Saints have got the squad to ensure a winning start

Jun 19 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

BUDDIE BANTER

THE new SPL season has drawn ever closer following Wednesday’s publication of the fixtures list – and Saints fans on Buddie Banter seem quite satisfied with their lot.

Gus MacPherson’s side begin the new campaign on Saturday, August 15, with a trip to Easter Road to meet Hibernian, followed by a home clash the next weekend with Dundee United.

And the Saints faithful believe there are points there for the taking in those early games that can give them the perfect platform to go on and enjoy a good season.

Iain James of Foxbar wrote in to say: “It could have been worse as we could have ended up going to places like Celtic Park or Ibrox, so I’m quite happy with the way the fixtures have panned out.

“Although Hibs away isn’t an easy game, I think we can maybe get a point or more and with Dundee United at home the next week, it’s a great opportunity to finally get that league win we’ve waited so long for.”

‘Sensualsaint’ is also quite optimistic after casting a critical eye over St Mirren’s fixtures.

He said: “We don’t play either of the Old Firm until September, then November, so surely we can gather up a few points before we meet the big two.

“I don’t think we’ve got anything to fear and while I know we just staggered over the line last season, if we can strengthen the side in the right areas then we’ll be fine.

“We’ve already got an experienced centre back in with Lee Mair and I’d expect us to get a striker, a left sided midfielder and another left-back.

“If we can get those areas sorted then I’ll be satisfied.”

Janet Tierney of Elderslie is also happy with what lies ahead.

She said: “If you look at the order of the teams we play, I think most fans would be relatively happy.

“Okay, during the first few games we are playing teams who finished last season in the top six but if that’s where we want to be one day, then we simply have to go out and get points against these sides.

“Later in the season, when the teams near the bottom are playing the top-six sides, we’ll hopefully have easier runs of games which should put us on a strong footing for the turn of the year.”

Meanwhile, the Craig Dargo will-he-won’t-he saga drags on as there are still question marks hanging over the future of the striker.

Dargo came out publicly this week and said his agent has reported interest in him from south of the border.

And Saints fans are worried they will lose the pint-sized forward and be forced to scramble around for a replacement.

‘Saint-1877’ e-mailed to say: “I hope we can get Dargo fixed up for another season.

“Okay, he wasn’t prolific by any manner of means last season but he showed in patches that his electric pace can worry other teams.

“I’d give him another year’s deal, possibly two, because I don’t believe we’ve seen the best of him and think there is still far more to come from the wee man.”

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