Champions on parade

May 15 2009

PERTH city centre became a sea of blue as generations of Perth fans turned out to proudly acclaim their First Division champions.

The Irn-Bru open top bus embarked on an hour-long city tour from McDiarmid Park, with St Johnstone’s lap of honour culminating in euphoric celebrations by the riverside.

It was a heart-warming turn-out on a chilly May evening as Perth savoured the football club’s return to the SPL after a seven-year absence.

Hundreds waited patiently by the Concert Hall for the Perth and District Pipe Band to lead the way to a civic reception thrown by Perth and Kinross Council, with the First Division trophy being held aloft by camera-wielding players just as keen to savour the occasion as any of their fans.

And a champagne event culminated in rapturous supporters being sprayed by bubbly from the balcony of the Civic Chambers on Tuesday, where Provost John Hulbert hosted a council reception for players and staff.

Promotion to the SPL was marked by the presentation of engraved glassware to chairman Geoff Brown.

The Provost said it was a timely return to the upper echelons for a club counting down to 125th anniversary celebrations, with Perth’s 800th anniversary and bid for official city status also looming large.

He offered the council’s “wholehearted congratulations” on the achievement and noted the U17s had also won their title.

Provost Hulbert said the club’s success was important to Perth and Kinross, providing an enormous boost to morale. There would also be positive knock-on benefits for the local economy next season.

Mr Brown said the title was the pinnacle of three years of progress which had included three national cup semi-finals, a Challenge Cup win and the trauma of being pipped to the championship by “cheating Gretna.”

In nearly 23 years at the helm, he had enjoyed four promotions and this was as sweet as any, perhaps even more so given the economic climate in Scottish football.

The chairman, like the players and manager Derek McInnes, was bowled over by the reception meted out by fans on the victory parade route.

“It was superb. I’ve never seen anything like it,” he remarked.

“The club really appreciated the reception from the council and from the fans. I have always believed St Johnstone was important to Perth, although not everybody has agreed.

“The manager, Derek McInnes and his players have been magnificent. Now we are going in with the big boys and I have already had chats with chairmen at Aberdeen, Dundee United and St Mirren.

“They are quaking in their boots! Hopefully we can put on a show next season.

“And if we finish in the top six I’d expect the council to bring us back here and do it all over again!”

Manager Derek McInnes added: “It was a special occasion for footballers and supporters alike. It was nice they could show their mutual appreciation.”

A video of the triumphant Saints on parade is available to view on the PA’s website.