PATIENCE OF A SAINT
Liam’s delight as love for St Johnstone and loyaty to club are rewarded with new deal
LIAM GORDON admits there were times when he feared having to leave his childhood heroes.
But the St Johnstone defender’s patience has been rewarded by a 12-month extension.
And he could pull on the skipper’s armband again in tonight’s re-arranged Tayside derby clash with Dundee United. After a series of injuries hampered his progress under Tommy Wright, the ex-Hearts kid has emerged as a key member of Callum Davidson’s backline. And after six years with Saints he jumped at the chance to pen a new deal through to the end of next season.
Gordon, 24, said: “It was an easy decision because I love playing for the club. I feel I’ve been loyal.
“In previous years I probably didn’t get as much football as I felt I should have. That’s sometimes the way it is.
“There were doubts because you want to be playing. I could’ve maybe got that somewhere else.
“If it was any other club, I may well have moved on. But it’s different when it’s the club that means a lot to you, your friends and family.
“My papa has been a St Johnstone fan all of his life. For his grandson to play even once for St Johnstone was a nice moment.
“My dad and uncle have been fans since they were young. I used to go to all the games with my friends.
“They are gutted they can’t get to the games. I’d love the fans back in bbecause iit makesk suchh a diffdifference.” ”
Gordon, who bagged his first goal for Saints against Aberdeen last month in a 2-1 loss, was determined to make the grade at McDiarmid.
And he’s hoping other out-ofcontract stars commit themselves to the cause.
Gordon said: “I’m wanting a few more goals this season. If you can help at that end of the park, it’s a big bonus.
“With the squad we’ve got, I’d love to see everyone signed up.”
Gordon revealed Saints – who have called for an SPFL probe into the late call-off – were en route to iced-up Tannadice over the weekend when they were forced to backtrack.
He said: “We had just passed St Madoes and had to turn back. Everyone was geared up for the game.
“For something like that to happen so late on is very disappointing for us.
“But we came back down the road and managed to get in a training session. It was a good standard. We’ve prepared right and are ready to go.”