St Mirren Football Club can confirm that Shaun Rooney has left the club by mutual consent.

The club will make no further comment.

St Mirren Football Club has suspended Shaun Rooney today, on a precautionary basis, after he disclosed to the club his involvement in an alleged incident in Glasgow City Centre last week.

The club will now undertake a full investigation into this incident and will make no further comment during this process.

Following an SPFL hearing this morning (Friday 2nd August), the club was found guilty of fielding an unregistered player in the SPFL Trust Trophy match between Berwick Rangers and St Mirren B.

As a result, Berwick Rangers have been awarded a 3-0 victory and will progress to the second round of the SPFL Trust Trophy.

We would like to apologise to the players & coaching staff involved and to our supporters.

While we felt we presented a strong case to the tribunal on the mitigating circumstances, disappointingly precedence has underpinned the decision that was reached.

Even though we felt our case was strong, we recognise that there are things we could have done better, and we will conduct a full review into the matter as well as implementing additional measures to ensure this situation does not occur again.

As we approach the start of the season, and our historic first venture into European competition for 37 years, I wanted to provide an update on behalf of myself and my fellow Directors.

We finished last season on a tremendous high, achieving our second successive Top Six finish and grabbing the final European qualifying spot. I hope you all agree that finishing one place higher than season 2022/23 represents real success and progress for us as a Club. None of that would have been possible without a massive team effort so I want to thank every fan, player, member of staff, sponsor, volunteer and Director for their contribution.

It was great see so many of you enjoyed a fantastic evening at the 2023/24 Player of the Year Awards which incorporated the Women’s team for the first time. These events require a massive amount of careful planning and my thanks go to Campbell, Lynsey and the team who made it all possible.

A new season always brings great excitement and the thought of European football back in Paisley makes this one a bit special. I’m delighted to report this is being reflected in Season Ticket sales (now over 4,100 well breaking through our 4k target), the rapid sell out of tickets for the tie against Valur on Thursday 1st August, and the highly successful launch of this season’s Home and Away kits. It would be great if we could also break records in the number of Help a Buddie tickets for the upcoming season. If you are able to contribute, please click the link HERE or visit the St Mirren Ticket Office to buy a ticket for someone, who otherwise couldn’t afford to join our growing band of fans, to get to a game.

I also want to extend a warm welcome to the new players who have joined the squad. You will be part of a very special group of players backed by great fans. I wish you every success individually and as a team.

In preparation for the season ahead we have invested in new playing surfaces at the stadium and training ground along with improved drainage at Ralston. We want to provide Stephen and his team with the best possible conditions to train and play. The increased attendances and income from commercial operations helps us to re-invest in the Club and is much appreciated. However, we still have work to do to generate increased revenue and a more sustainable financial model for the business going forward.

Vital work has continued in the community over the summer with lots of programmes for local people of all ages. This wouldn’t be possible without the hard work from Gayle and her team in the St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation, and Stephen and his staff at Street Stuff. They are a vital part of the wider St Mirren family and our strategy as a Club.

Our Academy continues to flourish and it’s great to see our recent graduates being included in the first-team squad and getting minutes on the park. Congratulations are also due to those who have achieved international recognition recently such as Jonah Ayunga, Caolan Boyd-Munce, Conor McMenamin, Elvis Bwomono and Alex Gogic joining a growing list of internationalists in the first-team squad.

I know the short notice for our games in the UEFA Conference League Qualifying has caused lots of challenges for fans and staff alike. However, I hope you can see that everything is being done by Keith and his team to maximise the number of fans attending the games. I thank you all for your patience and support. The game on 1 August will see the biggest home attendance ever at The SMiSA Stadium and the team will relish the special atmosphere you create to be that 12th person on the night.

So, to those fortunate enough to be going to Iceland, I wish you all a safe and smooth journey. I remember my trips to Elfsborg and St Etienne in 1980 fondly. You will be ambassadors for the Club and I know you’ll do us proud.

For everyone else, including our Women’s team, I wish you all an enjoyable season ahead.

Thank you again for your unstinting support.

John Needham
Chairman

Excitement is building as we gear up for our first European tie since 1987. 

A fifth-place finish in the Scottish Premiership last season saw Stephen Robinson’s side secure European football for the first time in 37 years and we found out that a trip to Iceland or Albania awaits in the UEFA Conference League. 

We are just a month away from our UEFA Conference League Second Round tie with Saints set to face either Valur FC from Iceland or Albania’s KF Vllaznia following last week’s draw. 

While everyone is excited, not knowing exactly where we are heading until a week before the tie has thrown up many challenges. The club has been working hard on two scenarios for the away and home fixtures on July 25th and August 1st respectively and wishes to provide supporters with an update so far. 

Travel 

While we continue to explore the possible opportunity to support fan travel, this is highly unlikely due to the logistical challenges we are facing in organising travel and accommodation for the first-team with such a short turnaround time.

Supporters have asked about the potential of chartering a flight for fans but, unfortunately, this is proving unfeasible due to cost, availability and turnaround.

We will provide you with a further update in due course, as soon as possible.

Tickets - Away

We know there is huge interest from supporters in both these matches and are anticipating limited supply of tickets depending on the opponent we will face. 

We are also aware some supporters may not want to travel to both destinations and that ticket variance is significant. As such a ballot will take place for each match scenario with both treated as separate entities. 

The ballot will run from Thursday 4th July and will close on Wednesday 10th July. Details on how to register for the ballot will follow in the coming days. 

Terms and conditions are as follows: 

• Only season ticket holders are eligible to apply. Season tickets are still available on early bird general sale so get yours now before full prices kick in from Monday 1st July. 
• You must only apply if you plan to travel to the destination you are applying for. 
• Only one ticket per ballot entry. 
• Over 12s only can enter the ballot.
• Adults with an under-12 can apply on their behalf, providing both have season tickets. There will be an allocation for parent and child in the ballot. 
• Tickets are non-transferable. ID will be required to collect them. 

When the ballots go live, please fill in the forms with all the information requested. If you do not complete all fields your entry will be null and void. You must provide the following information when entering the ballot: 

• Name
• Email Address
• Home Address
• Date of Birth
• Your seat number at The SMiSA Stadium
• Accessibility requirements (i.e. wheelchair with carer etc.) 

You will know ahead of the match whether you have been successful in the ballot and more information will be provided about how to purchase and collect your ticket if successful. 

We are unable to confirm the ticket allocation for each destination as yet but we are working with the respective clubs on this and will update further when we can. 

Tickets - Home

Our second leg fixture will take place at The SMiSA Stadium on Thursday 1st August with kick-off time to be confirmed. 

Priority tickets will go on sale to season tickets holders from Thursday 4th July until Wednesday 10th July to claim their seat. Season Ticket holders will only be able to purchase their seat and cannot buy multiple tickets. 

General sale will commence from Thursday 11th July and prices will be confirmed in the coming days. 

St Mirren Football Club is incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of our 1987 Scottish Cup winning captain Billy Abercromby who has passed at the age of 65. 

A St Mirren Hall of Fame inductee, Billy began his career at Saints in 1975 - signing professional terms following a spell at St Mirren Boys’ Club.

Billy spent 13 seasons in Paisley, becoming a fans’ favourite with his tough tackling, no nonsense style, leading to chants of 'Aber's gonnae get ye' from the terraces.

In his time at Saints, Billy made 367 appearances for the Buddies – nine of which came in European fixtures, a club record. 

Billy was a part of our First Division title winning side in 1976/77, our Anglo Scottish Cup winning side of 1980 and famously captained Saints to our third Scottish Cup triumph in 1987 after a 1-0 win over Dundee United at Hampden. His final match for the club came in 1987 in the second leg of our European Cup Winners Cup tie against Norwegian side Tromso.

Billy would depart Saints in 1988 when he moved to Partick Thistle and had further spells in his career with the likes of Dunfermline Athletic, Cowdenbeath and East Stirlingshire.

The thoughts of everyone at St Mirren are with Billy’s loved ones at the difficult time.

St Mirren Football Club has been recognised for its unique partnership with young person charity, Kibble, as it takes on iconic football clubs from across the world at this year’s Football Business Awards.

The club, which qualified for European football last week for the first time in 37 years, has been grouped in the same category as Premier League teams Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham, French title winners Paris Saint-Germain and Spain’s football top flight La Liga, as it celebrates the work that has been achieved in collaboration with Kibble.

National charity Kibble purchased part of St Mirren FC in 2020, alongside St Mirren Independent Supporters Association (SMISA), in a deal that is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK. The agreement created the only fan-owned premiership club which is also run in partnership with one of the country’s biggest charities.

As part of the deal, Kibble provides St Mirren with a substantial amount of support and commercial expertise to help the Football Club grow as a business and together, they create more opportunities for young people.

At the awards, hosted in London on 24 May, St Mirren has also been named as a finalist for its sustainability initiatives and will go head-to-head with current Premier League champions Manchester City, and fellow English club sides Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham, Norwich City, and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

As part of its sustainable focus, St Mirren is driving a number of initiatives across the club to ensure that the organisation is a good neighbour that gives back to the community, as well as a legacy for generations to come. It has set out to ambitions to be the first carbon neutral football club in Scotland, while its multi-award-winning programme Street Stuff provides a range of weekly activities which are free to young people throughout Renfrewshire.

Keith Lasley, chief operating officer at St Mirren FC, said: "It's a really proud moment to be nominated alongside so many well-known and successful clubs across Europe, underlining the innovative partnership model that has shown great success in recent years. Good luck to all our fellow nominees.

"Our overall objective is to be the best community-centred development football club in Scotland and we are extremely proud of the progress made to date.

"Alongside Kibble, we have strengthened youth employment opportunities and our set strategy, vision and mission confirms our dedication to sustainable business growth and securing the club’s future."

Jim Gillespie, CEO of Kibble, said: 'We’re delighted to be recognised in such iconic company and it is a tremendous achievement that underlines the significance of the partnership.

"The innovative collaboration between the two organisations provides more opportunities for vulnerable young people who are given the chance to gain valuable experience within a large, functioning operation to ensure training and future employment opportunities.

"For our young people, having access to a premiership football team has invigorated them to get excited about the world of work. And, for us, there is no better testament to the partnership’s tremendous success."

Shortlist for St Mirren’s award categories at the Football Business Awards

Partnership of the Year

GRIDSERVE x Fulham FC: Driving Decarbonisation and Fan Engagement around Sustainability

LALIGA: THE IMPOSSIBLE MATCHWEEK by vivo and LALIGA

Manchester United Foundation and DXC Technology

PSG x Qatar Airways

St Mirren FC X Kibble

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: F1® DRIVE – London

Wasserman & LALIGA: The Two Biggest Names In World Football Join Forces

Xero - Women’s Football Partnerships

Sustainability Award

Brighton & Hove Albion FC

Fulham FC

Norwich City FC

Manchester City FC and Puma Re:Fibre

St Mirren FC

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC

Over the past two years St Mirren Football Club has invested a lot of time and research into ensuring that we are inclusive to all, with zero discrimination. We firmly believe in supporting equality and diversity within St Mirren.

As a club we condemn all forms of discrimination in the strongest possible terms, including but not limited to, racism, sectarianism, sexism and homophobia. It is completely unacceptable, and has no place within football or wider society. 

Supporters may have noticed signs displayed throughout The SMiSA Stadium this season that read 'Everyone is Welcome, We’re all Buddies.' This forms our campaign to promote inclusivity at St Mirren Football Club. We want to make the matchday experience at The SMiSA Stadium an enjoyable one for everyone. 

The club has implemented action and training plans to ensure that we are on a journey with our learning and development, ensuring the club evolves as society changes.

From what seems like a simple action to display 'Everyone is Welcome, We’re all Buddies' posters throughout the stadium, to ensuring that the first team undertake mandatory Show Racism the Red Card training, we have considered our actions and have a plan in place to continue to learn and improve.

We have met with local groups over the past two years to learn about barriers to inclusion at our football matches, and to understand the steps we can take and what we can implement to improve the safety and inclusion of all supporters.

Our staff policies have been reviewed and updated and we undertake a fair recruitment process. We believe what we have implemented is working but will continue to make changes as required.

We are working with the local schools to include the younger generations and support deprivation and believe we are striking the right balance with these programmes, especially when teamed up with our Street Stuff programme, in conjunction with Renfrewshire Council, the police and fire brigade.

We are working hard in our community to support minority groups and provide tickets to matches and support through other avenues. We have also taken on a charity partner, Home-Start, to include families in our strategy to provide football for all.

Our official club strategy focuses on Paisley, People and Performance and this has a focus on diversity and inclusion, basing the decisions our club makes on what is best for the local community, the people who work for us and who are stakeholders in any capacity, and our performance to ensure that our team, on and off the pitch, feel safe coming to work, are included and are championed.

We firmly believe the changes that we have implemented, and our learning and development are supporting equality and diversity within the club. We will continue to improve our strategies, and to meet with minority groups to ensure that St Mirren FC is welcome to all.

Everyone is Welcome, We’re all Buddies

St Mirren Women's Captain Karen McCabe and Men's Captain Mark O'Hara promote 'Everyone is Welcome'

Meet the women involved with St Mirren’s business operations. Each of the women believe in empowering others while believing in themselves.

International Women’s Day reminds us to consider the value of women. The theme for 2024 is: Inspire Inclusion. By listening to the women who surround you, and for women to confidently recognise their own significant contributions, we can shape a more inclusive way of life. Let’s help create a world that allows for new ideas and various viewpoints as only then can we enjoy broader experiences and fresh ideas. Hear directly from the female members of our staff team as they share their own lived experience and advice. 

Lynsey, General Manager

"Do not stress about having any sort of plan, you never know you might end up being the General Manager of St Mirren FC!"

From a young age, Lynsey was determined to build a career she found enjoyable. She wanted purpose and to make herself and family proud. She is a sole believer in being kind to others but also to yourself, she shared: "Remember there is only one of you and that is what makes you special.” Lynsey leads by example that with self-belief and compassion you can exceed all expectations you set for yourself as she has successfully run two marathons, fitting in an intense training schedule while raising two small children. Lynsey enjoys rising to a challenge and thrives under the pressure of setting herself fitness goals or in her role as a female General Manager in a Scottish Premiership football club.

"As General Manager I am extremely proud of the people I work with daily, from the team behind the team to those who support us through voluntary role and of course, the first-team. It is also a privilege to support young people into employment through the link between St Mirren and Kibble."

Sarah, Graphic Designer

"Trust your gut instinct in your career and personal life. Life is a journey, trust the process".

Sarah enjoyed art from an early age and when she was younger, her hope for the future was to be in a creative job role she enjoyed. Sarah has since reached her goal and exceeded her ambition by winning a Scottish Design award and a Royal Society of Art award. However, Sarah’s proudest moment to date is working for children’s charity Kibble and St Mirren.

"In my job role, I can use my expertise and problem-solving skills to illustrate the personality of the two organisations. For Kibble, it benefits young people; and for St Mirren, I make a difference to the brand development of the club and how our young people benefit from the partnership. I feel the work I do is valuable, which is extremely rewarding."

"The best thing about working at St Mirren is the diversity of the role and seeing creative ideas come to life."

Claire, Senior Communications Officer

"Whether you think you can, or cannot, you are right."

Claire is an advocate for doing what makes you happy as she believes you will succeed and find fulfilment if you are following-through on what brings you joy. This attitude transfers into her career as she shares good news to as many people as possible.

"I have the responsibility of telling people about positive moments and it is one I thoroughly enjoy. When I began working at Kibble, I was delighted to be part of helping children and young people, and through Kibble’s partnership with St Mirren, I now have the privilege of being part of two community-driven organisations, who have a shared vision to reach and support even more people."

"It is brilliant to shout about the accomplishments of young people, the dedication of an inspirational workforce and the community-focused ambitions of a Scottish Premiership football club."

"International Women’s Day is a chance for us to appreciate women."

Eilidh, Financial Accountant

"To go for it!  Be less risk averse, take the chances and opportunities as they arise and to have confidence."

The first on her dad’s side of the family to go to University, Eilidh has made herself and her family proud in becoming a Chartered Accountant. Her experience includes being one of only four women directors in a large bank during the financial crash. Success has continued for Eilidh as she became a mum to three young boys.

"I am very grateful to have achieved these things in my life and career to date (and there’s still more to go!)

"I work part-time and love the flexibility that the club gives me. Since joining, the best thing has been the people, the women (obviously!) and the team’s current success!  I’m fairly new to the football industry and is really is unique and very interesting."

Karin, Matchday Safeguarding Officer, Supporter Liaison Officer and Child Wellbeing Protection Officer

"Live life to the fullest, travel as far as you can and be kind to others."

Karin has always prioritised supporting others and worked hard to be successful in life with a job role that helped people. Karin is proud to work for St Mirren and plays an integral role in ensuring the stadium is a safe place for all. She is delighted to be part of the team responsible for shaping the ambitious club.

"The best thing about working at St. Mirren is the sense of community and camaraderie among the staff and the fans and being able to contribute to the success and growth of the club.

"International Women's Day is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women globally and to advocate for gender equality. It's a reminder of the progress we've made and the work still to be done to create a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone."

Isla, First-Team Masseuse

"Trust the process. ‘Everything happens for a reason’ is the truest saying out there. From bad comes good, from pain comes joy.”

Isla has always been ambitious and feels extremely proud to work for St Mirren as well as having achieved personal goals including owning a home. Isla’s appreciation for life means all at the club are extremely grateful to have her as part of the team, she completes the first-team.

"The best thing about working at St Mirren is the togetherness. There’s no difference made between me and any of the other first-team staff who are all male. I am treated the same.

 "The progress women have made in the last 50-100 years is remarkable. We can vote, live independent lives, work in a male-dominated industry, even have children on our own. I think it is imperative we keep educating future generations to the journey women have gone through to experience such progress."

Karen, St Mirren Women’s Captain

"Have courage and believe in yourself."

As a young footballer, Karen always hoped that girls’ playing football would be taken seriously. She hoped she’d be given the chance to have at the same opportunities as boy’s clubs. Karen feels her dreams came true when she was made Captain of St Mirren Women’s Football Club.

"My proudest moment to date was becoming Captain of a club that cares about their community.

"Women do great work for the club and International Women’s Day encourages everyone to recognise and celebrate their efforts."

Kate, Women's Team Manager

"Stop apologising for wanting to be successful or ambitious. You will always make mistakes and failing is a sign that’s you’re putting yourself out there."

Kate has always had a passion for football, even when she was younger and feels fortunate to have always been able to pursue those ambitions. Kate shares she has made mistakes but when she looks back, she realises it was an achievement to overcome those setbacks. It is her past decisions that have led her to be the Women’s Team Manager.

"I am proud of what we are achieving at St Mirren for the women and girls’ programmes. Seeing the ambition and development of young players and the positive influence the club can have in their lives is special to experience.

“I have met some amazing people because of St Mirren, which has been the best thing about working at the club.”

"International Women’s Day is important because women don’t promote themselves enough. We tend to work away in the background and focus on what we have still to do.

"The day gives us a moment to pause and reflect on how amazing women are. They make a fantastic contribution and make a difference daily to our communities and the wider world around us."

Gayle, St Mirren Charitable Foundation Chief Executive Officer

"Nothing worthwhile in life is easy, it should challenge you. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Do not fear failure as it is inevitable and we learn far more from failure than success."

"Gayle is dedicated to being a person who lifts others up, who supports, encourages, inspires and celebrates those around her. Gayle’s inspiration is her own mum who Gayle describes as her hero. Gayle is a role model herself too by putting her community first, she describes her pride in re-launching the St Mirren Charitable Foundation and their recent developments.

"The past five years’ of the Charitable Foundation have been an incredible and very rewarding journey. Most recently, I am very proud of the progress we have made with Our Menopause Goals programme in partnership with Maria Anderson and Corrie Campbell from the SFA. A programme created and driven by women, for women which will now change and improve the lives of women across Scotland and be delivered to them for free.

"I personally love sport and seeing the positive impact football has on the lives of our community every day is a great privilege."

Emma, St Mirren Charitable Foundation Football Development Lead

"Live each day a quarter mile at a time and focus on what’s in-front of you."

Emma has always had a love of sport from a young age with big dreams of becoming an Olympian for Team GB Taekwondo. It is through the dedication to sport that Emma experienced her proudest moment to date, achieving a Black Belt in Taekwondo and she is determined to inspire others to fulfil their own hopes and dreams through sport.

"The best thing about working with St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation is being able to give back and support our local community in multiple ways while bonding over a shared love of sport.

"International Women’s Day inspires many individuals around the world and I am honoured to be a part of such a powerful day."

Vicki, Club Administrator

"You are capable of achieving more than you realise."

Vicki lives for new experiences and thoroughly enjoys travelling, meeting people and learning about the world. Her wish would be to remind you that education is not limited to school, it is important to read, explore and remain curious. With her open-mind and compassion, she excels in her role as Club Administrator.

"It is crucial to be kind and empathetic towards others as everyone is fighting their own battles. You can make a significant difference by offering assistance and promoting kindness wherever you go.

"Working at St Mirren, every day is different, it’s not a stereotypical 9-5 job and some days it can be all-systems-go, which I thrive in.

"International Women’s Day is a day to take action, raise awareness and make a positive difference for women. Together, everyone can create a more equal and inclusive world."

Deborah, St Mirren Ticket Office

"Keep being yourself! Embrace changes that come and enjoy life."

Deborah has always had the goal to see as much as the world as possible and to be a good person. Everyone at the club enjoys being around Deborah, her friendly nature and cheery personality brings happiness to all, and the feeling is mutual:

"The best thing about working at St Mirren has to be the people I work with.

"I am delighted to celebrate International Women’s Day and have the chance to commend all the inspirational women in the world!"

Kirsty, St Mirren Ticket Office

“Say yes more often and know that no matter what challenges you face you will be absolutely fine.”

Kirsty has always strived for greatness with her lifelong ambition to win a gold medal in Dressage, one of the three Olympic equestrian sports. The positivity, teamwork and commitment involved within sport inspired Kirsty to build a career within St Mirren.

"It is a pleasure to come into work each day as the optimism seeps into everything we do. The club want to see people succeed in life and their careers. In return, I am invested in the club, the team and the vision for the future.

"I love that International Women’s Day is a celebration. There are still countries around the world where women struggle for basic rights, if we can highlight the plight of women around the world and celebrate each other and raise each other up then that can only be a positive influence for change."

St Mirren Football Club can confirm it has spoken to the Scottish Football Association’s Referee Department regarding the decision not to check for a penalty after a handball in Tuesday night’s draw with Ross County.

The club believes VAR made an error by not recommending an On-Field Review following a handball by a Ross County defender in the first-half.

Having been allowed to review the full VAR audio and footage it is clear there has been a mistake in the process. There was a quick VAR review that centred around a shirt pull on James Bolton in the box. We also believe this could have been a penalty but understand that is subjective. However, the handball was a factual event, and the Referee Department has agreed that this should have led to an On-Field Review.

While we welcome continued independent reviews aimed at making the process as robust as possible, and appreciate the openness and transparency from the Referee Department in reviewing this incident, we remain frustrated and disappointed that the correct process wasn’t followed on this occasion.