Saints tried to lure Stevenson to Paisley

Feb 3 2010 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

SAINTS were narrowly pipped to the post in a deadline day-move to lure Ayr United ace Ryan Stevenson to Paisley, Express Sports can reveal.

Buddies’ boss Gus MacPherson was keen to bring the 25-year-old midfielder to St Mirren Park but lost out when the player opted to sign for Hearts instead.

Last night, St Mirren chiefs declined to comment on their move for Stevenson.

However, one source told Express Sports: “There were a few clubs interested in taking Stevenson from Ayr United and St Mirren were one of them. In the end, the player opted to move to Hearts, which no doubt left a few other clubs disappointed.”

Despite missing out on the signing of Stevenson, the January transfer window was still a busy time for St Mirren.

The Buddies secured the services of Old Firm pair Rory Loy and Graham Carey on loan deals until the end of the season from Rangers and Celtic respectively.

And heading out the exit door at St Mirren Park was midfielder Stephen McGinn, who made the move south to Watford.

Also parting company with Saints were defender Mo Camara and strikers Dennis Wyness and Paul Quinn, who all left by mutual consent.

St Mirren’s general manager Brian Caldwell admits life will be a little less hectic for him now that the transfer window has slammed shut.

He told Express Sports: “Gus identified a number of players he was interested in signing and we managed to get Rory and Graham in from Rangers and Celtic.

“From around Friday onwards, I was very busy and, on one day, my phone showed that I had made 55 calls. A number of players have left the club in the last week or so and all those details had to be tied up as well.”