{
  "id": 320934,
  "title": "St Mirren start strongly using relegation scare as 'fuel'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/st-mirren-start-strongly-using-relegation-scare-as-fuel",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-08T19:31:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Sport",
    "slug": "bbc-sport",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c1k1g7ylyrko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "St Mirren kicked off their Scottish Premiership season with a convincing 2-0 victory over St Johnstone, securing a perfect start by winning both of their opening matches. Manager Craig McLeish attributes their success to regaining the fundamentals that led to their previous League Cup triumphs and using the fear of relegation last season as motivation. The team currently sits atop the table after two wins, with six points from their first six games. McLeish expressed confidence in his players, noting that they must maintain high standards and continue to play with energy and determination. Goalkeeper Jacob Chapman praised the team's defensive efforts, including the crucial penalty save by Chapman that set up Killian Phillips' subsequent goal. Despite a scrappy start, McLeish acknowledged the team's positive progress and emphasized the importance of keeping standards high. The midfielder's growing experience and potential future moves are also discussed, with McLeish committed to finding the best opportunity for Phillips.",
  "summary": "St Mirren were many people's favourites for relegation, so how come they have started with two opening wins in the Scottish Premiership?",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport Football",
        "title": "Two wins from two - the 'fuel' that's driving St Mirren",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/two-wins-from-two-the-fuel-thats-driving-st-mirren",
        "published": "2026-08-08T19:31:31.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}