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AN ‘EXCITED’ Gary Irvine admits St Mirren could not choose a better time than this afternoon (Saturday) to produce their first win in 10 weeks as they bid to impress new boss Jack Ross.
Ross will start work with the Buddies squad on Monday but this afternoon will have new assistant James Fowler – who was unveiled by the Paisley club on Friday – at Easter Road to take in their IRN-BRU Cup clash with Hibs.
Interim gaffer Allan McManus will be in charge for one last time before reverting to his coach’s role.
And Irvine insists he and his team-mates are relishing the ‘fresh start’ offered by this week’s appointment of Alloa Athletic manager Ross.
Irvine told Capital City Press: “It’s been a big week for the club and it’s a new start for everybody.
“Even though the manager’s not going to be there, I’m sure he’ll have eyes on the game and all the players are excited about the tie.
“Outwith everything that’s happened, it’s a big game. Going to Easter Road’s a hard fixture but it’s a cup tie and we want to progress.
“Hibs have started the season well but we’re desperate to get our season up and started.
“There’s no better time to do that than before the new manager comes in, so we’re looking forward to it.”
IMPRESS
St Mirren took their time in seeking out a successor to Alex Rae and eventually plumped for Ross, who will take charge of Alloa for one last time in their cup tie with Bala Town in Wales.
And Irvine believes the end of the uncertainty will spark new life into a Buddies outfit that has failed to win any of its opening eight league matches.
The former St Johnstone and Dundee defender added: “The club wanted to take their time and look for the right person, and I do think, looking at the way he started the season with Alloa, that we’ve got a good young manager.
“The boys are excited now. It dragged on for a bit but it’s done now and the boys can get their heads down and know who is in charge and who they’re looking to impress.
“It’s a fresh start for everybody, everybody is back to square one and looking to impress a new manager.
“Hopefully that will give us that wee added extra going into games now. Going into training you get that excitement back, knowing that every day you need to go in and impress the new manager.
“Those are all positives for players and a team, and hopefully that will bear fruit.”
