Latest news with #Olusanya
The National
02-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
Toyosi Olusanya's St Mirren memories in his own words
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 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." Read more: 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."
The Herald Scotland
02-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Toyosi Olusanya's St Mirren memories in his own words
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 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." Read more: 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."
The National
01-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
Inside Toyosi Olusanya's St Mirren transfer exit for Houston
In Olusanya's mind, he would be fielding calls from his agent from the beach during a well-deserved break after a transformative few years in Scotland. A holiday to Dubai had already been planned before interest emerged from the MLS. An unexpected transfer approach from Houston Dynamo arrived in the days leading up to the pivotal final Scottish Premiership split match against Ross County, with St Mirren's top-six hopes on the line. Quickly, thoughts of a summer break were parked for Olusanya, and partner Kirsty, as negotiations between St Mirren vice-chairman Jim Gillespie and the Dynamo footballing department began at a rate of noughts with around 10 days to finalise a deal before the MLS trade deadline. The striker featured in the decisive 3-2 win over Ross County with the knowledge it may well have been his last outing for the club. By this point, neither his family, or his team-mates were fully aware of the situation with no guarantee a deal would be finalised. Olusanya, 27, was, understandably, hopeful of making the move Stateside with St Mirren not standing in his way after securing a top six place and negotiating an impressive £200,000 transfer fee for a player out of contract in a number of weeks. Three days later, and with four overweight suitcases in tow, and Olusanya was on his way to Houston via London. Read part two of The Herald's Toyosi Olusanya exclusive on St Mirren memories tomorrow, first in the free David Irvine on St Mirren newsletter "Wednesday of the week before the last game before the split Dynamo came in with an offer," recalls Olusanya after his third training session with his new club. "So obviously I spoke to the board and they said, 'Listen, we'll play out the last game, see how the last game goes and then we'll just take it from there'. "I had hopes that it would have went through, but obviously I wasn't sure. I was wanting to win and regain top six. So we won, we got top six. "In my head, I thought, wow, this might be my last game, but it might not be. So it was a bit of a shame I couldn't say bye to the boys face to face and say bye to the fans and everything. "The next Wednesday, the manager called me and said a bid had been accepted by the club. Within that time, I had to pack up my home, put all my clothes in storage, bring what I could and let my family know. "I didn't want to let my family or Kisty's family know before in case it didn't happen because it was 50-50. "By Wednesday, we were saying goodbye to Kirsty's family and by Friday, I was on a train to London, saw my family and then on Sunday morning, I was on the way to Houston." Read more: Olusanya was not short of options ahead of his contract expiring with approaches from clubs in Scotland, England and Europe before Dynamo entered into the equation. It didn't take much for Peckham-born Olusanya to be convinced of a major switch to the US, though, given a largely unconventional career path to date. "With me, my journey's been unique," he said. "I started in South London, you know, I went up to Middlesbrough, I went up North England, then I went to Scotland. So I was kind of like, I like how my journey's been, like, so unpredictable. "It's not been your usual football career, you know. Houston was, again, a place of new beginnings, new people, a new town, new culture. "I was really open to that. I felt like, you know, I stayed just under three years in Scotland. So I felt like I was getting, not used to, but like I kind of knew it in terms of the people in Scotland. "I just wanted to kind of go somewhere else where I could, you know, push myself and test myself and just learn not just different things about myself as a player, but as a person." Olusanya has not yet made his debut for the new club as he awaits international clearance before taking to the MLS stage in the next few weeks. Smiling as he admitted his summer plans have changed significantly with the MLS season well underway, he added: "Initially, I thought I would be on the beach somewhere and then I'd be on the phone to my agent getting calls, asking to connect to the local Wi-Fi and whatnot. "I thought, obviously, I'd be on the move at some point this summer and I didn't know if I was going to be in Scotland where I'd receive certain interest or down south in England or even in other European countries. "But, obviously, this was off the cuff and it happened and it just felt right, you know. So far, I feel like I've made the right decision definitely."
The Herald Scotland
01-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Inside Toyosi Olusanya's St Mirren transfer exit for Houston
An unexpected transfer approach from Houston Dynamo arrived in the days leading up to the pivotal final Scottish Premiership split match against Ross County, with St Mirren's top-six hopes on the line. Quickly, thoughts of a summer break were parked for Olusanya, and partner Kirsty, as negotiations between St Mirren vice-chairman Jim Gillespie and the Dynamo footballing department began at a rate of noughts with around 10 days to finalise a deal before the MLS trade deadline. The striker featured in the decisive 3-2 win over Ross County with the knowledge it may well have been his last outing for the club. By this point, neither his family, or his team-mates were fully aware of the situation with no guarantee a deal would be finalised. Olusanya, 27, was, understandably, hopeful of making the move Stateside with St Mirren not standing in his way after securing a top six place and negotiating an impressive £200,000 transfer fee for a player out of contract in a number of weeks. Three days later, and with four overweight suitcases in tow, and Olusanya was on his way to Houston via London. Read part two of The Herald's Toyosi Olusanya exclusive on St Mirren memories tomorrow, first in the free David Irvine on St Mirren newsletter "Wednesday of the week before the last game before the split Dynamo came in with an offer," recalls Olusanya after his third training session with his new club. "So obviously I spoke to the board and they said, 'Listen, we'll play out the last game, see how the last game goes and then we'll just take it from there'. "I had hopes that it would have went through, but obviously I wasn't sure. I was wanting to win and regain top six. So we won, we got top six. "In my head, I thought, wow, this might be my last game, but it might not be. So it was a bit of a shame I couldn't say bye to the boys face to face and say bye to the fans and everything. "The next Wednesday, the manager called me and said a bid had been accepted by the club. Within that time, I had to pack up my home, put all my clothes in storage, bring what I could and let my family know. "I didn't want to let my family or Kisty's family know before in case it didn't happen because it was 50-50. "By Wednesday, we were saying goodbye to Kirsty's family and by Friday, I was on a train to London, saw my family and then on Sunday morning, I was on the way to Houston." Read more: Olusanya was not short of options ahead of his contract expiring with approaches from clubs in Scotland, England and Europe before Dynamo entered into the equation. It didn't take much for Peckham-born Olusanya to be convinced of a major switch to the US, though, given a largely unconventional career path to date. "With me, my journey's been unique," he said. "I started in South London, you know, I went up to Middlesbrough, I went up North England, then I went to Scotland. So I was kind of like, I like how my journey's been, like, so unpredictable. "It's not been your usual football career, you know. Houston was, again, a place of new beginnings, new people, a new town, new culture. "I was really open to that. I felt like, you know, I stayed just under three years in Scotland. So I felt like I was getting, not used to, but like I kind of knew it in terms of the people in Scotland. "I just wanted to kind of go somewhere else where I could, you know, push myself and test myself and just learn not just different things about myself as a player, but as a person." Olusanya has not yet made his debut for the new club as he awaits international clearance before taking to the MLS stage in the next few weeks. Smiling as he admitted his summer plans have changed significantly with the MLS season well underway, he added: "Initially, I thought I would be on the beach somewhere and then I'd be on the phone to my agent getting calls, asking to connect to the local Wi-Fi and whatnot. "I thought, obviously, I'd be on the move at some point this summer and I didn't know if I was going to be in Scotland where I'd receive certain interest or down south in England or even in other European countries. "But, obviously, this was off the cuff and it happened and it just felt right, you know. So far, I feel like I've made the right decision definitely."
Daily Record
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Toyosi Olusanya deal for St Mirren is a 'great bit of business' says club legend
St Mirren receiving a six-figure fee for Toyosi Olusanya has been described as an 'incredible bit of business' by Tony Fitzpatrick. The Buddies icon praised the club for securing what is rumoured to be a £200,000 deal for the Londoner who joined MLS side Houston Dynamo on Wednesday. Saints top scorer Olusanya was out of contract at the end of the season although had been offered fresh terms by gaffer Stephen Robinson. As well as generating cash, Fitzpatrick felt Olusanya brought a lot to the table for Saints after turning his career around – he went from forgotten man on loan at Arbroath to hero status in the space of 12 months. He said: 'I remember when he first came in and I watched him and I thought he's raw, he's pacy and he was strong but I thought, probably like most, he'd not become the player he has. 'He really surprised me but he's developed into a real top, top player. Stephen's done wonders with him. 'He went to Arbroath on loan and I'm right in saying he had a hard time there but Dick [Campbell, manager at the time] would have been very honest with him, too. 'It just shows you. It gives everybody hope – young players, everybody – that if you're willing to put the hard work what that boy's done.' Robinson paid tribute to Olusanya after the striker left the Buddies to pursue his American dream. He joined the Paisley club from Middlesborugh in 2022 and, after a difficult start, scored 19 goals for Saints across the last two seasons. 'Toyosi has deserved his move,' manager Robinson told the club website. 'It's something that has come out of the blue but it's a fantastic opportunity for him. 'He's conducted himself so well since he's come to the club and proved what a good player and signing he's been. He deserves every success going forward. 'For the club to secure a six-figure fee with such a short time remaining on his contract is terrific business. It's credit to the football club and he leaves with our best wishes. 'He's a terrific person with a fantastic work ethic and is a great example to anyone coming in from non-league of where you can take yourself. We wish him and his family nothing but continued success.' And Fitzpatrick went on to add that the dressing room isn't only losing a talent in Olusanya but a character as well. The 69-year-old said his smile was 'infectious' and the attitude he had is one young players could learn from. He added: 'He'll be missed, not just on the park, he'll be missed off the park and in the dressing room. I've seen the way the fans end up with him. 'They've been unbelievable with him. He's happy and he's joyful. He's just a good, good guy and that's as important. 'He's gave us all great memories with the last-minute goals and just what a wonderful guy as well. You talk about his football ability and all that but what a really nice, humble young man he is.' Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – you can sign up to our free daily newsletter here
