Marcus Fraser has described being named St Mirren captain as a "great honour" as he prepares to lead the Buddies into the new season. The 32-year-old defender replaces Mark O'Hara, who moved to Kilmarnock, and will be supported by vice-captain Alex Gogic.
Fraser’s journey to the captaincy
Fraser, entering his seventh season at Paisley, scored the decisive goal in the Premiership play-off win over Partick Thistle in May, securing St Mirren's top-flight status. He also netted in the Premier Sports Cup final victory against Celtic. Reflecting on his appointment, Fraser said: "It’s a great honour, it’s fantastic. I had conversations with the manager and coaching staff the other day. They just asked me to take the role on; I thanked them for that. I really appreciate it."
He added: "For me, moving forward, not much really changes. I try and carry myself like that anyway. Hopefully there’s another few lads in the building like that as well who can help drive the standards every day along with myself."
Learning from O’Hara
Fraser served as vice-captain under O’Hara for three seasons and learned from his former skipper's approach. "You see the way Mark goes about his business every day. He didn’t need to be the loudest all the time, but was always prepared properly and makes sure everyone is right. That sort of stuff is ingrained in you. You don’t learn that. I’ve done that from a young age. Trying to set my own standards. And I feel that’s where I’ve got my success from," Fraser explained.
Defending the trophy
St Mirren begin their Premier Sports Cup defence against Dumbarton at neutral Cliftonhill, as the Sons' home ground undergoes maintenance. Fraser stressed the importance of starting strong: "These games, you have to turn up and perform to get the results to get through to the next stage. That’s what you’ve got to do to get the days that we enjoyed last season. If you don’t turn up, play well against Dumbarton or Cove Rangers, you’re not going to get the days you had last season."
He recalled the Hampden experiences: "The lead-up to those games and performing at Hampden in semis and cup finals was brilliant. So you must go out and play the game as if it is one of them so you can progress into the latter stages."
New signings and team bonding
Fraser praised the new arrivals, including Jacob Chapman, Samuel Ramos, Ryan Carr, Chris Mochrie, and Henry Fieldson, who have integrated well during a pre-season camp in Spain. "In preseason it really helps to get away. You’re with the new lads who’ve really settled in well. You see them coming out their shells already and the young lads have shown up really well too," he said.
He highlighted the importance of team cohesion: "There’s been a lot of change but the manager has taken that on board as well. He’s really just said that if you’re good enough you’re going to be playing. There’s healthy competition and everyone is at it in training."
Fraser also noted the value of off-field bonding: "Whether that’s going out for some food, watching a game, playing snooker. Even when we were away we were all together doing that. You see people better rather than just on the pitch. It’s something we’ve had the last few seasons and something the squad as a whole wants to carry on."
Looking ahead
With the captaincy, Fraser aims to maintain the standards set by O'Hara and the squad's previous leaders. "Everyone in the group has to come together. You are your own person. Everyone has different characteristics - that’s what makes this group strong," he said. "Even behind me, we have Goga who probably is someone you don’t need to say a word to. He just does it week in, week out."
Fraser also joked about the team's fine system: "I’ve not changed the fines list yet; there’s a few new committee members on that so hopefully they can bring in the money!"
