St Johnstone in dreamland after winning promotion

May 5 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

DEREK McInnes was bowled over by the reception meted out to his title-winning Perth players after claiming the championship.

While he was snowed under by texts and congratulatory calls from former managers including Owen Coyle, Walter Smith at Rangers and former West Brom boss Gary Megson, the St Johnstone rookie yesterday insisted his squad deserved all the acclaim that is coming their way.

As the week unfolds he’ll be discussing the future of several players, with Alan Main, Gary Irvine, Derek Holmes, Graham Gartland, Graham Barrett, Kevin James and Paul Sheerin going out of contract.

“The focus here has been on winning the title and there are a few going out of contract., But we will deal with that over the next few days,” said McInnes.

He teamed-up with his players for the mayhem of the Muirton Suite and 208 player of the year celebrations, before taking to the town.

But while his stars partied into the early hours, the manager grabbed a taxi back to his home near Glasgow.

McInnes, who captained Saints to the Challenge Cup, has now secured the title in his first full season as a manager.

He joins Alex Totten and Paul Sturrock in leading Saints to the top division during the McDiarmid era.

McInnes, who was shortlisted for manager of the year but pipped by Gordon Strachan at Celtic, said: “It was a fantastic occasion on Saturday.

“The players and their families, directors, management and fans were all brought together and everyone was enjoying the occasion.

“Myself, Tony Docherty and Tommy Campbell joined the players in town but I wanted to wake up with the family on Sunday so it was worth the £100 taxi fare.

“It was an emotional day for us all. The players never stopped believing in themselves but you know there are always a few hurdles to overcome in winning any trophy.

“I’m glad we did it in style with a handsome victory, with some free-flowing football and superb goals. The lads didn’t play with any burden of expectation and the support was magnificent. I doubt if they expected to be out of the SPL for seven years.

“After the disappointment of cup semi-final defeats and losing the league two years ago it was great for the fans to get their day. Hopefully we’ll see those fans backing us in the SPL next season.

“As a manager you’re delighted for so many other people. There was real unity in the squad and everyone pulled together.

“I always kept my guard up so the initial feeling was one of relief on Saturday when we got the job done.

“It was great for our senior players, especially for a guy like Paul Sheerin, who had never won a league medal before. I wanted one for him when the season began.

“The chairman gave me the opportunity to manage this football club so I’m grateful to Geoff Brown for giving me the chance to lead St Johnstone into promotion.

“And I owe a debt to my family who have had to adjust to the demands of an entirely different job.

“I was amazed by the number of texts and calls. And it was particularly nice to get messages of support from Walter Smith, Gary Megson and my close friend Owen, who so wanted Saints to get promoted.

“Other managers, even ones who have been in the job for years, took time out to contact me and that was appreciated. They know exactly what the job entails.

“It was also nice of Ian McCall at Partick Thistle to offer congratulations and say we were the best team. He was right of course!”

GARY Irvine will miss the first game of next season if Saints can tie him up on a new deal. The defender believed he would sit out the final game against Airdrie after picking-up a booking against Queen of the South. But that match was on a Sunday and the ban doesn’t kick-in this weekend. Manager Derek McInnes admitted he didn’t tell Irvine before the Morton match, to keep him fired-up. He can now add to his 82 consecutive appearances for Saints.

ST Johnstone U17s enjoyed a big day of their own at the weekend. They were presented with the SFL youth trophy and savoured a lap of honour.