​St Mirren manager Craig McLeish has explained that Marcus Fraser’s consistent leadership and high standards around the club made him the obvious choice to assume the captaincy. Fraser, 32, will wear the armband in place of Mark O’Hara, who has left Paisley to return to Kilmarnock, the club where he began his senior career. Alex Gogic will serve as vice-captain, and McLeish is confident that the two seasoned players will help steer the group as they push for success this season.
“When you step into the building, you can see how Marcus runs the changing room and how he sets standards, day in, day out, both in training and off the pitch,” McLeish said. “Gogic is similar in that regard. We also have an experienced core with Declan John, Jonah Ayunga, Keanu Baccus, and Liam Donnelly. It’s a strong group of players with a wealth of experience I can lean on at times. But with Marcus leading the group on and off the pitch, I’m delighted.”
For fans following Scottish football, this is a reminder of the leadership core shaping St Mirren as they prepare for the league campaign. Fraser’s promotion to captain comes after several years with the Buddies, having progressed through Celtic’s youth system before stints with Ross County and ultimately joining St Mirren in 2020. His leadership was pivotal in last season’s play-off final against Partick Thistle, where his goal secured the club’s Premiership status, a moment that underscored his influence in the squad.
Fraser described the captaincy transition as a natural progression. “I had a chat during the week with the manager and the coaching staff, and they asked if I’d like to take on the role,” he said. “I jumped at the chance. I’m grateful for the trust they’ve shown since the end of last season and into pre-season, and I’ll repay them with performances on the pitch and by bringing the new players together.” He added that the early pre-season period has been positive for building cohesion. “Since day one of pre-season, the manager has asked for my input on various matters, which has been good for the players. It’s important to have that connection with the manager and coaching staff from the outset.”
Fraser also spoke highly of the club hierarchy and the support he has received. “The management and staff have backed me from the end of last season to now, and I’m grateful for that faith. I hope to reward them with strong performances and by helping the squad gel as quickly as possible with the new players coming in.”
The decision to move O’Hara on opened a new chapter for both the club and its captaincy structure. McLeish reflected on O’Hara’s exit with respect, noting that it represented a personal loss as well as a professional one. “He was such a big part of me being in this position, so it wasn’t an easy decision,” McLeish said. “I’ve developed a strong relationship with Mark, and he was a key player for us. He felt it was time for a fresh start, which I completely understand. We thank him for his contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
With Fraser stepping into the captaincy and Gogic taking the role of vice-captain, St Mirren head into the new season with a leadership duo anchored by experience and a clear plan. The club’s leadership group also includes the likes of Declan John, Jonah Ayunga, Keanu Baccus, and Liam Donnelly, whose combined experience is expected to provide stability and guidance as the team seeks to compete across all competitions, including the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish League Cup.
For supporters looking to monitor St Mirren’s progress, the club’s official channels will carry updates on match days, training announcements, and leadership group activities as the season unfolds. The new captaincy arrangement aims to bolster the squad’s consistency, encourage cohesion among new arrivals, and drive performance on and off the pitch.
In summary, Craig McLeish’s decision to appoint Marcus Fraser as captain reflects Fraser’s leadership qualities and his ability to set standards within the squad. Fraser’s rise to skipper, alongside Gogic’s vice-captaincy and a robust group of experienced players, positions St Mirren to face the challenges of the Scottish football calendar with a clear, leadership-driven approach.