Mark O'Hara hopes to persuade key players to stay at St Mirren (2025)

The captain admits that he has spoken to a number of players who are out of contract about staying at the club.

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Mark O’Hara’s persuasive powers are in full flow as he reveals he is speaking to a few players about staying at St Mirren.

More than nine players will be out of contract with Saints this summer, but O’Hara has been doing his bit in an attempt to convince some players that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Along with a club that is on the rise, Saturday saw history made once again in Paisley as Stephen Robinson guided the Buddies to a hat-trick of top-six finishes.

A dramatic late winner from Roland Idowu at the weekend’s match with Ross County ensured that the Buddies not only made the top half but reached 40+ points before the league split for the first time ever.

Keen to build on that momentum, O’Hara is doing all he can to ensure key players remain in Renfrewshire for the 2026 campaign and is using his own experience of changing clubs to show them players “have it good” in Paisley.

“I’ve definitely spoken to a few of them. I think a lot of them are still considering their options just now,” he said.

“Obviously, as the captain, I do my best to let them know about the club. Obviously, I’m experienced and I’ve been to a few clubs now and I let them know how good things are here.

“When you’ve got something good, it’s hard to let it go because things aren’t always like that. People leave and try other things and maybe regret it.

“So, yeah, definitely. I’ve spoken to a few of the boys and let them know that they’re important to us. But ultimately, it’s their decision, isn’t it?”

The 30-year-old captain has been on the move a number of times in his career since coming through Kilmarnock’s youth academy. He played at Dundee, Peterborough, Lincoln, and Motherwell before moving to St Mirren and maintains not all moves are good.

He added: “I’ve been around the long game. I’ve made a few moves, but the grass isn’t always greener.

“We’ve had a successful few seasons and there’s a feel-good factor about this club. So, when things are going well, that’s something I’ve learned — that it’s important to try and sustain that.

“I probably don’t have any regrets as such. You definitely live and learn.

“Being here has definitely put me in a position where I’m like, ‘this is something good,’ and I’m sure everyone in that changing room will agree that this is a good place to be.

“You hear stories of boys from other teams making the wrong call, and it’s important that when people are making decisions to move on, they take their time and make sure they get it right.”

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