The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected with St Mirren Football Club are with our former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson and his family following Saturday's news.

Sir Alex underwent emergency surgery yesterday for a brain haemorrhage.

Manchester United confirmed that the procedure went very well but he will require a period of intensive care to optimise his recovery.

With promotion now official we are actively beginning to plan for life back in the Premiership next season.

Everything that we have achieved to date has been built on the premise of a return to the top flight. That brings a lot of excitement, but it also presents some operational challenges that we have not had in the Championship.

One of those challenges is how best we segregate our stadium on Premiership matchdays.

Segregation Arrangements for Season 18/19

We have looked at all the available options for segregation next season with the dual aim of maximising our match day revenue to give us the best possible budget to compete in the Premiership but also bearing in mind the massive influence our incredible home support has had in achieving our success this season.

The obvious and probably best financial model open to us was to revert to the previous arrangement of allocating away fans in the North Stand and allocating W6 and W7 in the West to the larger away supports, however we felt that we had to explore other options to allow us to maintain the exclusive use of the West stand for our own supporters, an arrangement which has been a great success this season.

We investigated the option of building a temporary stand in the corner between the South and West stands to house our singing section but due to sightline restrictions and prohibitive costs this was unfortunately ruled out.

We examined attendance data for our previous home matches with Celtic and Rangers and found that attendances in the South Stand were significantly lower than on other match days, potentially for a whole variety of different reasons.

And so we explored the option of selling a reduced price season ticket for the family stand which would cover all home games with the exception of those featuring Celtic and Rangers. We believe this represents the best plan for us going forward but appreciate it is not without its challenges.

Our plan is to give all away fans the full use of the North Stand.

For games involving Celtic and Rangers those visiting teams will also be allocated full use of the South Stand.

Season tickets for the South Stand will be reduced in price to reflect this arrangement.

The West and Main Stands will once again be St Mirren fans only for ALL matches.

Priority booking will be given to South Stand season ticket holders who wish to relocate to either the Main or West Stands for fixtures involving Celtic and Rangers and these tickets will be at a heavily discounted rate.

We appreciate that there will be season ticket holders who have sat in the South Stand since day one so I would like to apologise in advance for any potential upheaval this will cause, but rest assured this is a decision we have not taken lightly and one we are taking with the best intentions of our club at heart. The additional six figure sum the club will bring in from this is vital in helping us build a squad capable of competing in the Premiership.

We feel that this strikes a balance between maximising our income and ensuring that we provide a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for our own fans.

W7 Singing Section & Safe Standing

Fans will of course be able to buy season tickets for anywhere within the West Stand but please bear in mind that W7 will be very much the home of the singing section again next season.

We have also started down the road of introducing some form of safe standing area in W7.

We have had discussions with Celtic, safe seating suppliers, and held preliminary talks with both the SPFL and our local council.

This will not be something that happens next season but it is something we are looking at very seriously and will continue to investigate.

We'll have more news on season tickets including price and date of sale here on stmirren.com at the beginning of next week.

St Mirren Football Club is delighted to announce that captain Stephen McGinn has agreed a new two-year deal with the club.

The skipper has been instrumental in our promotion campaign and will now lead the Buddies in the Premiership next season after signing his new deal this afternoon.

Speaking to stmirren.com, Stephen said: "I'm delighted to commit my future to the club.

It's a club that holds a special place in my heart and to sign on for another two years after achieving promotion this season means a lot to me.

"We'll enjoy the next few weeks as we lift the Ladbrokes Championship title and then we can start to look forward to next season." 

St Mirren manager Jack Ross said: "I have spoken often enough about how much of an influence he has been in what we have achieved here in the last sixteen months.

He took a big gamble returning to the club and I'm so pleased he has played such a big part in us achieving what we have.

"I'm sure everybody associated with the club will be delighted that he will be here for the next couple of years at least." 

The club would also like to thank Paul McGrath and Consilium for their support with this deal.

As we look forward to a hectic run in to the season's climax I thought it was a good time to give you all an update on goings on in and around the club.

On The Park
As we near the end of the third quarter of the season I think it is fair to say that we are all delighted with the position we find ourselves in. There is still a long way to go and there will doubtless be more twists and turns in the remaining games, but we have given ourselves a wonderful opportunity to achieve our goal of reclaiming our place in the Premiership.

Players
This year's transfer window was a completely different prospect to last year. We were in a position of strength both financially and in terms of our position in the league. 

This allowed us to focus on bringing in the quality of player that we felt would be capable of matching both our short and long-term ambitions. This places us in a strong position going forward no matter where we end up next season. 

Family Champions
We have just been awarded the accolade of family champions for 2017. Given the ethos of the way we want to take the club forward this is a great reward for all the hard work that goes into organising and running our match days. 

It is a massive compliment to all the club staff, catering team, stewards & management and it is thoroughly deserved. 

We will not rest on our laurels though and through an initiative championed by our SLOs and our very own Paisley Panda, and with the financial support of the Fans Council and SMiSA membership we are looking at further enhancing the match day experience. 

Look out for additional match day activities aimed at encouraging families to both attend matches for the first time and of course come back again.

Buddieivision
Buddievision is slowly growing into must watch viewing. We were conscious that the initial content was not as plentiful as it should have been due to the workload of our media department over the start-up period. But we have now employed a new member of staff to help increase the number of articles without diminishing the quality. 

We hope to steadily increase the viewing numbers as a result. Remember, however, that this is a platform aimed at YOU. If you have any ideas on things you would like to view, then feel free to contact the team by emailing buddievision@stmirren.com. 

You can sign up for Buddievision commitment free here for just £4.99 a month. 

Paisley 2021 Stadium 
I would like to add my own personal commiserations to all the people who put in so much of their time and enthusiasm into the Paisley 2021 City of Culture bid. 

I think they did everything they possibly could to try and submit a successful bid but unfortunately it wasn't to be. 

We look forward as a club to working with the council and building on all the good work that was done to raise people's awareness of all that Paisley has to offer. 

Teamwork off the Park
The Dundee United game over the festive period was a great example of where we are as a club right now. 

Due to the heavy overnight snowfall the game was a major doubt primarily due to the condition of the surrounding roads and pavements.

Without even being asked, a squad of supporters got together through social media and turned up to help clear the snow, and with the help of Malcolm's snow ploughs & gritting trucks the surrounding areas were cleared. 

It was an eye opener to both myself and I am sure to many volunteers how much was involved in clearing only a couple of inches from the pitch itself even with the help of undersoil heating. I would hate to be trying to clear off three or four inches!

The game went ahead and the turnout and support on the day was magnificent ensuring our biggest crowd in years. 

The team on the pitch did not disappoint us either turning in another match winning performance for a national TV audience. 

This truly was an example of how the fans can be the 12th man. 

Thank You! 
We now move into the business end of the season and I know you will be as excited as I am about the prospect of what that might bring. 

Your continued positive and vocal support of the team, both home and away, is a vital ingredient to the success we are currently enjoying, and is genuinely appreciated by everyone at the club. 

There were times last season when the whole stadium rung out with cries of "Come on Ye Saints". There will be times during the run-in that the team will need this vocal support again. I have no doubt we can count on you all providing the support when it is needed most. Thank you once again for all the efforts you make in following the team all over the country.

Hopefully we will all be rewarded in the best possible way as the season reaches its finale.

See you on Saturday!
Gordon.

#COYS #ThisLove

The Club would like to address the decision to rearrange our match with Falkirk from its scheduled Tuesday 27th February date to Saturday 24th March. 

The team were due to face Dumbarton in a Ladbrokes Championship fixture on Saturday 24th March. However, Dumbarton's win over The New Saints last Saturday saw them reach the final of the IRN-BRU Cup meaning that match would have to be rearranged. Falkirk were due to face Inverness Caledonian Thistle the same day, but as Inverness also made the final it too would have to be rearranged. This would have left ourselves and Falkirk with a free weekend. 

The Club discussed the potential for moving the match and came to an agreement with Falkirk to move the match from Tuesday 27th February to Saturday 24th March. This was approved yesterday by the SPFL. 

We understand the frustration and disappointment this fixture change has caused some supporters. However, we can assure supporters that this decision wasn't taken lightly. 

The team are due to play Brechin City this Saturday (24th February) and Dundee United a week on Friday (2nd March). The decision taken means the players won't now face three matches in six days. 

We would like to apologise to any supporters who have been inconvenienced by the fixture change, but hope they can understand the reason behind the decision.

Tickets purchased for the Falkirk match will be valid for the rearranged date. If anyone is unable to attend they can contact the ticket office at 0141-840-6130 or email tickets@stmirren.com for a refund. 

Anyone who had booked hospitality for the Falkirk match is advised to contact Commercial Manager, Campbell Kennedy on 0141-840-1337 or email commercial@stmirren.com. 

St Mirren Football Club are delighted to announce that Jack Ross will remain manager after recent speculation.

The club received an approach late on Tuesday night and had reluctantly given Barnsley permission to discuss their vacant managerial position with Jack, but he has decided he is committed to St Mirren.

St Mirren Chief Executive Tony Fitzpatrick said: “We are delighted with the news that Jack remains committed to St Mirren Football Club.

"Jack has built something special here and has really pulled everyone together in the right direction.

"It is excellent news for the club and all focus is on trying to meet our targets for the season."

The St Mirren Ticket Office is SOLD OUT of tickets for tomorrow's match away to Dumbarton.

However, there are 100 general sale tickets and 30 adult and free Under-12 tickets available from Dumbarton on a first come first serve basis. 

Dumbarton's reception is open today from 0930 till 1530 if people want to call and book them. Their number is 01389 762569.

Please note that the St Mirren Ticket Office, Club Shop and Stadium offices will all close today at 2pm. Anyone who needs to collect a ticket that they have already purchased for tomorrow's match must do so by 2pm.

St Mirren FC will continue to fly the flag for Paisley’s UK City of Culture 2021 bid with an extension to a deal to keep its stadium name in place until the end of May 2018.

If the town takes title there will be an option to extend the sponsorship to retain the name of the Paisley 2021 Stadium until May 2022.

The news is announced as the club erected new signage outside the stadium and is an extension of the original two year two-year sponsorship and stadium naming rights deal struck with Renfrewshire Council in November 2015. The venue was renamed from St Mirren Park to mark Paisley’s UK City of Culture 2021 bid.

Paisley is shortlisted for the title alongside Coventry, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland and Swansea. The winner will be announced this Thursday evening by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, which organised the competition.

Paisley 2021 Bid Director Jean Cameron said: "St Mirren are at the heart of the community and we are delighted to have their continued support.

"Paisley’s bid journey has been a positive one and will continue no matter what the outcome this week is. The Paisley 2021 stadium forms part of this legacy and keeps the name going."

St Mirren Director Tony Fitzpatrick said: "The fortunes of the town and the club are interlinked and we are delighted to continue with our support of Paisley 2021.

"A winning year of culture would be great for both the town and the club. With the UK City of Culture decision imminent, we wish Paisley the very best of luck in its bid for the title."

St Mirren Chief Executive Tony Fitzpatrick recently paid a visit to Valencia CF after being invited over by inspiresport's Head of Sales for Scotland, Jed McCabe. 

Inspiresport, who have a close relationship with St Mirren, are also partners with the La Liga side and Tony was invited to see how the structure at Valencia worked from the academy right through to first team.

Tony had the chance to watch several academy games including Valencia vs Villarreal U14s and U18s games. He was introduced to Valencia first team left back, Toni Lato who came through the academy and was recently voted 15th in FourFourTwo's 100 Best Teenagers in the World 2017. Tony talked with the full back about his pathway from the academy to the first team.

Valencia legend Miguel Ángel Angulo also took time to chat with Tony about Valencia's philosophy and how they go about scouting the best players in Spain. Tony was also invited in behind the scenes of the first team training area and the Mestalla Stadium before finishing his tour off by attending the Valencia vs Barcelona match.

Due to the link between St Mirren and inspiresport, the hope is for St Mirren Youth Academy teams to go over to Valencia and test themselves against their peers at the same age group and for both clubs to build strong relations going forward.

As we approach the busy festive season I thought it worthwhile to give you all an update on happenings in and around the club.

Womens Football

One of the points that was raised at nearly all of the Supporters meeting prior to our takeover was the desire to see the creation of a St Mirren Women's football team. I am delighted that we have taken the first steps towards achieving that goal and I believe we have the people with the qualifications and drive in place to ensure it is a success.

Tony Fitzpatrick has been in communication with the girls for a long time with the view to forming a Women's team and SMiSA’s recent involvement allowed us to gain the momentum required to get it off the ground.

Trials for players interested in joining the new team are being held at Renfrew High School 4G pitch on Thursday 30th November. Players should aim to be there for 19.15, 19.30 start.

Buddievision

One of the reasons for creating a full time head of media post last year was to provide regular website updates on things that were happening in and around the club. James has helped achieve that with an enthusiasm and commitment that sees him working many unsociable hours to get content up and online for fans all over the world to enjoy.

The website has continued to evolve and it’s been great to see the e-store taking off with tremendous sales of replica kit, books and corporate hospitality being recorded since its launch.

We are now ready to make further improvements and James has been tasked with launching the next stage of that digital revolution with the imminent launch of our new "Buddievision" platform which is currently free to air prior to an official launch on 8th December.

With the help of of Invest in Renfrewshire’s Graduate Internship Initiative we are in the process of recruiting an individual to assist James in making this a success and giving Saints fans new insights into everyday events at the club and “behind the scenes” access.

We have tried to keep subscriptions at an affordable level (£4.99 per month and £49.99 per year) and you can trust that the subs will be used directly for funding additional resources and technologies to provide the best possible service to our supporters.

Supporters Liaison Officers

We are still at a very early stage in the development of the Supporters Liaison Officers at St.Mirren but I am certain we have two very committed and forward thinking supporters in place who will help to nurture a positive relationship between the club and our fans.

It is difficult at times to balance the wishes of the supporters with the needs of the football club and, as I have said on previous occasions, sometimes difficult decisions have to be made for the good of the club even if they are not popular. There are usually plenty of factors to consider which are not always obvious for those not involved in the day to day operations of the football club.

Banner versus Morton

The situation with the banner at the Morton game was a good example of trying to get the balance right.

The banner was reported in the independent SPFL delegates match report under the heading “Discriminatory behaviour-sectarian, racial, abusive behaviour”.

It is unlikely that we will receive any punishment from the SPFL for this given we have no history of similar indiscretions in previous reports, but we have to take action to mitigate the chances of a recurrence and the likelihood of us incurring fines which would have an obvious adverse affect on club.

We have also worked hard with Police Scotland to allow us to have all our home games police free with the exception of the derby match. This healthy relationship with the Police comes as a result of historic good behaviour in the stands and represents a substantial cost saving to us over the course of a season.

The banner in question led to some awkward questions in our discussions about maintaining this police free environment going forward.

We discussed how best to handle this at our monthly SLO meeting and agreed it was best for the SLOs to engage directly with the singing section involved and to keep the issue as low key as possible.

There was a bit of confusion and outrage on social media as this dialogue took place which was a little unfortunate but I hope the 2 month withdrawal of the banners was a reasonable outcome in the end and all parties now appreciate why action was taken.

As a result of our positive actions in tackling the issue we have been allowed to retain our Police free status at the 2021 stadium.

Everyone at the club can see the benefit and added atmosphere created by the singing section both home and away and we all appreciate the time, money and energy that has gone into evolving this. We want to see this continue to grow as it genuinely makes a big difference to the team.

Street Stuff

I recently attended the ROCCO awards where our Street Stuff program won yet another award as “Community champions”. To date Street Stuff has won just short of 20 awards both locally and nationally!

The tangible results achieved in the community by this program continues to astound me and we should all be proud of our football club being part of it in partnership with Renfrewshire Council. It is of no surprise to me that it forms one of the cornerstones of the towns bid to be 2021 City of Culture.

SMiSA

We continue to develop our relationship with SMiSA in working towards creating a sustainable and successful supporter owned club. Every bump along the way makes us stronger as it helps both sides have a better understanding of how decisions affect the other organisation.

In the last £2 SMiSA quarterly spend one of the items proposed was the purchase of new balls for the first team training. This created some negative feedback.

At first glance I can understand the view that this is something the club should fund but again there is slightly more to it than meets the eye and in future we will explain things better before the vote is put to the supporters.

The first team have plenty of balls to train with and this is of course part of our budget, however, the match ball manufacturer changed this year and we are given only a limited number of the new balls from the supplier. 

Jack, being the perfectionist he is, wanted to ensure that training was all conducted with the new balls to ensure total consistency with those used on match day.

These balls retail at nearly £100 each so it was actually a significant amount of money required to fulfil the managers request and something we had not budgeted for.

 Your support in favour of the proposal was greatly appreciated and whilst it’s hard to quantify the benefits you can be sure that it is Jack’s belief that these small things all matter as he works to bring the on field success we all crave.

Thank You

The festive period is always a busy (and expensive) time for everyone.

The support at Inverness on Saturday was truly sensational and I know the management and players really appreciate it.

As Chairman of your football club I’d like to personally thank each and every one of you for your continued support of the team, both financially and emotionally!

#COYS #KTF

Gordon