Stephen Robinson knew just how important Jak Alnwick was to St Mirren as soon as he stepped in the door.
That’s why he made offering the keeper a new contract one of his first orders of business after replacing Jim Goodwin as manager.
Alnwick joins yesterday’s nominee Joe Shaughnessy as one of the four players up for this year’s Paisley Daily Express player of the year award, as voted for by our readers.
The impressive goalie produced yet another standout campaign between the sticks for the Saints, regularly rescuing his defence with stunning saves.
The 28-year-old’s move to English Championship side Cardiff City was confirmed on Tuesday night.
And Robinson believes Alnwick’s absence during several of his first games in charge was a big factor in his disappointing start as boss, such was his importance to the side.
Robinson told Express Sport: “Jak performed very well for me and has done so for the club for the last two years.
“I offered him a new contract as soon as I came in. Unfortunately for us he’s going to the Championship to earn life-changing money, but we can’t hold that against him.
"He’s got everything you could want from a modern day goalkeeper. As well as his shot-stopping he’s great with his feet, which helped us miss the press playing out from the back.
“He’s also got a brilliant attitude and I’ve got every confidence he’ll go on and do well down in the Championship.
“Unfortunately for us he missed 50 per cent of my first eight games in charge. Missing him was a big part of that poor run we went on.
“No disrespect to anyone else, but it’s difficult to replace that quality when it’s missing.
“Being without him and Connor Ronan after his sending off against Hearts could have been the difference for us making the top six, because we missed their quality so much.”
Former Saints striker Steven Thompson believes Alnwick couldn’t turn down his move to Cardiff City, having enjoyed four years with the Bluebirds as a player himself.
He is confident the former Newcastle man will thrive in the second tier of English football and admits he will be a tough act to follow in Paisley.
Thompson said: “St Mirren have been very lucky with goalkeepers over the last four years, with Vaclav Hladky before and then Jak. He will be a very big miss.
“There’s no doubt he was one of the top keepers in the league over the last two years. He’s performed so well throughout this season, making a number of fantastic saves. He’s also a good communicator which helps the defence massively.
“As well as his saves, he’s exceptional with the ball at his feet which is often overlooked with goalkeepers.
“He’ll be a huge miss but it’s hard for a club like St Mirren to hold on to players like him.
“I know from experience Cardiff are a huge club and it’s a massive step up for him.
“He really couldn’t turn that down and “I wish him all the best down there. I’m confident he’ll do well there.”
Find out who our next nominee is tomorrow, with voting opening on Saturday once all four Saints players have been revealed.
