Marcus Fraser is St Mirren's new captain. Manager Craig McLeish confirmed the appointment ahead of the new Scottish Premiership campaign, with Alex Gogic named vice-captain alongside him.

Fraser, 32, takes the armband from Mark O'Hara, who left Paisley to rejoin Kilmarnock — the club where he began his senior career. McLeish was candid about what O'Hara's departure meant to him personally, describing him as "a big player for us" and a significant reason he landed the managerial role in the first place. That made the decision to move on a difficult one to process, even if the manager said he understood O'Hara's desire for a fresh start.

The choice of Fraser as replacement, however, appears to have been straightforward. McLeish pointed squarely to what he sees every day rather than any single moment on the pitch.

"When you're in the building, you see how Marcus runs the changing room and sets standards, day in, day out, on and off the training pitch," said McLeish. "Having Marcus lead the group on and off the pitch, I'm delighted with that."

Gogic gets the same endorsement. McLeish described the Cypriot midfielder as "similar" in temperament and approach, before noting that the wider squad provides further experience to lean on — citing Declan John, Jonah Ayunga, Keanu Baccus and Liam Donnelly as part of what he called "a really good core of experienced players."

Fraser's route to the captaincy

Fraser came through Celtic's youth system before spending five years at Ross County, then signed for St Mirren in 2020. He has become a reliable presence at the back for the Buddies and made himself a figure of some importance to the club last season, scoring the goal that secured Premiership survival in the play-off final against Partick Thistle (a result that kept St Mirren up on the most consequential occasion of the campaign).

He made no attempt to hide his enthusiasm when the offer came. "I jumped at the chance," Fraser said, explaining that McLeish and the coaching staff had approached him during the week and asked whether he would take the role on. He was quick to acknowledge the trust that represents, given the new management team's backing of him since arriving at the club.

What stands out from Fraser's account is the consultative relationship already forming between player and manager. He noted that McLeish had been asking his opinion on various matters since the start of pre-season — a sign, perhaps, that the captain's role carries genuine influence here rather than being purely ceremonial.

"That's been good from the players' point of view and it's good to get that connection with the manager and coaching staff early," Fraser said.

What it means for St Mirren's season

St Mirren go into the new season needing more than just a play-off rescue act. McLeish is building a squad with a clear leadership structure — Fraser and Gogic at the top, backed by a group of experienced professionals. Whether that translates into a more settled campaign than last term remains to be seen, but the groundwork being laid in pre-season suggests the manager knows exactly what kind of culture he wants to build in Paisley.

Frequently asked

Who is the new St Mirren captain?
Marcus Fraser is St Mirren's new captain. The 32-year-old defender was appointed ahead of the new Scottish Premiership season by manager Craig McLeish, with Alex Gogic named as vice-captain.
Why did Mark O'Hara leave St Mirren?
Mark O'Hara left St Mirren to rejoin Kilmarnock, where he started his senior career. Manager Craig McLeish said O'Hara felt it was time for a fresh start and that he fully understood the decision.
What did Marcus Fraser do in the St Mirren play-off final?
Fraser scored the crucial goal in St Mirren's play-off final victory over Partick Thistle last season, securing the club's Scottish Premiership status.