The Wizard set to conjure his magic

Jan 23 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PAUL Sheerin has joined the Perth 200 club and yesterday mapped out plans for a belated return to the SPL.

It’s been nearly five years since the cultured midfielder was lured from Aberdeen by short-lived manager John Connolly and he has missed only a handful of matches.

Now, after an impressive shift against Partick Thistle, the man hailed The Wizard by admirers is eager to work his magic against title rivals Dunfermline tomorrow.

He might be 34 and directing the Saints U17 side towards a title, but player coach Sheerin admits the First Division championship and admission to the top flight warrant priority status.

He said: “One of the youngsters mentioned I had made my 200th appearance last weekend.

“ It’s a nice milestone and not bad going in four and a half years here.

“I’ve been involved in most games since coming here.

“There was a Partick game this season and a couple under John Connolly that I missed.

“But I’ve always been available for selection.

“At Inverness I had 99 games in a row and 138 successive games here.

“I suppose it’s unusual nowadays but, touch wood, I’ve always been pretty lucky in avoiding injuries.

“Maybe it’s because I don’t do much tackling!”

Model pro Sheerin did pick-up a rare booking at Firhill for a mistimed challenge.

He said: “I can’t remember my last booking. Myself and Stevie Milne don’t pick up many.

“I know he was sent off in a reserve game for the first time in his career and I was red carded twice in three weeks at Ayr United. But that’s the lot.”

Sheerin is relishing his coaching role with McDiarmid youngsters and his kids saw off title rivals Dunfermline 3-1. A similar score would delight him on Saturday.

Then, 24 hours later he will be in the dug-out to plot a win over Stranraer, before a crunch game looming with championship contenders Alloa.

“I’m enjoying the coaching role and would like to spend more time on it along with Tommy Campbell. But playing still comes first.

“This is a huge game coming up for both teams. It’s the classic six-pointer. That’s the way both sides will see it.

“It would be a massive result if we could win it. We want to stretch the lead to eight points. In the last three seasons it’s been us looking up at the leaders. We’ve never been in this position with other teams trying to hunt us down.

“That’s why this is the biggest game of our season. Chasing Gretna last year we knew we had to keep winning. Dunfermline haven’t made inroads into our lead when they had chances.

“They’re coming to Perth knowing it’s probably a game they must win. That means there’s added pressure on them.

“They gave us a battering here early in the season but we evened it up at East End Park.

“They are the best footballing side we have come up against. But it’s a game we really want to win.”

Sheerin is relishing the prospect of an SPL return ticket, noting: “I definitely fancy the idea of playing again in the Premier League.

“Obviously that would be down to the manager if we get there. But I’d love to give it a go.”