Club captain Stephen McGinn has confessed that St Mirren’s return to the top flight could not have gone any worse.
The Paisley outfit are rock bottom of the Premiership after a disastrous campaign has seen them pick up just nine points from 18 games. The Buddies have only won one game since the arrival of Oran Kearney in September.
Having steered the Saints clear of Championship relegation, then guiding them to the title the following year, McGinn has enjoyed highs in his second spell in Paisley. It has been a sharp decline since May, as Kearney’s side look lost at the foot of the table.
Speaking about the deterioration, McGinn said to the National: “The last five months couldn’t have gone any worse, in my opinion.It’s been a steep learning curve. Even for myself, from the highs of the last 18 months, it’s been a really tough six months to be a part of. We’re not good enough to have off-days. You can’t switch off in this league or you get punished.
“It’s tough for some of the players. Some are having the first six months of their professional careers of men’s football. Any lackof quality at times in terms of making the wrong decision and players at this level will punish you for it.”
The Buddies lack Premiership quality
The Saints pushed Aberdeen all the way on Saturday, but it is clear they just don’t have Premiership stars.
It is so frustrating for the Buddies faithful as, if they had the quality of last season, they would have got a result against the Dons. The loss of former boss Jack Ross, alongside attacking outlets Lewis Morgan and Gavin Reilly, has left a massive void in Kearney’s side.
It is not just that though. When they do attack, they misplace passes. Going back into defence, they aren’t strong enough in the tackle.
St Mirren aren’t done yet. They are not adrift at the bottom, but results have to pick up soon. While they are only last on goal difference, they look like the poorest side in the Premiership. If Kearney can’t work some magic after Christmas, the writing will be on the wall for the Buddies.