London, England, October 25 2025:Jordan Henderson 6 Brentford thanks supporters at full time in the Premier League game between Brentford and Liverpool at Gtech Community Stadium in London, England. Photo by Jay Patel/Sports Press Photo/SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xJayxPatel/SportsxPressxPhoto/SPPx Sportspressphoto_SPR51602
St Mirren manager Craig McLeish has declared his squad ready to fight to retain the Premier Sports Cup as their title defence begins against Dumbarton.
The Buddies open their trophy defence at Cliftonhill in Coatbridge, with Dumbarton’s own ground still undergoing work ahead of the new season.
McLeish confirmed that West Brom striker Eseosa Sule is close to becoming his sixth summer signing, as previously revealed by Record Sport.
New arrivals Jacob Chapman, Samuel Ramos, Ryan Carr, and Chris Mochrie could all feature and give supporters their first look at fresh faces in action.
McLeish was bullish about the challenge of entering the competition as holders, insisting there is no anxiety within the dressing room about carrying that pressure.
He said: “It’s excitement. I’ve said that to the boys – we’re going in as holders. We need to defend our trophy and we’re ready to do that.”
The St Mirren boss added: “Don’t give it up easily because it’s ours to defend,” urging his players to draw on their final experience from last season.
McLeish also set ambitious targets beyond the cup, asking: “Why can you not go and do it again? Why can we not finish top six? Why can we not qualify for Europe?”
He was clear that aiming high and falling short was preferable to targeting mere survival and still coming up short, warning that the latter scenario spells real trouble.
Henry Fieldson, who sealed his move from Queen’s Park on Thursday, is not expected to feature in the opening group-stage fixture.
Trialists Stephen Mallan and Dylan Reid continue to train with the club, though McLeish was honest about where they stand in St Mirren’s recruitment priorities.
He said: “Stephen and Dylan are still in at the moment. I spoke to the two of them just to update them about our situation and they both know that, unfortunately, their positions, they’re not priority positions for us right now.”
McLeish cited budget restraints as the reason the club cannot commit to signings in non-priority areas at this stage of the window.
He made clear that adding to the forward line and recruiting a left-sided centre-back remain the more pressing needs as the squad continues to take shape.
On the pursuit of 20-year-old former Celtic striker Sule, the manager acknowledged a deal was advancing but would not be finalised before the Dumbarton fixture.
He said: “Nothing is signed yet. It was getting close to the final stages but that’s not going to be done in time for the game. He’s one that we think really highly of.”
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