Jamie McGrath M Aberdeen b.1996

[elatedscum]

Seems to be doing very well at St. Mirren lately with 5 goals in 4 games from midfield. Instrumental in their win against Rangers last night, scoring 2 and crossing in for the third. Also made a clearance off the line.

Conor McCarthy scored the winner and Dylan Connolly won the penalty for the first and made the run and pass for the second goal.

All 3 are probably unlikely to be good enough to make it internationally, but at the same time, it wouldn’t surprise me if one of them did.

[Olé Olé]

Joe Shaughnessy was captain and Jake Doyle Hayes midfield too.

As far as I have read, Doyle Hayes and McGrath have been their best players this season. I would say they have the most potential of the lot. Doyle Hayes most certainly can continue his upward trajectory from what I have seen. I haven't see enough of McCarthy to know his ceiling and his former Cork City centre back partner Sean McLoughlin hasn't quite kicked on like it was expected. Plenty time for them as young centre halves though.

Jim Goodwin manager there too. They were on a bad run earlier this season but haven't lost a game now since October- winning 6 and drawing 2 of their last 8.

Hopefully this can continue to be a good news story.

[Eirambler]

I wouldn't be surprised if two or three of the St Mirren lads went on to win senior caps actually. While domestic Scottish football takes a lot of deserved stick, the Scottish Premier is actually not a bad place to be as a young player - as long as you are playing first team football week after week, and these lads all are, unlike the Irish lads at Celtic. Playing against the two Glasgow teams will be great experience and will bring them on as players, while the rest of the time they are playing a decent mix of league 1 and 2 standard teams like Hibs, Motherwell, Aberdeen and so on.

A lot of the better St Mirren players go on to play for Hibs and move on from there to better things if they're good enough - this was John McGinn's route to Aston Villa - so there's a clear pathway in the game for these lads if they're good enough. It's been very encouraging from them so far.

[elatedscum]

Joe Shaughnessy was captain and Jake Doyle Hayes midfield too.

As far as I have read, Doyle Hayes and McGrath have been their best players this season. I would say they have the most potential of the lot. Doyle Hayes most certainly can continue his upward trajectory from what I have seen. I haven't see enough of McCarthy to know his ceiling and his former Cork City centre back partner Sean McLoughlin hasn't quite kicked on like it was expected. Plenty time for them as young centre halves though.

Jim Goodwin manager there too. They were on a bad run earlier this season but haven't lost a game now since October- winning 6 and drawing 2 of their last 8.

Hopefully this can continue to be a good news story.

My take on them is:

1) Shaugnessy - too old, he's 28 or so i think, can't see it happening. His younger brother still has a chance.
2) Connolly - never saw him play for Dundalk. Saw him play for Wimbledon against West Ham in the cup and he was man of the match and was truly excellent. He's probably ultimately too raw to make it for us (think Alan O'Brien in the Staunton era) but he's got pace to burn, which is an attribute that translates at every level
3) McGrath - nice silky player, could see him playing in the championship sooner rather than later, bit inconsistent though.
4) Doyle-Hayes - have only seen highlights. very highly thought of though. nice little technical player
5) McCarthy - really rate him very highly. Has it all. So many centre halves though - difficult position to breakthrough.

But with all of them, there are so many other players who look more likely to make the grade in their respective positions...

Some names in that St Mirren squad. Obika, Flynn and Alnwick were major prospects 10-15 years ago

[nigel-harps1954]

Connolly is miles away from being good enough to play international. He has a wicked burst of speed, and that's about it. Had an awful habit of diving while playing for Bray and Dundalk too.

[elatedscum]

Connolly is miles away from being good enough to play international. He has a wicked burst of speed, and that's about it. Had an awful habit of diving while playing for Bray and Dundalk too.

Would Alan O’Brien and Daniel Kelly be decent comparisons?

[nigel-harps1954]

Would Alan O’Brien and Daniel Kelly be decent comparisons?

For me, Daniel Kelly is a better player. I was surprised Dundalk went for Connolly from Bray, never mind him getting a move to Wimbledon. I'd have said he was no more than an average LOI Premier Division winger.

I'm probably being a bit harsh on him, if truth be told, but never been impressed by him.

[Charlie Darwin]

Danny Grant is as quick as both of them and more talented. Chiedozie Ogbene likewise and, I'd argue, Trevor Clarke too although we'll see if he ever gets his pace back after the multiple injuries.

[Olé Olé]

McGrath scored the only goal of the game for Mirren in a 1-1 draw at the weekend from a penalty. He's their top scorer in all competitions on 7.

They have signed Eamonn Brophy which I would imagine is a coup for them as he has a Scottish cap and has had some decent goalscoring form.

Doyle Hayes is probably our standout there as the fans seem to think: https://www.blackandwhitearmy.com/forums/index.php?/topic/51065-welcome-jake-doyle-hayes/page/4/#comments

Goodwin is aware he's facing a battle to keep Jake: https://www.bt.com/sport/news/2021/january/jim-goodwin-hoping-eamonn-brophy-can-make-saints-switch-immediately

And Conor McCarthy speaks about his COVID infection and a few other bits and bobs: https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/arid-40206401.html

Overall, it looks like Doyle Hayes is still the prospect there but maybe McGrath can sustain his progress too. McGrath was signed by Kenny at Dundalk so could make an extended squad or a COVID depleted squad if we have any of either in the near future.

[Olé Olé]

St Mirren boss believes McGrath can supply the goals and creativity that Ireland are lacking https://the42.ie/5400543

Jim Goodwin describes McGrath as "easily the best player I have ever worked with as a manager" after he scored twice in the Scottish Cup yesterday. Those goals are on top of 7 in the league and 4 in the league cup. He's on a goal every 3 games this season from an attacking midfield role. St Mirren seem to play 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 so he seems to pick up the most advanced midfield role of the 5 or else behind the striker in the 3.

St Mirren had the 5 Irish starters yesterday again- Shaughnessy, Doyle-Hayes, McCarthy, McGrath and Connolly. All 5 are regulars in the side. Connolly, based on the numbers, a little less so than Shaughnessy, McGrath and McCarthy with Doyle-Hayes joining a little later this season and I think he may have had an injury.

[seanfhear]

St Mirren boss believes McGrath can supply the goals and creativity that Ireland are lacking https://the42.ie/5400543

Jim Goodwin describes McGrath as "easily the best player I have ever worked with as a manager" after he scored twice in the Scottish Cup yesterday. Those goals are on top of 7 in the league and 4 in the league cup. He's on a goal every 3 games this season from an attacking midfield role. St Mirren seem to play 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 so he seems to pick up the most advanced midfield role of the 5 or else behind the striker in the 3.

St Mirren had the 5 Irish starters yesterday again- Shaughnessy, Doyle-Hayes, McCarthy, McGrath and Connolly. All 5 are regulars in the side. Connolly, based on the numbers, a little less so than Shaughnessy, McGrath and McCarthy with Doyle-Hayes joining a little later this season and I think he may have had an injury.
Surely if he is that good there will be demand from Clubs higher up the Leagues or other Leagues for his services !

[Eirambler]

I imagine there will be before too long, he has had a really good season. I'd say a lot of our more senior players will skip the June international camp, clubs will want to hold players back after a condensed season as well, so you wouldn't rule out McGrath getting a call up and a cap.

[seanfhear]

I imagine there will be before too long, he has had a really good season. I'd say a lot of our more senior players will skip the June international camp, clubs will want to hold players back after a condensed season as well, so you wouldn't rule out McGrath getting a call up and a cap.
I suppose it could be a way of Goodwin talking up his value and a few caps would not hurt either. Not bad thinking on Goodwin's behalf.

[DeLorean]

Jim Goodwin describes McGrath as "easily the best player I have ever worked with as a manager" after he scored twice in the Scottish Cup yesterday.

To be fair, that's not too far off what Bielsa was trying to tell us. :D

[sadloserkid]

I suspect Goodwin has seen him play a few times though.

[Stuttgart88]

McGrath's first goal at the weekend was pretty classy.

[Diggs246]

I assume kenny knows him inside out, he was in dundalk with him no?

[backstothewall]

I've never seen him play, but at first glance his career path looks very similar to Wes Hoolahan.

I won't be saying he should get a call up until i've at least watched him, but I will say that we were far too slow to bring Wes through.

[Eirambler]

If anything he's slightly ahead of Hoolahan at this stage. But Hoolahan's time at Livingston was fairly forgettable, it was only later in his career that he kicked on to become the quality player he is now remembered as.

[John83]

I'm sure there have been plenty of players who were at that level at that point in their career who didn't turn out to be Wes Hoolahan. McGrath needs a move to really bang at the door for a competitive cap. He might get a look in during the summer friendlies though. Sounds like he'll get a chance though: clubs love a midfielder with a goal in him.

[Trequartista20]

Aberdeen amongst the clubs interested in young Jamie.

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/aberdeen-fc/3090700/aberdeen-join-the-race-for-st-mirren-attacker-jamie-mcgrath/

[Olé Olé]

https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/04/28/report-scott-brown-has-already-told-aberdeen-to-sign-jamie-mcgrath/

Peterborough linked here. They'd have to lose both of their last 2 games and Lincoln win all of their last 3 to lose out on automatic promotion.

I would think Aberdeen would be much of a sideways step. He turns 25 in September so he's not particularly young. I would prefer to see the Peterborough move myself.

[Trequartista20]

A liitle older older than I thought...

You're right of course, a potential Championship move would be the better option.

[seanfhear]

https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/04/28/report-scott-brown-has-already-told-aberdeen-to-sign-jamie-mcgrath/

Peterborough linked here. They'd have to lose both of their last 2 games and Lincoln win all of their last 3 to lose out on automatic promotion.

I would think Aberdeen would be much of a sideways step. He turns 25 in September so he's not particularly young. I would prefer to see the Peterborough move myself.
More potential from being tested in the Championship these days ~ sad for Scottish football but that is the way it is.

[Olé Olé]

Irish midfielder Jamie McGrath 'could have a pick of a number of clubs' https://the42.ie/5425389

Talked up by a teammate who seems resigns to losing him. Reading between the lines, I think it's clear this guy reckons McGrath is too good for St Mirren.

[samhaydenjr]

Nabbed a consolation against Hamilton today: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/56869430

[Trequartista20]

Jim Goodwin confirms that St Mirren have received bids for McGrath:

After the match Goodwin confirmed reports that the club have knocked back several offers for their Irish playmaker, and insists he won’t leave Paisley unless the Buddies’ deem the offer fit for the quality of their prize asset.

He told Express Sport: “We had a bid a couple of weeks ago and we’re very transparent with Jamie and his representatives.

“We want to hold on to him, as you can see by the fact he was in our starting XI against Dunfermline.

“We don’t need to sell anyone either, but we’re always fair to players that come here or that come through the academy.

“If a bid meets our valuation and it’s a club that Jamie quite likes the idea of then we’re not going to stand in anyone’s way to earning some big money at a potentially bigger club."

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/in-your-area/renfrewshire/jim-goodwin-insists-jamie-mcgrath-24530918

[seanfhear]

Jim Goodwin confirms that St Mirren have received bids for McGrath:

After the match Goodwin confirmed reports that the club have knocked back several offers for their Irish playmaker, and insists he won’t leave Paisley unless the Buddies’ deem the offer fit for the quality of their prize asset.

He told Express Sport: “We had a bid a couple of weeks ago and we’re very transparent with Jamie and his representatives.

“We want to hold on to him, as you can see by the fact he was in our starting XI against Dunfermline.

“We don’t need to sell anyone either, but we’re always fair to players that come here or that come through the academy.

“If a bid meets our valuation and it’s a club that Jamie quite likes the idea of then we’re not going to stand in anyone’s way to earning some big money at a potentially bigger club."

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/in-your-area/renfrewshire/jim-goodwin-insists-jamie-mcgrath-24530918
Good management.

[Diggs246]

I hope the offers are at least championship level. Or celtic

[Olé Olé]

All seems rather sensible from Goodwin and the club. If someone really wants McGrath then they will pay and he will play.

[Olé Olé]

The Scottish sun reckon Jamie McGrath could be signing for Middlesbrough: https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/7525366/jamie-mcgrath-ronaldo-ireland-middlesbrough-transfer-st-mirren/

There's also talk that our own Connor Ronan will move to St. Mirren on loan. The Indo have it this morning: https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/portugal-back-record-chaser-cristiano-ronaldo-as-darren-randolph-stays-out-of-favour-for-stephen-kennys-ireland-40803578.html

[Diggs246]

The Scottish sun reckon Jamie McGrath could be signing for Middlesbrough: https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/7525366/jamie-mcgrath-ronaldo-ireland-middlesbrough-transfer-st-mirren/

There's also talk that our own Connor Ronan will move to St. Mirren on loan. The Indo have it this morning: https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/portugal-back-record-chaser-cristiano-ronaldo-as-darren-randolph-stays-out-of-favour-for-stephen-kennys-ireland-40803578.html

If McGrath plays, then its a prefect move

[Stuttgart88]

It seems a move to Hibs collapsed late last night due to an admin botch up. Did he move anywhere?

[John83]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2021/1013/1253595-mcgrath-surprised-by-rapid-international-rise/


Ten of his goals last season and both this time around were scored from the spot, but with Callum Robinson bang in form and on his way to a hat-trick, his polite request met with a negative response.
Ah! I hadn't realised so many of those 'goals from midfield' were actually penalties. Still, no harm to have a few peno specialists in the squad.

[elatedscum]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2021/1013/1253595-mcgrath-surprised-by-rapid-international-rise/


Ah! I hadn't realised so many of those 'goals from midfield' were actually penalties. Still, no harm to have a few peno specialists in the squad.

In fairness, he won a disproportionate number of them if my memory serves...

[TonyD]

I think he’s been good in the last two games. Has a real chance to nail down a starting spot, which I imagine might alert clubs higher up the ladder to making a bid for him.

[SkStu]

I think he’s been good in the last two games. Has a real chance to nail down a starting spot, which I imagine might alert clubs higher up the ladder to making a bid for him.

Goodwin is on record that there was at least 3 serious bids turned down by St. Mirren during the summer as they felt the fee (300k) was too low. One of them was Wigan and there are some other rumours at the top of this page. They brought Connor Ronan in as a contingency in case he goes during the January window.

[JR89]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2021/1013/1253595-mcgrath-surprised-by-rapid-international-rise/

Ah! I hadn't realised so many of those 'goals from midfield' were actually penalties. Still, no harm to have a few peno specialists in the squad.

As shown by the U21s who've dropped points so far this campaign with missed penalties.


Goodwin is on record that there was at least 3 serious bids turned down by St. Mirren during the summer as they felt the fee (300k) was too low. One of them was Wigan and there are some other rumours at the top of this page. They brought Connor Ronan in as a contingency in case he goes during the January window.

Middlesbrough and Hibs. Hibs came in at the last hour trying to get a deal done when the Boro deal fell through. Sucks for Hibs because I can see more teams becoming interested in him and wouldn't be surprised if he walked on a free instead of leaving in January.

[third policeman]

Stretchered off against Rangers. Doesn’t look good.

[JR89]

Stretchered off against Rangers. Doesn’t look good.

Going for a scan today but Goodwin said after the match it's his hip. Big blow for the lad as he would have started both internationals next month.

[Kingdom]

Mad to think that Ronan could potentially come into the Senior squad now as a result, albeit, a different kettle of bluefin tuna as a player to McGrath.

[JR89]

Good news is that he only misses the next two games and could be back for St Mirren on November 6th and just in time for the international window.

[Trequartista20]

A move to Aberdeen seems to be in the offing. Overly-exciting? Perhaps not so much. Progressive? Certainly. And welcome too. Confessedly, I do like him as a player.

And it's undoubtedly to Kenny's credit that he's picked an unobvious, 'unfashionable' player who's then gone on to to play well for us.

[Diggs246]

Jamie McGrath's valuation revealed as St Mirren admit it is 'unlikely' he will stay at club next season - Pundit Arena (https://punditarena.com/football/andrewdempsey/jamie-mcgrath-st-mirren-fee-leave/)

If the asking price is just 350k... why wouldn't there be a a rack of clubs interested

Id buy him... I could see him at Watford or even Southampton

[pineapple stu]

His stats aren't as good as last year - 3 goals in 21 games compared to 17 in 46 last year.

There's more to football than goals of course, but is there any concern he's fallen back a bit from last year?

[Diggs246]

His stats aren't as good as last year - 3 goals in 21 games compared to 17 in 46 last year.

There's more to football than goals of course, but is there any concern he's fallen back a bit from last year?]#

TBH I'm just going on what he has done for us and I thought he has never looked out of place in our team
He held his own very well v Portugal

[JR89]

His stats aren't as good as last year - 3 goals in 21 games compared to 17 in 46 last year.

There's more to football than goals of course, but is there any concern he's fallen back a bit from last year?

Overall St Mirren are very poor this season and fans are often critical of Goodwin's negative tactics this season.

If teams are looking for someone that's confident from the spot then McGrath is your player. 10 of his 17 goals last season were from the spot, and this season 2 of his 3 goals are from the spot. He's only missed 1 of his 13 penalties so far while at St Mirren.

[pineapple stu]

Fair point on penalties, though as a club they're averaging only a shade under a goal a game both seasons (18 in 20 v 37 in 38 in the league), so not a huge amount seems to have changed. I don't see any stats on assists and maybe they're up to balance things out? Fewer goals from penalties should give more scope for assists for an attacking mid.

He's done alright for us for sure, but I suppose if as Diggs says there's not a rake of clubs interested at 350k, then no harm digging around for possible reasons.

A move to Aberdeen would feel like a step down compared to the Middlesbrough deal mooted last month. But I guess let's see what happens.

[JR89]

1483034728202747904

Birmingham and Wigan are the two teams in England showing interest in him. Wigan had a 300k bid turned down in the summer for him.

[Diggs246]

He is too good for the SPL. I've a funny feeling ( which I accept will be laughed at) that he might get a premier league move.
He is 25, cheap, an international and zero trouble.