Marcus Fraser signs new St Mirren contract as Toyosi Olusanya and Richard Taylor offered deals

Stephen Robinson believes Marcus Fraser “thoroughly deserves” his new St Mirren contract and hopes Toyosi Olusanya and Richard Taylor follow him in penning new deals.

The Paisley club announced on Tuesday that Fraser has extended his stay in Paisley until the summer of 2027, with an option of another year depending on appearances.

The 30-year-old defender has been a steady presence in Robinson’s side as St Mirren recorded back-to-back top-six finishes and is one of the leaders in the squad, deputising as captain when Mark O’Hara doesn’t play.

Robinson says his contribution should be noted and the new deal marks his importance.

“I think it’s important that people that have been a big part of the journey are recognised,” he said.

“Marcus has been that, he’s been very, very good for me. He’s one of these players you can play anywhere on the pitch and never complains, gets on with it, touch wood, doesn’t miss a day’s training.

“And I think he thoroughly deserves a contract and epitomises what we’re about – hard work, energy and a brilliant attitude.”

Fraser said he was delighted to have his future settled and was keen to be a part of further progress.

“You can see the direction that the club wants to go in and the team that they’ve got,” he said. “I want to be involved in that.

“It’s been brilliant since I’ve arrived. Each year the team’s progressed and obviously the club’s progressed as well, different things around the stadium, training ground, pitches, or whatever.

“It’s always good as a player to see that they’re progressing as a team on the pitch and off the park.”

Robinson also revealed that Olusanya and Taylor, who have also impressed him, have contract offers, though he accepts that they may have admirers elsewhere due to their recent performances.

“We’ve offered Toyosi a new contract. You know, one of the best contracts the club have offered anybody, and he’s deserved that, he’s worked ever so hard.

“He’s a terrific boy, and he’s getting better and better, and he’s causing teams massive problems.

“If he took every chance that he had, he wouldn’t be playing for St Mirren. We wouldn’t have been able to recruit him. We wouldn’t have been able to keep him.

“But we’re trying to keep him, as we are with Richard Taylor, and we’re trying to make sure that we have a solid base to build on, because when we get to Christmas, there will be a little shake up as well.

“They’re very, very good offers to both boys for the level of money that we can pay.

“But again, they’re young men. They have decisions to make. They’re both very happy at the football club, and if they don’t sign, I know they’ll give absolutely everything to the football club, and I hold no grudges – like I used to do when I was a younger manager.

“You have choices in life, and there’s riches far beyond St Mirren that both boys could be tempted with.

“And I’m sure they’re getting a lot of interest for their performances, but we’re doing our very best to keep them here, and we’re desperate to keep them here.”