Craig McLeish, appointed as the permanent manager of St Mirren after serving as interim boss at the end of last season, has outlined his vision to implement an entertaining style of football that will engage supporters and deliver results. McLeish replaces former Premier Sports Cup-winning manager Stephen Robinson and aims to develop a fresh approach that prioritizes enjoyment on and off the pitch.
Speaking ahead of St Mirren’s Premier Sports Cup title defense against Dumbarton, McLeish emphasized the importance of a flexible and unpredictable playing style. “I have to enjoy what I am seeing,” he said, noting that the style must be enjoyable for both players and fans while remaining effective in competitive matches. Unlike teams with larger budgets who may impose rigid systems, McLeish is open to adapting formations and tactics to best suit his squad’s strengths.
The 36-year-old coach acknowledged the club’s financial constraints, stating that St Mirren no longer boast the largest budget in the league. As a result, McLeish stressed the need for his team to be well-coached, industrious, and capable of outworking opponents. He outlined a dual approach combining aggression and excitement, aiming for the team to control possession in tight spaces while also posing a threat on the counterattack.
To bolster the squad, McLeish has already signed Chris Mochrie, Jacob Chapman, Samuel Ramos, and Ryan Carr. Recognizing the need for greater offensive firepower, he stated that adding pace and unpredictability to the forward line remains a priority. “We have to add a threat and speed to the top line,” McLeish explained, highlighting the importance of both direct and creative play to break down defenses.
The manager also emphasized his desire for the team’s approach to evolve dynamically depending on the opposition. “Other teams in the league will need to adapt to us, regardless of what the opposition throw at us,” he said. McLeish’s vision is to create a team capable of varying its shape and style while consistently delivering entertaining football that excites the Saints’ fanbase.