Cup final aftermath

Last updated : 20 March 2013 By Stuart Gillespie

One of the more interesting is that manager Danny Lennon looks set to be handed a new contract, even though his current deal doesn't expire until the end of next season. It's a bit of a surprise as many people wonder if his job would be under threat if it hadn't been for the cup run, but I suppose guiding Saints to a trophy deserves some sort of reward! Assistant Tommy Craig is also in line for a new deal.

They are unlikely to be the only ones offered new deals. Talks have already taken place with Gary Teale and Craig Samson, while Paul McGowan has hinted he may be willing to stay. This would be a huge boost as most Buddies had expected the talented playmaker to head south in the summer.

Loan duo Conor Newton and Paul Dummett will do that at the end of the season when they return to Newcastle, but Newton - who scored the winner against Hearts - has said he would consider staying if it was an option and Newcastle let him go. Agent Spencer Downey reckons Dummett would also be happy to join permanently and has said more Magpies youngsters could well be loaned to the Buddies next season.

One man who won't be in Paisley is Esmael Goncalves. The Portuguese striker has been sensational since he arrived in January, scoring in both the semi-final and the final. However, his parent club Rio Ave say they are planning to sell him in the summer and reckon we won't be able to afford him. As they want £500,000 they may have a point! Hopefully he doesn't end up at one of the Old Firm.

The DVD of Sunday's game is due to be released at the end of next week and can be pre-ordered by following the instructions at http://www.saintmirren.net/pages/?p=21901 Good luck trying to get through on the phone though as I tried repeatedly today without luck. Anyone who does manage to order their copy by 3pm tomorrow will get their name in the credits. Provan Sports are also readying a range of cup winners merchandise.

Away from the cup final, the under-20s were playing at Dundee United on Monday night. They were 2-1 up at half-time before the game had to be abandoned due to snow!

Finally, Mirren Mad should hopefully be returning to normal now with the regular news stories, rather than round-ups like these. Our extensive lookback at the events of Sunday will hopefully be online tomorrow or Friday - or Saturday at the very, very latest.

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