On behalf of myself and my fellow Directors, I thank you for your fantastic support through what has been a season of change on and off the pitch.

It is hard to believe that the SMiSA Stadium was without fans at the start of the season. Everyone at the Club is grateful that you got behind the team during a time of so much uncertainty, resulting in record season ticket sales – including over 1,000 on the opening day - in the faith that you would get back into the stadium to support the team. Thankfully, that day came relatively early in the season, and it has been a joy to witness busy stands once again.

Overall, we enjoyed a number of successes on the field including reaching a Scottish Cup Quarter-Final and amassing one of our highest points totals in recent years. That said I hope this will be merely a platform to achieve even greater success next season.

Some important information is outlined below regarding season ticket renewals, including some great new offers:

#OurTickets - Season Tickets will be on sale from Monday 23rd May and we are providing a three week loyalty period for current season ticket holders to allow you to retain your seat at early bird pricing. Letters and emails will be with you by Monday 23rd May with instructions on how to renew your tickets. The fastest and easiest way will be online but there will also be support from the ticket office for those that require it.

#OurFans - To ensure as many fans as possible can continue to come to our matches, and to encourage the next generation of supporters, we are delighted to share some new season ticket offers that will offer support with attendance throughout the season.

#OurFamily - Our family ticket now includes two adults and three children under the age of 17, as opposed to under the age of 13, offering excellent value for money for a family day out. This ticket works out around £30 per family per game which is a massive saving on walk-up prices, costing up to £95 per visit.

#OurBuddies - Further, we have introduced a concession category for anyone who is unemployed. This will be the same price as all other concession tickets and save you over £150 depending on where you sit. We hope that this will help those affected to afford to continue to come along and support your team. We will also be introducing a scheme to allow you to support your fellow Buddies by buying tickets for them to come to games. More details will follow on this soon.

#OurSupport - We encourage the purchase of season tickets if you regularly attend matches because the savings made on walk-up prices are significant. However, we know season tickets are a big financial commitment and we continue to offer interest free payment plans available for those who may wish to spread the cost of a season ticket. The ticket office will be able to provide you with further information about these offers.

#OurClub - To simplify and streamline our season ticket offering for the 2022-2023 season, we have undertaken a collaborative review across the organisation. Like you, I want us to remain competitive on the pitch and give the manager the best resources we possibly can in our quest for a top six position. After freezing pricing for the past three seasons, we have decided to increase prices to help meet the rising costs that are affecting all businesses and individuals. Rest assured this decision was not made lightly and we have endeavoured to reduce the impact as much as possible. However, we continue to offer great value for money in comparison with other Premiership clubs.

#OurStMirren - A topic of discussion that we know many fans are passionate about is the retention of our three home stands for all fixtures. I established a Working Group to consider our options and present a paper so the Board could make an informed decision on the best way to proceed for the coming season. They delivered a well thought out report and I want place on record my thanks to the fans involved in the process for their dedication and commitment to considering all of the angles. Essentially, we have a list of potential approaches with various pros and cons.

We now want to engage with our supporters for their input on how best to proceed via a survey during the close season before making a decision on how to move forward. I hope you will see this as a real example of fan ownership and community engagement in action.

We will be sending the survey to current Season Ticket holders, SMiSA members and fans who have previously registered for tickets by the end of May and look forward to collaborating with you on the best outcome for the club and the fans. Once we receive your feedback, we will consider it carefully and announce our final decision before the start of the season.

Once again, I want to say thank you for your loyalty and support to our club in these unprecedented times and look forward to the future. #OurStMirren

Keith Lasley has officially joined St Mirren today as he gets underway as the club's new Chief Operating Officer. 

It was announced in April that Keith would join the club following the conclusion of the season after the retirement of Chief Executive Tony Fitzpatrick in March. 

Today marked Keith's first day at St Mirren and he is looking forward to tackling his new role. 

"I'm very excited," he told stmirren.com

"I grew up five minutes down the road so I know the club, I know the potential it has, the fanbase it has and I know there are some very good people working within the club at the moment. For me to come in and be a part of driving it forward is something that is so exciting for me and I can't wait to get started now. 

"I'm in the process of completing my Masters at Manchester Metropolitan University in Sporting Directorship. It's something I think suits my skillset and hopefully I can bring a drive and an energy to this job. I'm sure there will be aspects of the job I'll need to learn as I go but I'm willing to do that and I'm hungry to do that. 

"While there is a lot of good practice and a lot of good things we did at Motherwell over the years, what I'm conscious of is that every club has its own story and it's up to me to immerse myself in this football club. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone in the building, the supporters, the local community and everybody connected to the club."

Watch Keith's first interview as St Mirren Chief Operating Officer in full below! 

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