Lee Hodson is a late transfer arrival at St Mirren– but he may not be the last as Jim Goodwin targets more Buddies business.
The transfer window is into its final hours, and like many others, St Mirren have been very busy in January. Conor McCarthy, Jamie McGrath and Akin Famewo were all early arrivals in Paisley.
McGrath arrived early doors. (Photo By Ben McShane/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
They’ve recently signed goalkeeper Peter Urminsky too as well as the loan signing of Hodson. One key player could be on the way out though, with Paul McGinn in talks with Hibs over a move to Leith.
Goodwin’s provided an update on Hodson, McGinn and the furore that the last week of transfer business brings for the club: “The fact that Lee Hodson became an option was a no-brainer.
“He can play a number of positions which makes it all the more appealing. He can do a job at right-back, left-back and even a job in the middle of the park. He covers a lot of positions which is a huge positive.
Hodson is back. (photo by David Young/Action Plus via Getty Images)
“Hibs made an enquiry about Paul which they were entitled to do. At this time though Paul is a St Mirren player. If the window closes and he’s still here, we will absolutely look forward to working with Paul over the next four-five months.
“He’s still our player but he’s well within his rights to speak to Hibs. It’s one that’s in the balance. We’d love to keep him but as a manager you’re backed into the corner a little. Hibs are a massive club, the infrastructure, his relationship with Jack Ross, his brother John will be talking Hibs up as well.
“I can see all the things that would be drawing Paul to that decision. I’ve not asked him to leave, I’m not pushing him out the door. We’re working extremely hard to strengthen other areas.
Could be on the move. (photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
“I’ll probably be here until the late hours. But we’re very pleased to get the work we got done early on. Unfortunately we had another couple that we thought were good to go.
“As things happen at other clubs, the players we go for become part of a manager’s plans. We have been doing all we can to bring in a couple more players. It’s not panic stations as if the window was already closed, I’m happy with the squad I’ve got. But we’ll keep working until the last minute.
“This week becomes different when other clubs tell you they are interested in your players or other players tell you they want to go out. That’s when the job becomes difficult.
A busy week in Paisley. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
“We’ve planned for this window since the summer window closed. We were delighted to bring in Conor McCarthy and Jamie McGrath on permanent deals. We knew there was always the likelihood that Sean McLoughlin would return to Hull, which happened.
“We had Akin as a contingency plan anyway. We weren’t desperate to bring anyone else in but we are always on the lookout.”