Henry (GK).

On Saturday 17th September, St Mirren head over the Erskine Bridge to face Dumbarton in a Ladbrokes Championship match-up at The Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium.

The following week Saints are on the road again when they make the journey through to East End Park to go head to head with Dunfermline Athletic.

We are now looking for information on supporters’ buses which will be going to The Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium and/or East End Park for the matches.

If you wish to have your bus included on the list please send your info to norrie.jamieson@stmirren.com and we’ll make sure it gets online!

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Cockles Wilson Supporters Bus

Dumbarton v St Mirren – 17/10/2016

We will be leaving at 2:00pm for Dumbarton.

Bus tickets will be on sale in The Bankhouse from Saturday 10th September.

Dunfermline Athletic v St Mirren – 24/10/2016

The bus will leave at 3:30pm for Dunfermline.

Bus tickets will be on sale in The Bankhouse from Saturday 17th September.

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Tile Bar Supporters Bus

Dumbarton v St Mirren – 17/10/2016

The Tile Bar bus for Dumbarton will leave Abercorn Street at 2:00pm.

Bus seat tickets are on sale from behind the bar.

Dunfermline Athletic v St Mirren – 24/10/2016

The bus for the game away to Dunfermline will leave at 3:30pm.

Bus tickets will be on sale in the bar after the game against Dumbarton (17th September).

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North End Travel Club

Dumbarton v St Mirren – 17/10/2016

The bus to Dumbarton will leave the Sneddon at 2:00pm.

Bus tickets available in the Brewers Tap, £5 each.

Dunfermline Athletic v St Mirren – 24/10/2016

We will be taking names on Saturday (10th September) for the bus for the game at Dunfermline which is a late kick-off.

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Chivas Travel Club

Dumbarton v St Mirren – 17/10/2016

The bus will leave the Court Bar at 2:00pm for the game at Dumbarton.

Bus tickets are now on sale from behind the bar.

Dunfermline Athletic v St Mirren – 24/10/2016

No info yet.

We would like to inform fans that the planned St Mirren players appearance at the JD store in Paisley scheduled for Thursday 8th September has now been postponed.

As fans are aware, the new 2016/17 replica kit was scheduled for on-sale for the same day (Thursday 8th September). JD would like to make fans aware there will be a very limited number of the new replica shirts available for sale, and these will be at the Paisley store only, however they are still awaiting delivery of a number of sizes.

A spokesperson from JD said: “We would like to apologise to the fans for this delay, we share their frustrations and we are doing everything we can to get the full order in stock as soon as possible. We are in constant contact with the Club and are keeping them updated.”

As previously mentioned, JD will be funding a discount of £10 on all adult and junior 2016/17 St Mirren replica shirts as a gesture of goodwill.

A new date for the players appearance at JD will be announced very soon.

The new home kit for season 2016/17 will be launched at an event to be held at JD’s Paisley Centre store tomorrow evening.

The event on Thursday 8th September will kick-off at 17:00 and will run right through to 18:00.

First team squad players Lewis Morgan, Calum Gallagher, Jack Baird and (club captain) Andy Webster will be in attendance at the event.

The new kit will be available to purchase from the JD stores in Paisley, Braehead and Silverburn.