Under-19s early start

Jun 9 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

HEAD of youth development at St Mirren Park David Longwell is looking forward to getting his side back from their holidays and training at the club’s new facility at Allanton playing fields.

And Longwell, right, revealed he plans to steal a march on the opposition by bringing his Under-19s team back to pre-season training slightly earlier than usual.

Manager Gus MacPherson’s first team are back on Monday, July 6 but the Under-19s will report at St Mirren Park on Friday, July 3.

Longwell wants to get the Saints young guns fully accustomed to their new surroundings in Ralston as soon as possible.

He said: “The new astro-grass pitch is coming on really well and we are very keen to get up there to train on it.

“The complex will be a great asset to the under-19s because they’ll be training at the same place as the first team and it’s going to give them plenty to aspire to.”

The young team are set to kick-off their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Carlisle United on Wednesday, July 15.

The game will take place at Stirling University and kick-off at 2pm.

A few days later, Saints will head to Ayrshire to take part in the Hurlford Tournament, which is expected to be staged on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19.

More Junior opposition will follow as Saints plan to take part in the Neilston four team tournament at the Brig o’Lea.

The tournament will be staged over the weekend of Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26.

It involves St Mirren, Neilston, Dalry Thistle and Irvine Meadow.