St Mirren manager Craig McLeish has held talks with former Rangers defender Leon King, but a potential move hinges on bolstering other positions in the squad first. The 22-year-old left Ibrox at the end of his contract last month and impressed on loan at Ayr United last season.
Priority positions before King move
McLeish confirmed that while King is one of several players they have spoken to, the left-sided defensive role is not a current priority. The Buddies are looking to strengthen their striking department and find a replacement for Miguel Freckleton, who was sold to Austrian champions LASK for a significant six-figure fee.
“Leon is one of a number of players we have spoken to,” McLeish said. “That position isn’t a priority for us. Leon knows that, I have spoken to him about that. Because of our budget constraints we need to work on our priorities first and see where we are as the squad shapes up.”
Freckleton sale part of club model
McLeish admitted St Mirren could not stand in Freckleton’s way after the defender’s life-changing move to LASK, who are in the Champions League and guaranteed European group stage football. The club signed Freckleton from Sheffield United last season and his sale fits the club's player trading model.
“We wish Miguel the best of luck,” McLeish said. “He is a fantastic player and person. When it is the Austrian champions, they have the Champions League and guaranteed European group stage football. It is a life-changing opportunity for Miguel. You can’t deny him.”
McLeish explained that St Mirren aim to develop players and sell them at the right time. “We brought him in with the view of something like that happening. Hopefully, you might get 18 months to two seasons, but he has moved on after a season. That is how we are as a club. We have to be getting the most out of these players when we have them and try and move them on to the highest level, while also trying to bring money in for them as well.”
Pre-season preparations
St Mirren are currently training in Pinatar, Spain, and played a bounce game against Hearts on Wednesday night, losing 3-1. The match gave McLeish the chance to give new signings Ryan Carr, Chris Mochrie, Jacob Chapman, and Samuel Ramos more game time. The squad will play another friendly against Murcia at the weekend.
“It was a good exercise for us,” McLeish said. “We have been doing a lot of work on the training pitch so it was good to put that into action against a really strong opposition. We managed to get 60 minutes into most of the boys. It was tough for the boys in the heat but at this stage it is all about their fitness and trying to integrate things we want to put into the team going into the season.”
