Toyosi Olusanya's St Mirren memories in his own words

The Herald Scotland

02-05-2025

The final whistle blew, and immediately Jonah Ayunga was in his arms in joyous celebration, a quick fist pump and encouragement to raise the volume in the stands was followed by singing and dancing in front of the West Stand at the SMiSA Stadium. A choreographed handshake for Richard Taylor, a point to the heavens and a huge smile across his face, the emotion seeped out of Toyosi Olusanya.
Then, stop.
A moment of sudden realisation, reflection and appreciation for his surroundings. This would be his final moment on the pitch as a St Mirren player in Paisley, the players and coaching staff he embraced would have the word former inserted before any future mention.
As the jubilant scenes continued after a 3-2 win over Ross County to claim a third consecutive top-six finish, Olusanya took it all in with the bittersweet feeling that a life-changing period in his life was over with a contract at Houston Dynamo on the horizon.
"We ended the game on Saturday and I was jumping around. We were celebrating, we were dancing and then at the back of my head, I was like, wow, like it sunk in then and there, that this could be my last game here.
"Just to end the way it ended, you know, just celebrating getting top six, celebrating winning, you know, in front of the fans and stuff like that...it would have probably been the cherry on top.
"In terms of obviously the football, the pressure was on to get top six before anything about the move came about. So, you know, that would always sort itself out.
"It played out perfectly, it worked out very well. We won, winning and getting top six.
"For myself personally, I feel like we left on a high. Obviously, I just want the boys to carry on and see what, you know, what they can push and what they can get by the end of the season.
"It's a squad thing and, you know, the day went how we wanted it to go and it's not always about me.
"Hopefully, I'll be back in Paisley soon, if it's the end of the season here when I can visit. I've shown my appreciation to everybody, all the fans, the staff, the players. I just wish them all the best."
Olusanya previously admitted manager Stephen Robinson has been something of a father figure to him during his time in Scotland. From a stern discussion with his future up in the air to becoming the first-choice striker, the St Mirren boss has played a key role - just as he did during his transfer decision.
"The gaffer has been brilliant with me," said Olusanya. "He obviously has the best interests of the club, but he also has my best interests as well. So it was kind of like a clash.
"He was the first person to call me and just tell me how proud of me he was and how happy he was for me. He wished me all the best."
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It speaks volumes to the high regard Olusanya was held in by his team-mates that a farewell message on Instagram was flooded with goodwill messages, even if Mika Mandon was taken aback by the lack of special mention.
"I've spoken to all the boys even before it got announced," said the striker. "All the boys were dropping me messages and stuff like that, wishing me all the best.
"We made relationships on the pitch and off the pitch. I wish them all the best and I'll be seeing them soon. We'll be in contact for sure."
As for any supporters, particularly younger supporters left disappointed by his departure, Olusanya added: "Honestly, I don't even know, I've left a few people's children and nephews and stuff like that upset.
"To them, I wish it played out a bit differently and I could have told people on my last day, but obviously, I wish everybody all the best."
While there will be some disappointment at Olusanya not lining up in a St Mirren kit again, he undoubtedly leaves with a wealth of unforgettable moments for the club.
"Ah, never forget moments, let me think," it didn't take long. "The equaliser against Brann, I would say, was very, very special. The Aberdeen goal last season with a 2-1 late win. A bit of Toyosi Time for you.
"No, there are so many memories. Knowing we got top six again this year, it felt good. Securing Europe last season against Dundee away at Dens Park that was a special moment.
"There's been so many, there's been so many, honestly, I can't pinpoint them.
"Rangers, you know, being the Old Firm, home and away. Rangers, obviously, our place and at Ibrox was special as well."