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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ben Ramage

Connor Ronan and academy graduate Jay Henderson scoop St Mirren player of the year awards

Impressive Wolves loanee Connor Ronan swept the board at this year’s St Mirren player of the year awards after a standout season in the stripes.

The 24-year-old midfielder has been sublime for the Buddies since signing on a season-long loan deal in August.

He has been an ever-present in the heart of the Saints midfield, bagging eight goals in all competitions in 30 appearances while also pitching in with assists at key moments.

At the awards ceremony, held in the Normandy Hotel in Renfrew on Sunday night, Ronan picked up the player of the year and social media player of the year gongs.

He also grabbed the goal of the year award for his sensational long range strike against Hearts in the Scottish Cup in March, one of several eye-catching strikes he’s produced for the Paisley club this season.

While manager Stephen Robinson has already spoken of his desire to keep Ronan at the SMISA Stadium next season, a number of other clubs have also taken notice of his fine form for the Buddies.

Former Saints boss Jim Goodwin is keen to reunite with the Ireland under-21 international at Pittodrie, while Robbie Neilson is also keen to tempt him to join Hearts.

Bundesliga 2 side St Pauli have also been credited with an interest in the playmaker, who has himself always insisted his long term goal is to break into Wolves first team.

Another winner at the player of the year awards was St Mirren academy graduate Jay Henderson.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season, particularly in the second half of the campaign, bagging two goals - both of which were superb strikes against Dundee United on two separate occasions.

He picked up the young player of the year award, with Robinson having sung the youngster’s praises in recent weeks.

Henderson looks set to be an integral part of the manager’s squad next season.

The player of the year awards were also used as a platform to induct the four latest Saints legends into the club’s Hall of Fame.

Former captain and fan favourite Stephen McGinn, currently at Kilmarnock, was added having made 203 appearances across two spells at the club.

McGinn made his Saints debut in 2007 after coming through the youth ranks at the club. The highlight of his first spell came in November 2008 when he scored the winner in the Buddies’ last ever game against Rangers at Love Street.

After spells in England with Watford, Sheffield United and Shrewsbury Town, McGinn returned to Paisley and played a huge part in the club staying in the Championship in the 2016/17 season.

He then skippered the Saints to the Championship title the following season, earning himself legendary status among the club’s supporters.

Striker John Sutton, defender Peter Godfrey and goalkeeper Billy Thomson also took their place in the Hall of Fame at the well-attended event.

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