Tony Fitzpatrick believes St Mirren fans are “in for a treat” with the talents coming through their academy.
The Buddies club hero retired from his role as chief executive in March, with Keith Lasley recently coming in as his replacement.
Fitzpatrick helped oversee the academy’s progression to elite status last season, with the Ralston base now officially among the best in the country.
Having been heavily involved in Stephen Robinson’s appointment, Fitzpatrick is adamant the Paisley club have the right man in charge to make the most of their “exciting” young prospects.
Speaking exclusively to Express Sport, Fitzpatrick said: “Behind the scenes the club is much stronger than it was when I first came in as chief executive.
"There are a lot of good things going on and we’re in a brilliant position to grow now, especially with the academy.
“Stephen is really excited about the kids coming through and it was a massive reason behind him coming in, both for us and for him.
“It’s in St Mirren’s DNA to bring through young players. Stephen understands that and is excited about that challenge of bringing through players.
“From speaking to Stephen, he’s already very excited about the talents he’s got to work with. We’ve got brilliant young players coming through.
“The fans are in for a treat with some of the talents coming through our academy.”
Looking back on his final season in charge, Fitzpatrick feels a pang of regret that the Buddies couldn’t quite make his top-six dream come true.
He believes the timing of Jim Goodwin ’s departure did have a negative impact on the club, with the Saints on a seven-game unbeaten run before he left to join Aberdeen.
Fitzpatrick is adamant that despite a slow start to his tenure, Robinson is the man to help the club push on to the next level next season.
Fitzpatrick said: “We only just missed out on the top six again.
“One win on that run into the split would probably have done it, we were so close.
“It was a real pity with the upheaval of Jim Goodwin leaving.
“At that point we were on a great run and another win or two would have probably have seen us over the line.
“But I have absolutely no doubt that we have the right man for the club going forward in Stephen.
“You could see at the end of last season, when we needed results in the last few games they delivered when it mattered most.
“That win against St Johnstone was crucial and it’s a mark of a good team that they could pull out a result when the pressure was on.”
