Ryan Flynn player-coach deal at St Mirren is a no-brainer
He arrived with St Mirren eight points clear at the top of the Scottish Championship, it'd be disappointing to see him leave before completing the journey into Europe.
Ryan Flynn is St Mirren's current longest-serving player.
He's played all over the park, he's been a regular starter, a backup option, a key figure and even a coach during his time in Paisley.
This summer presents the scenario for Flynn to decide whether to transition fully into a player-coach role or move on.
The midfielder, who signed from Oldham in January 2018, has been incredibly dependable in his time in Paisley.
From his first outing against Aberdeen in a Scottish Cup defeat, to the relegation play-offs against Dundee United and into his most recent season filling in through injury or suspension.
He's been no bit-part player over his time in Paisley though, even if his playing time has dwindled in recent seasons.
READ MORE: St Mirren qualify for Conference League: Draw, round & payments
Just as important as his impact on the pitch is his professionalism off of it.
Flynn, dubbed Flynniesta by supporters, drives standards, is a model professional and has acclimatised to a role between players and management.
He's another captain without the armband.
That's why it's such a no-brainer for St Mirren to try and tie him down for another season as a player-coach.
He's capable on the pitch when called upon and has an understanding of the club ethos, tactics and deep knowledge of the players and management.
Of course, there is an understanding that Flynn's playing time would be limited if he remains on the books at St Mirren. And should he wish to play more regularly then there would have to be respect for that decision.
However, having gone through the journey with St Mirren from titles, to flirting with relegation and now into Europe - why not finish the journey in Paisley?
There's no doubt Flynn is well respected and well-liked at the Ralston training ground and he would prove a useful addition to Robinson's staff too - hence why he has been offered a player-coach deal.
Flynn, along with Jamie Langfield, is reliable continuity at St Mirren. They understand the club, they know the struggles, they know the journey, they know the knew expectations.
It'd be a real pity to see him go.
AND ANOTHER THING
It shows the vast improvement in recruitment and contract control at St Mirren that the end-of-season update only lists four departing players.
Outwith the obvious loan players leaving the club (another three), it's only Keanu Baccus, Charles Dunne, Alex Greive and Ryan Strain heading for the exit.
Realistically in that list, only Strain would have been a guaranteed starter every week when available.
Baccus perhaps suffered lesser game time with a move - confirmed to Mansfield - set for the summer.
But only Strain was certain to play whenever fit and ready.
We've seen summers in the past where it's been a large rebuild required. This summer, it's only a fine-tuning.
Stephen Robinson has masterfully crafted a squad largely pre-built for next season. All he needs to add now is some extra quality.
A goalkeeper simply must be the priority, but given the stable set-up, St Mirren should be in a strong position to only recruit players to improve the squad and not be rushed into building numbers.
If the acquisition of Shaun Rooney is anything to go by, then this summer could be very exciting on the arrivals front - even before players and fans head for the airport departures for Europe.
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