A special presentation will be made to Tony Fitzpatrick at half-time of tomorrow’s match against Dundee to thank him for his service to St Mirren following his retirement as Chief Executive.

Tony served St Mirren with distinction during a wonderful career as a player, manager and Chief Executive.

Beginning his Saints journey almost 50 years ago, Tony Fitzpatrick’s name has been synonymous with St Mirren since making his debut way back in 1973.

As a player, Tony made over 450 appearances for the Buddies and remains the second highest appearance maker in club history behind Hugh 'Shuggie' Murray. These two spells as a player saw him captain the club, play in Europe and in our Scottish Cup win in 1987.

He would then hold the position of manager twice – the only man to do so in St Mirren history – as well as five years as Chief Executive before transitioning to his new role as club ambassador.

Tickets for tomorrow's match are available until kick-off (subject to availability) at stmirren.com/matchtickets. 

Salary: £DOE

Closing date: March 11^th 5pm

Job Purpose

St Mirren is recruiting for a Chief Operating Officer (COO). The leadership role will involve managing all Club operations as well as assisting the Board in setting the overall vision and strategy. As the main driver of the organisation, the COO will be expected to oversee all aspects including football operations, commercial activities, finance and marketing.

The COO will be accountable to the Board and be expected to participate in the development of future strategies for the Club as well as communicating these strategies to an internal and external audience.

Main Duties

• Managing the overall operations and resources of the Club and making decisions within agreed parameters
• Implementation of short and long-term strategy and delivering agreed short and long-term objectives
• Providing timely reporting and analysis to the Board
• Ensuring alignment and collaboration across the football department to maximise player development and return on investment
• Communicating, on behalf of the Club, with fans, governing bodies, and the public
• Maintaining awareness of the developing football industry and identifying opportunities to develop the business
• Reviewing financial and non-financial data to devise solutions and improvements
• Evaluating Managers and Direct Reports against stretching but achievable goals
• Developing fresh ideas and visions for the running of the Club
• Monitoring how all areas of the Club operate and how they work together to achieve overall goals
• Ensuring adherence to football and legal guidelines and in-house policies to maintain the Club’s legality and business ethics
• Creating a positive culture across the operation that results in tangible improvements in business performance
• Communicating a uniform vision for the company and making sure that it's understood and acted upon
• Analysing all aspects of cost and income to drive efficiency and profitability

Skills and Qualifications

• Experience in football or another major sport preferred but not essential
• Relevant university degree or equivalent qualification
• Strong leadership skills and able to inspire others
• Capability to understand and analyse accounting information and present coherent proposals to improve the Club’s finances
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strategic thinker and the ability to see the big picture
• Highly developed communication skills
• Strong organisational ability
• The ability to be decisive in high-pressure situations
• A high level of business acumen

To Apply

Please email CV and Cover Letter with the subject heading ‘COO Application’ to the General Manager, Lynsey McLean – lynsey.mclean@stmirren.com

St Mirren Football Club can confirm that Jim Goodwin has departed the club to join Aberdeen FC as their new manager.

The board of directors and everyone at St Mirren would like to thank Jim for the role he has played at the club since taking over as manager in June 2019.

St Mirren Chief Executive Tony Fitzpatrick said: "I would like to place on record my thanks to Jim Goodwin for all he has done in his time at St Mirren.

"Jim raised the bar during his time at the club – reaching both the semi-finals of the League and Scottish Cups last season as well as achieving our highest top-flight finish in over 30 years. Jim leaves us challenging for a top six position and in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.

"I know leaving St Mirren was a difficult decision for Jim and while we are disappointed to lose him, Aberdeen met a release clause within his contract and we respect his decision to move on.

"Jim has been a fantastic ambassador for our club and we wish him every success for the future."

We can also confirm that a deal is in place for Assistant Manager Lee Sharp to join Jim at Aberdeen. We thank Lee for his efforts in his time at St Mirren and wish him well for the future.

An interim coaching team has been put in place with Jamie Langfield working alongside Head of Youth Development Allan McManus, Michael McArdle and Andy Webster to take charge of first-team matters until a new manager is appointed.

The St Mirren board has already begun the formal process of recruiting a new manager and will provide a further update in due course.

St Mirren Football Club can tonight announce that Chief Executive Tony Fitzpatrick will retire from his position on March 31st 2022.

Tony retires after a distinguished career at St Mirren as a player, manager and Chief Executive. He will, however, remain at the club in an ambassador role.

Tony commented: "It has been a real privilege to be involved at this wonderful club. When I returned to St Mirren in 2016 it was always my plan to stay here until retirement age and build upon the work done by my predecessor Brian Caldwell and the former board.

"It’s been a rollercoaster ride from narrowly avoiding relegation to the third tier of Scottish football to our current position in the cinch Premiership.

"The last two years in particular have been an incredibly difficult time for us all, but we have made great strides at the club. Last season we reached the semi-finals of both the League and Scottish Cups for the first time since 1981/82 as well as achieving our highest top-flight league position since 1989.

"Fan ownership was achieved five years ahead of schedule with SMiSA taking over the majority shareholding on the club in July.

"We have also seen a number of academy players make their debuts for St Mirren with some moving on to big opportunities across the world and managed to attain Elite level status for the academy over the last year.

"I would like to thank the players and staff at the club over the past number of years who have worked tirelessly to try and give you a club to be proud of. I would also like to pay a special tribute to the supporters who are the lifeblood of St Mirren. The journey we have been on over the last six years has been truly incredible and could not have been achieved without your support.

"While I look forward to what retirement has in store, I will still be around the SMiSA Stadium to support the team. Come on Ye Saints!"

St Mirren Football Club endorses the principle of Equality and is committed to ensure that everyone who wishes to be involved with St Mirren Football Club, regardless of their role, current or potential:

• have a genuine and equal opportunity to participate to the full extent of their own ambitions and abilities, regardless of their age, sex, gender identity, disability, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, religion, race, socioeconomic status or sexual orientation; and
• can be assured of an environment in which their rights and dignity and individual worth are respected and valued, and in particular that they are able to be involved and participate without the threat of discrimination, intimidation, victimisation, bullying, harassment or abuse.

The Board of St Mirren Football Club and Chief Executive are accountable for Equality and Diversity and will receive regular updates on the activities and practices of the Club including the implementation of the Equality Policy.  It is the role of the Board and Chief Executive to address any concerns relating to Equality and Diversity within the Club.

Reference       

Equality Act 2010 Policy

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Anti-Racism Policy

St Mirren Football Club can confirm that it has requested postponements of our upcoming cinch Premiership matches against Celtic and Rangers following further positive covid tests.

We have tried our utmost to fulfil the fixture, however, following further positive covid cases this morning we are unable to field a team for either match with a significant number of first-team players and staff unavailable.

The health and wellbeing of our players and staff remains our utmost priority and we will continue to take every precaution necessary. 

We are in continued discussions with the SPFL and we will keep supporters updated as we look for a resolution to this matter.

Following on from the SFA disciplinary hearing for John Needham, the outcome is as follows: £6000 fine applied with £5000 to be paid immediately and £1000 suspended until the end of Season 2021/22, should there be a further breach of Disciplinary Rules 71/73/77 in this time period.

St Mirren Football Club will be making no further comment.

Tickets are on-sale now for St Mirren’s upcoming cinch Premiership home matches against Ross County and Hibernian.

Saints host the Staggies on Wednesday 1st December, while Hibernian come to Paisley on Saturday 11th December.

Tickets for these matches can be purchased at the St Mirren Ticket Office or online at stmirren.com/matchtickets.

Ross County and Hibernian fans can buy their tickets at stmirren.com/awaysupporters.

Group Offers Return

Our fantastic group ticket offer in the Tony Fitzpatrick Family Stand is returning for our matches against Ross County on Wednesday 1st December 2021 and Motherwell on Sunday 2nd January 2022.

Two adults and up to 20 children (U12s) can attend either match for just £24. More details on how to redeem this offer can found here.

St Mirren v Celtic tickets

Tickets for our match against Celtic on Wednesday 22nd December will go on general sale to home supporters only on Tuesday 14th December.

Please note that, as is always the case for matches against Celtic and Rangers, tickets are only available to those registered on our ticketing platform. Away end tickets will be sold by Celtic directly.

Tony Fitzpatrick Family Stand season ticket holders have from Thursday 2nd December until 2pm on Monday 13th December to guarantee a seat in either the Main or West Stand for our cinch Premiership match against Celtic.

Tony Fitzpatrick Family Stand season ticket holders who buy tickets before 2pm on Tuesday 21st December will get them at the reduced price of £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Children with under 12 season tickets will be moved free of charge with a paying adult/concession season ticket holder. This is subject to availability after Monday 13th December.

Please note these cannot be purchased online. They can only be purchased by visiting the ticket office or over the phone.

Any Tony Fitzpatrick Family Stand season ticket holder who misses the Tuesday 21st deadline will have to pay the full price of £27 for adults and £17 for concessions. 

We understand there is frustration along surrounding the use of the stand for away fans. Please be assured that discussions have been taking place at club at board level and with SMiSA members. We are trying to work a reasonable solution that accommodates everyone, but at this time these conversations remain ongoing. 

Hearts v St Mirren (Sat 27th Nov)

Saturday sees St Mirren travel to Edinburgh to face Hearts in the cinch Premiership.

Hearts have informed us that there will be no cash turnstiles on the day of the match so tickets must be purchased in advance from the ticket office. The St Mirren Ticket Office is open on weekdays between 10am-2pm with a late opening between 5pm-8pm tonight (25th Nov).

Please note that spot checks will be in place for this match so all supporters over the age of 18 need proof they are double vaccinated or have proof they are exempt. No refunds will be available for anyone who purchases a ticket without proof of their vaccination status. 

Aberdeen v St Mirren (Sat 4th Dec)

Our cinch Premiership match away to Aberdeen on Saturday 4th December will be pay-at-the-gate only.

Gate prices are as follows:

Adult - £26
Over-65 - £20
Over-75 & 18-21 - £16
Under-18 - £12
Under-12 - £6
Carer - FOC

St Mirren Football Club can confirm that Chairman John Needham has been served a notice of complaint from the Scottish Football Association for alleged breaches of disciplinary rules 71, 73 and 77.

The principal hearing is due to take place on Thursday 2nd December 2021.

The club will make no further comment at this time.

We are seeking to appoint a qualified Doctor with relevant sporting/football qualifications to join St Mirren Football Club as the Club Doctor.

The role requires match day attendance for all first team matches and also to be on hand to offer medical advice, expertise and support as required in liaison with club medical staff.

Outside of matches, the position should not impact too much on any existing commitments. However, attendance will be required at the club’s premises on one occasion per week for appointments with first team players to provide referral letters and to meet with club medical staff to provide support and advice.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Liaise with club medical and administrative staff in relation to the cardiac screening of first team players.
• Understand and comply with the SFA Anti-Doping Regulations and WADA List of Prohibited Substances & Methods.
• Maintain accurate records of any medical interactions with players and staff and associated use of electronic notes system.
• Have excellent knowledge of sports and exercise medicine and strong clinical assessment skills.
• Understand the needs and requirements of a football squad.
• Assist in the development and implementation of best medical practice protocols, including the club's Emergency Action Plans.

Required Qualifications (SFA and SPFL Regulations)

• Licence to practice by the GMC.
• Diploma in Sports Medicine or equivalent higher professional qualification desirable.
• Continue a programme of CPD as determined from time to time by the Sporting Governing Bodies.
• Hold a valid Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football (Sport Promote) qualification or equivalent or be able to be enrolled on a course.
• Required to hold Medical Indemnity Insurance.

If you have the relevant qualifications and experience to meet this role, please apply by email with your CV and covering letter to vicki.gilzean@stmirren.com.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 3rd November 2021 at 5pm.

St Mirren Football Club promote inclusion and confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status or civil partnership, nationality, ethnicity (race), religion or belief, ability or disability, pregnancy and maternity and encourage equal opportunities. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.