Back in January 2020, also known as the good old pre-coronavirus days, I was down at Ralston to speak to Jim Goodwin at a time before Zoom calls became the new normal.
Just before Goodwin came out to speak to me an unassuming, young new player walked past me, talking on the phone.
I said hello but he walked past without acknowledging me.
I didn’t think anything of it, but two minutes later he popped back into the reception and apologised, saying he was on the phone and couldn’t stop before.
I asked his name and lo and behold it was one Jamie McGrath, who was just in putting the finishing touches to his move from the Emerald Isle to St Mirren.
Little did I know at that point what an important player he was going to become for the Buddies.
After a natural bedding in period in his first few months, the playmaker quickly started to show just why Goodwin brought the influential midfielder to the club.
He would go on to score an incredible 17-goals in all competitions from midfield in the 2020/21 season, including some notable strikes including an awesome brace in a famous 3-2 League Cup victory against Rangers.
That kind of red hot form was always going to draw attention, especially after he deservedly made his way into the Ireland national team and shone against Cristiano Ronaldo and co back in September.
Having almost moved to Hibs in the summer, it now looks inevitable that McGrath’s time in Paisley is coming to an end.
Especially having been left out of the matchday squad altogether on Wednesday night as the Buddies finally returned to winning ways with an excellent 2-1 away victory over Dundee United.
I never thought I’d be writing this sentence, but I actually feel it’s in St Mirren’s best interests to let Jamie McGrath leave this month.
I am not for one moment doubting McGrath’s ability. For me he is technically one of the best players in the country and has been for the last 18 months.
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His recent world-class strike against Livingston proves he remains a cut above so many other midfielders in the Premiership.
But speculation is impossible to ignore, especially with representatives who are constantly looking to get the best deal for both the player and themselves.
While McGrath was irreplacable last season, this campaign his influence on the pitch has been unarguably less significant.
I’m sure McGrath gives 100 per cent whenever he’s on the pitch, and Goodwin has always stated that he is an absolute model professional.
But all good things must come to an end and it looks now as if it’s time for both parties to move on and start afresh.
For McGrath I hope he gets the move his talent and hard work deserves.
An English Championship side would give him the perfect platform to prove he can cut it in the English Premier League, and I fully expect him to reach that level when he enters his peak years.
For St Mirren the parting might also be a blessing in disguise.
The midfield combination simply hasn’t been right so far this season, with McGrath and Connor Ronan both wanting to occupy the same role.
With McGrath out of the picture, the solid base of Ethan Erhahon and Alan Power can allow Ronan and Greg Kiltie to push further forward and pose more of an attacking threat.
On Wednesday night Kiltie was superb in the playmaker role, which he was brought in from Kilmarnock to play in the summer when McGrath’s move away was already anticipated.
They are huge boots to fill, but Kiltie and Ronan both have the technical ability to provide the creativity and vision to unlock stubborn defences in the next few months.
Nevertheless it would be a huge blow for every Saints fan not to see McGrath strut his stuff week in, week out should he leave before the transfer window slams shut.
He has been a gem of a find and Goodwin has a huge task on his hands to unearth a better one in the coming years ahead.
