St Mirren go 'all out' to tie down Alex Gogic to new three-year deal

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson described a new three-year contract for Alex Gogic as a statement of intent after going “all out” to persuade the defender to sign the deal.

The 30-year-old’s current deal was due to expire this summer but he has signed on again as the club look to wrap up European qualification.

The Cyprus international has made 90 appearances for the Buddies having initially joined on loan from Hibernian in January 2022 before signing a permanent deal in August of that year.

Robinson told the club’s official website: “Goga has been exceptional this season and the season previously.

“He’s like two players in one because he can play in numerous positions. He’s excelled in the middle of a back three and we know we can put him in midfield in certain occasions in games.

“It’s something we’ve been speaking about for a long time. He’s vital in terms of building the club and taking it forward. It’s a statement of intent from us going forward.

“He’s certainly had other options both in Scotland and England, but he chose to stay here. He’s very happy here, his family are very happy here and he knows the group of boys we’ve got are going to keep improving. It shows he is enjoying his football.

“We’ve gone all out to ensure he stays. We were always quietly confident in the background as we knew he and his family were happy and we’re just delighted to get it over the line now.”

Gogic scored his seventh goal for the club in Saturday’s crucial 3-1 win at Dundee, which moved Saints five points clear in the race for fifth.

But it has been defensive work which has been the most impressive aspect of his game recently.

The former Hamilton player said: “I’m very happy. We’ve been talking for a while but I wanted to focus on the games, but after Saturday I’m happy that it’s done.

“I’m probably playing the best football I have ever played. Big credit to the gaffer playing me at centre-back. I always fight against it but I’m happy I’ve had a great season and I think it’s a big help from the players and all of the staff.

“From the first day I joined, the love I got, not only from the players and staff, but from the fans made it an easy decision. (The fans) have been amazing to me from the first day.

“I want to thank all my team-mates for making this decision easy, the gaffer, all the staff and (director) Jim Gillespie as well.”