Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Smith: I’ll make up for missing Utd title party
LIAM Smith is no stranger to a Championship title pa r t y a nd ad m its he was gutted to miss out on a day in the sun with Dundee United.
Smith toasted second-tier glory with St Mirren when on loan at the Paisley club from Hearts in 2018.
Those memories spurred the defender on to repeat the feat with United last season before the coronavirus put paid to any on-pitch celebrations.
A Zoom party was had between the players and the sense of achievement remains but the 24-year-old admits it’s a shame they couldn’t share the moment with the fans.
“When they called the league it wasn’t the way we wanted to win it but I don’t think anyone can take anything away from us,” Smith said.
“We have been the best team since day one and we maintained our form for most of the season, although there was maybe a wee bit of a dip at the end, but that always seems to be the case when you get so close to the finishing line.
“We are delighted to have it wrapped up and to be going up now.
“It is a shame because trophy day is always great because you get the chance to celebrate with the fans.
“It is a celebration of all your hard work over the year with the boys and the supporters. It is the best bit so not to get that does put a wee bit of a dampener on things.
“The good thing is that we know Dundee United will be in the Premiership next year and we can still look forward to getting the trophy and our medals when everyone is safe and it is OK to celebrate.”
Of his celebrations with the Buddies, the right-back added: “They were great because the season before they had just survived under Jack Ross.
“United were expected to win this season, although the year we went up with St Mirren a lot of people also fancied us.
“Paisley was great because a lot of people in the town support St Mirren so everybody was out for the party and the celebration.
“It was really good. I had it at the back of my mind what winning