Prove you are worth new deal

Oct 12 2012 by Andy Newport, Paisley Daily Express

St Mirren players who will be out of contract next summer have been warned they’ll have to prove they deserve a new deal if they want to stay at the Paisley club.

Only 10 members of Danny Lennon’s first-team squad have agreements stretching beyond the end of this season – and the Buddies boss is already drawing up a list of the others he would like to keep hold of.

Express Sports understands that contract talks will get under way in the coming weeks, with some players facing an uncertain future.

Lennon said: “There is nothing to report on contracts right now but that side of things is not too far away from our thoughts.

“We do have a number of lads who will be out of contract but we’ve also got some important games coming up, so let’s wait and see where that takes us first.

“The squad I have here are a pleasure to work with. They are great characters who show great commitment and they are very good professionals.

“Once we are in a position to do so, I would certainly like to speak with a few of them.”

Only goalkeeper Grant Adam, defenders Darren McGregor, Lee Mair and David Barron, midfield quartet Jim Goodwin, Dougie Imrie, Jon Robertson and Kenny McLean and strikers Thomas Reilly and Lewis Guy have deals which run beyond this summer.

However, it is likely that Lennon will be keen to tie up the likes of star striker Steven Thompson on a new deal.

Lennon said: “Steven is hitting top form at the minute and is looking more mobile than I’ve ever seen him during his time here.”

Midfield maestro Paul McGowan, who is currently sidelined by a shoulder injury, is another player that Saints fans will be keen to see extending his stay in Paisley.

However, Lennon insists Gowser’s focus must be on his efforts to regain full fitness.

“I spoke to wee Paul yesterday,” said Lennon. “With this international break taking place and the two-week winter break coming up in January, we’re hoping that Paul won’t miss as many games as he might normally have.”