THIS TIME IT IS PERSONAL

Initiation speeches key for Jayden

- BY FRASER MACKIE

JAYDEN RICHARDSON has revealed the secret of St Mirren's tight bond - soul-baring initiation speeches.

Stephen Robinson had the busiest signing summer of his tenure ahead of this season, bringing 11 new faces to Paisley and turning two loans from last term - Roland Idowu and Killian Phillips - into permanent deals.

Richardson, 25, was an early capture in the window from English non-league Boreham Wood.

That meant the wing-back was one of the first up in front of the playing squad to tell his “story”.

Manager Robinson is a stickler for fostering an unbreakable team spirit, a dynamic that has helped the Buddies bank three top-six finishes in a row and reach Europe in his reign.

Despite patchy league form this term, this new group has come together to drive Saints all the way to the Premier Sports Cup final, with Celtic standing in their way of lifting a trophy at Hampden on Sunday.

Robinson asks all new players to give a speech about their careers, inspirations or personal life.

It's a nervy proposition for any young footballer to open his heart in front of peers.

But Richardson reckons it's a crucial icebreaker and a priceless personal touch that helps the Paisley camp bond.