The Buddies were competing for a spot in the play-off round of the UEFA Conference League.
Stephen Robinson expressed his pride in his St Mirren players after their European campaign came to an end in Norway.
Late goals from Felix Myhre and Aune Heggebo secured a 3-1 victory for the Bergen side, following a goal from summer signing Alex Iacovitti that had equalized Joachim Soltvedt’s opener.
The Eliteserien team will now face Kazakhstan’s FC Astana in the UEFA Conference League play-off round after their dominant 8-2 aggregate win over Romania’s FC Corvinul Hunedoara.
Saints will earn approximately £750,000 in UEFA prize money as they return to domestic duties, with boss Robbo acknowledging that the entire club will benefit from their European experience. He stated: “I’m very proud of the players.
“We moved the ball well at times and created chances, but our defending was lacking for the goals, and we need to be honest about that. We’ve had a taste of European competition now and we want more. We’ve enjoyed the experience.
“I believe the football club as a whole will be better for it—the playing side, the management, the coaching, and the administration. We’re striving to become a European club, although we currently lack the infrastructure to fully support that.”
“It’s taken its toll on and off the pitch. However, it’s a challenge we wanted and waited a long time for, so it’s hard to complain when you’ve desired it for so long.
“This team will be remembered as the first to qualify for Europe in 37 years. Alex will be remembered as the last player to score for St Mirren in Europe, and we’ve created some wonderful memories for a generation.
A lasting impact has also been made as the generous St Mirren supporters raised thousands for charity during their trip to Norway. The St Mirren Fans – Bergen Charity Fundraiser GoFundMe page has collected over £3,000. The funds are set to benefit the Robin Hood House in the city, which supports families and provides opportunities for disadvantaged children.
Additionally, part of the donation will be allocated to a Renfrewshire organization. The spontaneous fundraiser has attracted local media attention in Bergen and has been warmly received.
Leave a Reply