New alliance to help boost skills of young Saints

TAYLOR MURRAY

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St Mirren have announced a partnership with two clubs as part of a new system launched under the Scottish Football Association.

League Two side Dumbarton and Lowland League club Clydebank have formed a link with the Premiership outfit as part of the new cooperation system.

It will allow young Buddies to gain experience and game time with the West Dunbartonshire clubs without the constraints of formal loan agreements.

The new approach follows the Scottish FA’s transition report, published in 2024, which showed there aren't enough opportunities for players between the ages of 16 and 21.

Academy director Allan McManus said: “We're looking to build a strategy that's going to help our young players get more experiences towards first-team football.

“The earlier we get young players exposed to first-team football, the better opportunities they'll have to go further in the game.