(Photo by Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images)
St Mirren finished eighth in the Premiership last season – and anything below that will not be success this year according to Jim Goodwin, who is eyeing up defensive reinforcement.
The Buddies are in a good place at the moment, pushing towards the top six and suffering just two defeats in their last 16 matches overall. The additions of high-profile strikers in Eamonn Brophy and Collin Quaner have further lifted the mood in the camp.
Brophy has arrived. (Photo by Ross MacDonald/SNS Group via Getty Images)
But now St Mirren must replicate what the likes of Kilmarnock and Motherwell have managed in recent seasons: “I’ve assembled a squad who should collectively be thinking about the top half of the table. If they’re not they shouldn’t be here, quite frankly. Our message from day one has been that we’re not satisfied with just surviving anymore.
“The club are trying to move forward. We finished eighth last year and if we don’t finish higher this season then it won’t be a success. I think there’s great examples of clubs similar to ourselves who have done it in recent years.
“You might argue Kilmarnock are a slightly bigger club than ourselves but I wouldn’t say there’s a great deal between us, and under Steve Clarke they had top four finishes a couple of seasons in a row.
Punching above weight. (Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
“Motherwell last year, again I don’t think there’s a great deal between us. Those two teams may have a slightly bigger budget than what we have, but when I look at the two squads on paper, I think we should be trying to do similar to what Motherwell did last year.
“Livingston finished fifth last year and look like achieving that again this season. There’s great examples of clubs of a similar size, similar budget to ourselves, overachieving and that’s what we need to be doing. Good managers and good teams always manage to overachieve. We want to force our way into that top half of the table.”
As he looks to get St Mirren punching above their weight, Goodwin says he may look at some transfer business in the defensive area. It’s where they have performed best this term, the fourth best defence statistically in the Premiership.
Performing well. (Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
But Goodwin says they need cover as one injury could see them scrambling for options: “There’s lots to be positive about but there’s room for improvement too. Like any manager, I am always on the lookout for quality players.
“I still think we are a little big light in the backline. If one player in that position came available that may be better than what we have already got, we may consider it. But in terms of options in attacking areas, we look ok.
“We have some really good strikers, good creativity and good midfielders who looks to join in and get forward. If we don’t get anybody else in then I am delighted with the squad I have got to into the second half of the season with.”