Milne: I saw red and came out fighting

Sep 30 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

STEVEN Milne bounced back from the first red card and ban of his life to claim a derby clincher.

The St Johnstone striker plumbed the depths when he was sent off in a reserve game against Cowdenbeath.

But 10 days down the line, Milne was a Perth hero as Saints delighted their fans with three points from the clash with Dundee, with seven from nine hinting at a return to form with the end of the first quarter looming.

Yesterday, one-time Dens striker Milne admitted there had also been a dramatic turnaround in his personal fortunes.

He said: “I was feeling down anyway before that reserve game because the manager had changed the system, and there was no place for me. I had to get my head down and keep working.

“I couldn’t believe it when the red card came out for a tackle that didn’t even make contact.

“I was stunned. I’ve never been sent off in my life, even as a kid. I’ve had six bookings in my entire career and the last was for overdoing the celebrations after scoring.”

Milne’s confidence was boosted by the second and clinching goal in a solid weekend derby performance, hallmarked by the first clean sheet since opening day.

“The referee played advantage rule and it was there for me from 20 yards. We scored two decent goals to win the game. Paul Sheerin’s finish was unbelievable.

“We thoroughly deserved it on our second half performance. It was especially good after failing to beat Dundee last season.

“Hopefully the goal will turn things around for me. And luckily the result meant the referee’s strange decision to disallow a first-half Dundee own goal didn’t really matter.”

Saints bounced back with points at Dingwall and Dumfries before the derby win.

Milne said: “They were three tough games but we could have had full points.”

Delighted manager Derek McInnes praised a squad which had been on the receiving end of criticism.

“We said there were three points available, like any other game. But at any club I’ve been involved with there’s a real feel good factor about the place after a derby win. It brings a smile to the supporters’ faces and everyone about the club. It has a wee bit extra significance.

“The players had earned the right to go into the game with confidence after two solid away displays. We are more difficult to play against. Maybe we didn’t threaten as much as we’d have liked in the first-half but we gave ourselves a solid base and we have matchwinners in the side.

“The work ethic and attitude was right again and individuals are playing better, while others are getting fitter and stronger.

“But all we’ve done is give ourselves a chance to drag ourselves up the table. There’s no point beating Dundee if we don’t follow it up with a win over Airdrie. We must recognise as a group the reasons for recent rewards. You can’t play silky soccer without first putting in a shift.

“The boys have had a lot of stick about defending as a team.

“But the back four defended really well against Dundee. They were aggressive and the clean sheet was as pleasing as the goals.

“Paul Sheerin’s finish was magnificent and Savo is as bright a striker as you’ll find in this league. I was pleased for him and a few others.”

Injured midfielder Kevin Moon returned to the fray for the first time this season and McInnes was pleased to have him available.

“Steven Anderson should be back for the Airdrie match. Jody Morris and Kevin James could return against leaders Livingston after the international break.

McInnes added: “Kevin Rutkiewicz twisted an ankle on Thursday and aggravated it in the last 15 minutes. So he deserves credit for his input. He should be fine for the weekend.”

FORMER St Johnstone player and coach Jim Weir is parting company with Third Division Montrose, after losing just one league game this season.

The Links Park side he guided from third bottom to the play-offs after taking command in February last year, suffered their first defeat at Cowdenbeath on Saturday.

That prompted a Saturday night phone call from chairman Brian Winton. A formal meeting has been called for this evening at Links Park.

It was Weir’s first managerial post after getting a grounding as assistant to Owen Coyle at McDiarmid Park. Montrose are sitting third in the table, despite squad cuts and the return of Steven Doris to Perth after a short-term loan. Despite the lack of investment in the squad, the Angus club’s powers-that-be are demanding the title. Montrose currently trail Stenhousemuir by seven points. Weir is contracted until the end of the season.