Saints support line up to wish Darren well

Aug 24 2012 by Andy Newport, Paisley Daily Express

FOOTBALL can be a cruel game – just ask stricken Saints star Darren McGregor.

The likeable big defender is this week facing up to another devastating stint on the sidelines after snapping knee ligaments for the second time in the space of little more than a year.

Just 378 days after rupturing the cruciate in his left peg, the luckless 27-year-old was left writhing in agony after doing exactly the same to the knee on his right side.

His latest crock shock came in Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Hibs but no-one contacting Buddie Banter had too much to say about Danny Lennon’s team nor their first loss of the new season.

Instead, they all sent their best wishes out to ‘Daz’ as he embarks on another long road back to fitness.

Regular contributor Scott Crawford, of Dykebar in Paisley, e-mailed to say: “I just can’t believe big Darren is having to go through all this again. What absolute rotten luck.

“I’ve met the big man after a few of our games and can honestly say I’ve never met a nicer or more honest footballer.

“He’s just an ordinary lad who has fought hard to move up from the juniors get to an SPL club and fought even harder to come back from a horrible injury picked up last year.

“He’s now got to go through that same battle all over again but I just hope he knows the entire St Mirren support are behind him and wishing him a speedy recovery.”

And fellow Buddie Alexander Allanach, from Carriagehill, was at Saturday’s game and admits he feared the worst as soon as the centre-half failed to hop back to his feet.

“Because of Darren’s injury last season, I knew almost straight away that it was another bad one,” he said. “I think that’s what happens when a player has ‘previous’.

“I feel gutted for the big man because he has had a raw deal recently.

“My message to Darren is to hang on in there. He is a big favourite with Saints fans and we are all willing him to make a full recovery.”

The messages of goodwill also came in thick and fast on Twitter.

David MacDonald (@bawarmy) posted: “Devastating news on Darren McGregor, will be sorely missed. Everyone at club will do everything they can to help him with his rehab.”

And St Mirren-supporting BBC producer Douglas McNeil (@DouglasMcNeil) added: “A wee prayer for Darren McGregor. Hate to see any player get injured badly. He’s been through a lot and I’m sure he’ll be back stronger.”

ESPN trackside reporter Eilidh Barbour (@EilidhBarbour) also joined those wishing McGregor all the best.

She wrote: “Absolutely gutted to hear StMirren’s Darren McGregor has ruptured his knee ligaments. Really nice guy who’d worked so hard to get back.”

Also taking to the internet to give their thoughts were a number of McGregor’s team-mates, including first-team star Kenny McLean (@kennymclean66), who tweeted: “Feel for Darren McGregor, hope all goes well for him.”

Saints kid Thomas Reilly (@ThomasReilly11) added: “Wish Darren McGregor a speedy recovery #pray.”

And Buddies Under-20s defender Mohammed Yaqub (@MoYaqub) also posted: “Gutted for Darren McGregor, wish him a speedy recovery!”

Jack Smith (@Jack_Smith28), another St Mirren youngster, added: “Heart goes out to Darren McGregor, hope its not as bad as predicted.”

Fellow SPL star Danny Grainger (@Dannyg31986) – the Hearts defender – also Tweeted: “Gutted to hear the news about Darren McGregor don’t no him personally but wudnt wish tht on any1 – hope to see him bk playing soon.”

l If you have something to say about Saints, log on to Buddie Banter online at http://forums.paisleydailyexpress.co.uk and click on the Buddie Banter message board.

Those using the service for the first time will have to register but it only takes a few moments to sign in.

Even if you don’t have access to the internet, you can send your comments to Buddie Banter, Paisley Daily Express, One Central Quay, Glasgow G3 8DA.

Alternatively, you can e-mail the sports desk direct at paul.behan@trinitymirror.com or follow us on Twitter by searching @PDESports