United front key for St Mirren boss ahead of return to action and SFA disciplinary hearing

St Mirren face Dundee United on Friday night, and then an SFA disciplinary panel next week after Covid-19 cancelled two of their last league matches – but boss Jim Goodwin has appealed for the Premiership to work together during the pandemic.

Jim Goodwin has been pleased with support offered from clubs and urged all to co-operate during the COVID-19 crisis (Craig Foy / SNS Group)

Motherwell coach Maurice Ross irked St Mirren chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick with comments claiming clubs - not specifically Saints - could be "opportunistic" to get matches called off.

But Goodwin has been grateful for the backing of fellow clubs in recent weeks and praised the support received from their top-flight counterparts.

He insists Saints are ready to return the favour with advice on how to steer clear of the Covid risks that caused last month's clashes with Motherwell and Hamilton to be shelved and left the Buddies out of SPFL Premiership action for more than a month.

Maurice Ross angered the Buddies' chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick.

He said: "I think it's important as a football community that we all stick together during this period. What happened to us can happen to anyone, it's as simple as that. I think the SPFL and SFA, all the leagues, we all need to look after each other.

"If this situation happens again to anyone then we'll certainly support them and talk them through some situations that might help them in future.

"The most important thing for me as Premiership clubs is that we try to help and assist each other and not shoot each other down. I'm glad to say most people have been very supportive."

Dundee United visit on Friday night in the Buddies’ first game since a Betfred Cup penalty success over Queen of the South on October 10. But it’s mid-August to find the last Premiership win for Goodwin's men after six straight league defeats.

But the Paisley boss - who could unleash new signings Jake Doyle-Hayes and Brandon Mason against United - said: "Hopefully this will be a fresh start for us.

"I'm really hoping we've had our case of bad luck and we can look to the future with a fully fit and healthy squad.

"We've missed a couple of fixtures but we look forward to replaying those when the dates are re-set. But we're still firmly in the mix. If you win a couple of games you find yourself in the top half and everything looks rosy.”