TITLE BEATS CUP WIN HANDS DOWN
Clean-sheet king Samson thrilled to pick up second prize at Saints
ST MIRREN v FALKIRK
SUPER stopper Craig Samson says winning the Championship with St Mirren is sweeter than the League Cup triumph of 2013.
The 33-year-old keeper – who has set a new shut-out record – hopes boss Jack Ross will give him the gloves in the Premiership next season.
Saints clinched the title on Saturday and Samson, who has a year left on his deal, said: “I think doing it week in week out has been brilliant.
“The Cup Final was so special – we beat Celtic in the semis and went into the Final against Hearts thinking we could create history.
“But to get the club back to the Premiership is probably the better achievement and I’ve got more to give.
“That’s two trophies I have won for this club now which have been the greatest achievements of my career.
“The club have always treated me well – it’s home to me.
“The fans had such a hard time the year before so it’s been a fantastic season and everyone deserves it.
“Since Christmas we have been frightening. We just kept winning and although Livingston went on a good run our record was always better.
“The boys gained a winning mentality although the pressure they were under last year was a million times more than what we were under this season.
“Since we won the Cup there has been a downward spiral so that’s why winning the title was so special.”
Saints face Falkirk tonight in a clash that means more to the Bairns as a win will guarantee their league status. Samson is proud of going eight home games without losing a goal – and insists the whole team deserves credit.
He has picked out captain Stephen McGinn – another old boy who returned to drive the promotion bid – as an inspirational figure.
He said: “We’ve now set a cleansheet record at the new stadium and that’s down to everyone because we defend from the front.
“The captain has been outstanding, Stephen and I are very close – I think my wife and his fiancee are fed up we’re on the phone so much.
“He brings calmness when things are hectic and has played at a higher level so we know how good he can be. “He will be a massive asset to us next season.”
Paul Watson insists Falkirk had title hopes of their own but sealing survival is now the main aim.
The 27 year-old defender said: “Hopefully Saints are a bit worse for wear and we can get the correct result.”