Saints to get a city parade

May 8 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

AS revealed in Tuesday’s PA, the council is planning an open top bus victory parade through Perth to celebrate St Johnstone’s title win.

The parade will take place on Tuesday. Plans are still being finalised but the bus will leave McDiarmid Park around 6.15pm, taking in Letham, Hillyland, Tulloch, North Muirton, Muirton, Bridgend, Craigie and central Perth to allow as many fans as possible to cheer their heroes.

The bus will arrive at Perth Concert Hall around 8pm and the Saints stars will be piped down Tay Street by the Perth and District Pipe Band to the council offices at 2 High Street.

Manager Derek McInnes, his title winning players and the club officials will enjoy a civic reception.

The Irn Bru trophy will be paraded to the crowd from the civic lounge balcony around 8.15pm.

Saints chairman Geoff Brown said: “This is recognition for the team and its achievement in winning promotion to the SPL and we are delighted to accept the council’s invitation.

“We might not be on the official list of places in Perth to visit but perhaps that will change now. The players and management have done exceptionally well in winning the title. But we have been consistent and put Perth on the map in recent seasons, coming so close two years ago and reaching three cup semi-finals, giving Hibs, Celtic and Rangers a real fright.

“St Johnstone has done very well and we acknowledge the council’s recognition. Now I would hope that the links between the football club and the council can be strengthened and the relationship between club and council will be much closer.”

Mr Brown added: “The club deserves all the plaudits coming our way. People throughout the club work away without seeking recognition, whether it’s in the office, catering or coaching kids.

“Like the directors, they work away for their local football club all year round and they are sharing in the club’s success.”