
'Toyosi Time set to end but memories will last a lifetime'
The definition of Toyosi Time: In a St Mirren shirt, the undeniable impact - be that in stoppage time or simply when most needed - of Toyosi Olusanya.Examples of Toyosi Time in use:When St Mirren have held Brann to a single-goal deficit at home, in the club's largest European tie for more than three decades, and the ball is rolled into the six-yard box in search of a late, late equaliser - this is Toyosi Time.When St Mirren have been losing to Aberdeen in Paisley for a full afternoon, equalise late from the penalty spot and then break once again in search of a near-impossible 97th-minute winner - this is Toyosi Time.When St Mirren begin a campaign with their customary League Cup toil, held by Cowdenbeath deep into injury time and with reputation on the line - this is Toyosi Time.When you're winning at Ibrox against all the odds, where one goal feels like it might not be enough, and a ball is played long behind the Rangers backline - this is Toyosi Time.Three years after arriving in Paisley, it seems like Toyosi Olusanya's watch has ended in Scotland. Shortly, it is expected that the likeable Londoner will be announced as an MLS import and join Houston Dynamo.Clubs like St Mirren have many redemption tales to pull on, unlikely heroes to celebrate and remember with fondness and drastic improvements to credit to players and their managers alike. I don't know that any of these tales will ever come close to that of Olusanya in black and white stripes.A late bloomer in professional football terms, Olusanya skipped academy football and was spotted by AFC Wimbledon at 18. Prior to Stephen Robinson taking a chance on developing a gem, the pacy forward had never reached double figures in season appearances for a single club. Indeed, he had only played four senior games at Football League level.Initial cameos for the Buddies did not look likely to unsettle first teamers, and a loan to Arbroath offered limited evidence to dispute that. Then, it happened. A penny dropped, a chance was offered and taken, and Olusanya delivered two years of high endeavour, loving connection with an adoring fanbase, and a collection of important, late goals most of us can only dream about.Often, at St Mirren's level, the role of a manager and scouting set-up is to identify the raw potential that others have overlooked - and then to coax that out of the player concerned. The role of the player in this equation is to work hard, give their best and contribute when it matters most.In so, so many ways and by all concerned - mission accomplished.You can find Mark at Misery Hunters, external
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Rhyl Journal
23 minutes ago
- Rhyl Journal
Palace co-owner John Textor would sell shares for Europa League chance
The American, whose Eagle Football Group owns 43 per cent of Palace, has imperilled the club's chance of a first-ever European campaign owing to his involvement with Ligue 1 side Lyon, but is ready to offload his stake to his fellow co-owners in order to bring the saga to an end. UEFA does not allow clubs with the same ownership to compete in the same European competitions in a season. As well as his stake in Palace, the 59-year-old has a controlling stake in the French club, also via Eagle Football. However it is also reported that the European governing body does not consider Textor's influence at Selhurst Park to be decisive and is leaning towards allowing the club into the Europa League regardless. The PA news agency understands no formal decision is likely on Palace's fate until the end of June. Textor has previously spoken of his frustration at how little influence his stake entitles him to, over football matters. Victory for Oliver Glasner's side over Manchester City in last month's FA Cup final gave them their first major trophy and with it a first crack at Europe. However, Nottingham Forest have since written to UEFA to challenge Palace's Europa League spot and in the hope of taking their place. Forest's owner Evangelos Marinakis, who also owns Greek side Olympiacos, placed his shares in the club in a blind trust before the governing body's March 1 deadline, anticipating Nuno Espirito Santo's side's European qualification. At present Forest, who finished seventh in last season's Premier League, are set to enter the Conference League but would take Palace's Europa League place, should they be deemed ineligible.


The Herald Scotland
32 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Palace co-owner John Textor would sell shares for Europa League chance
UEFA does not allow clubs with the same ownership to compete in the same European competitions in a season. Eberechi Eze scored the winning goal when Palace beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final (Adam Davy/PA) As well as his stake in Palace, the 59-year-old has a controlling stake in the French club, also via Eagle Football. However it is also reported that the European governing body does not consider Textor's influence at Selhurst Park to be decisive and is leaning towards allowing the club into the Europa League regardless. The PA news agency understands no formal decision is likely on Palace's fate until the end of June. Textor has previously spoken of his frustration at how little influence his stake entitles him to, over football matters. Victory for Oliver Glasner's side over Manchester City in last month's FA Cup final gave them their first major trophy and with it a first crack at Europe. Nottingham Forest – who are owned by Evangelos Marinakis – have written to UEFA challenging Palace's involvement in the Europa League (Mike Egerton/PA) However, Nottingham Forest have since written to UEFA to challenge Palace's Europa League spot and in the hope of taking their place. Forest's owner Evangelos Marinakis, who also owns Greek side Olympiacos, placed his shares in the club in a blind trust before the governing body's March 1 deadline, anticipating Nuno Espirito Santo's side's European qualification. At present Forest, who finished seventh in last season's Premier League, are set to enter the Conference League but would take Palace's Europa League place, should they be deemed ineligible.


Daily Record
34 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Lennon Miller cool on Celtic transfer interest as Sunderland join hunt for Motherwell sensation
The starlet is into the final 12 months of his contract at Fir Park and is not short of suitors Scotland new boy Lennon Miller has insisted his focus is more on pre-season with Motherwell than speculation over his future. Celtic are keeping close tabs on Miller's situation and were in contact with the Fir Park board in the last window. The talented teenager has also been linked with a list of European clubs including Eintracht Frankfurt and Royal Union St Gilloise. And English Premier League new boys Sunderland are also monitoring the playmaker's situation. All-action midfielder Miller is into the final year of contract with the Lanarkshire side. Michael Wimmer, before he left the Fir Park hot seat, predicted Miller would be sold this summer but the player is still in the dark over his future. He said: 'You never know. "I've got a year left on my contract so my focus is to go back into pre-season, work as hard as I can and get ready for the season. 'You get these big clubs mentioned, but it is only speculation. 'You just need to try and focus on what you're doing and that will all take care of itself.' The Steelman have already turfed out bids from Udinese and Gilloise. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also on WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.