St Johnstone chairman wants 5000 fans at cup semi final

Apr 15 2008 Gordon Bannerman

ST JOHNSTONE chairman Geoff Brown yesterday issued a “Stand By Your Saints” plea in the countdown to Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final clash with Rangers.

Fellow First Division club Queen of the South took 10,000 fans to Hampden for their shock weekend win over Aberdeen.

But so far Saints have sold less than 4000 tickets as they bid to emulate the Doonhamers by reaching their first ever Scottish Cup final.

Geoff is also urging businesses to show their colours in the countdown to the clash with Rangers – just the seventh Scottish Cup semi-final in the club’s history.

And yesterday Lindsay the butchers in North Methven Street joined in the cup fun by rolling out special blue pies.

And Campus Sports have produced semi-final souvenir gear, with a signed Saints shirt up for grabs in a prize draw.

Geoff said: “Dumfries is smaller than Perth and Queen of the South had a massive following for their win over Aberdeen. Maybe we are spoiling our supporters by reaching three national cup semi-finals, and winning the Challenge Cup, in the space of 12 months or so.

“We have a very loyal core support but this is the time for people to fly the flag. I’d love to see more shop window displays in Perth, Blairgowrie, Kinross, Crieff and the other county towns.

“Everyone benefits when St Johnstone are doing well. People go to their work with a smile on their face.

“It’s great to be in another semi-final hard on the heels of a narrow defeat from Celtic last year. I’d love us to beat Rangers and set-up an all First Division final. What an occasion that would be.”

Saints took more than 5000 fans to Hampden for the Celtic semi-final last season and they’re hoping for the same again for the Rangers game.

Tickets are on sale at MacDiarmid till Friday from 9.30am to 5pm, priced £22 with the family section £15 and £5.