​Craig McLeish’s likelihood of success at St Mirren hinges on whether the Paisley club can recruit players who fit the young manager’s preferred system, according to former Buddies midfielder Ryan Flynn. McLeish took the helm in March after Stephen Robinson departed for Scottish Premiership rivals Aberdeen. Flynn says McLeish is clear about his way of playing and predicts the Paisley club will steer clear of another relegation dogfight while not challenging for a top-six place. He expects McLeish to adopt an assertive, front-foot approach with a plan to press high up the pitch.
The key, Flynn notes, will be Gavin Miller and the recruitment team finding players to suit McLeish’s style. He stresses that there must be a number of signings, particularly at the top end of the pitch. St Mirren need ball carriers, width in attack, and, of course, those prolific goalscorers. Flynn believes losing captain Mark O’Hara to Kilmarnock and striker Mikael Mandron will be a significant blow, yet he remains optimistic that the “fantastic” behind-the-scenes changes introduced by Robinson will help the club navigate the transition smoothly.
From Flynn’s perspective, the overhaul runs from the top down. He highlights improvements to the facilities, including the training ground and changing rooms, as a sign that the club is investing in its long-term future. He concedes that while the squad’s form may have suffered when Robinson left, the club now stands in a healthier position to move forward. Flynn points to a notable period of progress: St Mirren won the League Cup last season, following European football and a sequence of top-six finishes, marking a measured ascent for the club.
However, he acknowledges that there was a dramatic drop in form after that successful run. He describes it as a “complete nosedive,” but insists the players rallied to get over the line in what turned out to be a memorable season. The achievement is still significant because, as Flynn argues, a club cannot be legendary and face relegation in the same campaign, and avoiding such a collapse was important to preserving the season’s legacy.
Looking ahead, Flynn’s assessment centers on whether St Mirren can rebuild their squad to align with McLeish’s tactical philosophy while maintaining the club’s upward trajectory. The emphasis remains on smart recruitment, with a focus on players capable of contributing to a pressing, high-intensity style and providing balance in attack and creative options for the final third. If the recruitment department can identify and land the right mix of ball carriers, wingers, and reliable scorers who can adapt to McLeish’s system, St Mirren’s chances of establishing a stable, competitive season improve significantly.
In summary, Flynn believes McLeish’s success at St Mirren will largely depend on effective recruitment that marries players’ abilities to the manager’s preferred pressing style and high-tempo approach. While the loss of key leaders at the top of the pitch poses a challenge, the behind-the-scenes improvements and a clear tactical blueprint give the club a foundation on which to build. If the new additions can deliver the required balance and energy across the pitch, St Mirren could avoid another relegation tussle and push toward a more ambitious position, potentially threatening a top-half finish rather than merely chasing survival.