Marcus Fraser is St Mirren's new captain after manager Craig McLeish identified the 32-year-old defender as the standout candidate on the basis of how he conducts himself every day at the club — not just on a Saturday afternoon.

Fraser takes the armband from Mark O'Hara, who has left Paisley to rejoin Kilmarnock, the club where he began his senior career. Alex Gogic steps up as vice-captain alongside him.

Why Fraser?

McLeish was unambiguous about the reasoning. "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," the St Mirren boss said. "Having Marcus lead the group on and off the pitch, I'm delighted with that."

It is the kind of appointment that tends to carry weight — built on what happens between matches rather than just during them. Gogic was cited in similar terms, and McLeish pointed to a broader experienced core that includes Declan John, Jonah Ayunga, Keanu Baccus and Liam Donnelly as further resource he can draw on through the campaign.

Fraser's background at the club

Fraser came through Celtic's youth system before spending five years at Ross County. He joined St Mirren in 2020 and has since established himself as a key figure at the back. His most significant moment in a Buddies shirt came in last season's Scottish Premiership play-off final against Partick Thistle, when he scored the goal that secured the club's top-flight status — a contribution that will not have been far from McLeish's mind when handing him the captaincy.

Fraser said he had no hesitation when the question was put to him. "I jumped at the chance," he said. "Since they've been in from the end of the season to now, they've really backed me and shown faith in me, so I'm just happy and hopefully I can reward them with performances on the pitch and gelling all the new guys together as well."

He also noted that McLeish has been consulting him during pre-season — a practical sign that the manager intends to use the captaincy as a genuine leadership channel rather than a ceremonial title. "Since the start of pre-season the manager's asked me a few questions here and there about different things," Fraser said. "That's been good from the players' point of view."

A measured farewell to O'Hara

McLeish was candid about the difficulty of losing O'Hara, stopping short of any criticism of a player who evidently mattered to him personally. "He was such a big part in me sitting in this seat right now, so from a personal point of view it was a tough one," McLeish said. "He felt it was probably time for a fresh start and I totally understand that."

It is a clean enough break. O'Hara returns to Kilmarnock with St Mirren's thanks, while Fraser inherits an experienced group and a clear mandate to carry standards from the training pitch into competitive football when the Scottish Premiership season gets under way.

Frequently asked

Who is the new St Mirren captain?
Marcus Fraser, the 32-year-old defender, has been named St Mirren's new captain by manager Craig McLeish ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Why did Mark O'Hara leave St Mirren?
O'Hara decided to leave Paisley for a fresh start, returning to Kilmarnock where he began his senior career. Manager Craig McLeish said he understood the decision and thanked O'Hara for his contribution.
Who is St Mirren's vice-captain?
Alex Gogic has been appointed vice-captain at St Mirren, alongside new skipper Marcus Fraser.