Dorman: It’s time for home truths

Jun 12 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

MIDFIELD maestro Andy Dorman has warned his Buddies they will face another hard slog in the SPL next season unless they can turn St Mirren Park into a fortress.

Saints staggered over the SPL finishing line last month and only stayed up because they had a better goal difference than relegation rivals Inverness Caley Thistle.

The Paisley club’s results at St Mirren Park were a major disappointment, with Gus MacPherson’s side still waiting for their first league win at the new stadium.

Now Dorman, 27, reckons the Buddies must make sure St Mirren Park is ‘home, sweet home’ next season if they are to have any chance of breaking into the top six of the SPL.

The midfield playmaker, who is currently in the USA preparing for his wedding, told Express Sports: “It was our results at home that were a problem last season.

“For some reason, we were unable to beat teams at home and that has been very disappointing, especially as, in some games, we actually played quite well.

“In too many games we lost points we shouldn’t have and we’ll have to try to correct that next season.”

MacPherson’s side only managed to post two SPL victories at their old Love Street home last season before making the move to St Mirren Park at the turn of the year.

Those were that famous 1-0 victory over Rangers in October, followed by a slender 1-0 win against Hamilton Accies in December.

And St Mirren’s record at the new stadium in Greenhill Road is even more alarming.

The stadium hosted its first match at the end of January but Saints supporters have yet to see their team win there in the SPL.

Dorman, who was named St Mirren’s Player of the Year by the club’s main sponsors Braehead last month, said: “We probably should have picked up more points at home than we actually did last season.

“We managed to stay up but that had nothing to do with our performances at home towards the end of the season. We managed to beat Falkirk but that game was away from home.

“If we can improve our form at home, we will make things easier for ourselves.”

Former New England Revolution star Dorman was in scintillating form for St Mirren last season and his 12 goals from midfield caught the attention of a whole host of clubs, including Celtic and Rangers.

But the Chester-born midfielder insists he did not allow the speculation to hurt his performances on the park.

Dorman said: “I’ve made it clear that I’m happy at St Mirren and enjoy playing here.

“I left everything else to other people because, if folk are talking about you, it usually means you are doing well.

“I’m looking forward to a good rest over the summer and then I’ll come back refreshed ahead of the new season.”