'Toyosi Time set to end but memories will last a lifetime'

BBC News

22-04-2025

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