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
