Flashback Tommy gave Saints his all
There was a familiar name on the teamsheet at Stranraer last weekend.
Samson? No. Irvine? Not him either.
But for the eagle-eyed among the St Mirren support, the name Turner on the Blues’ teamsheet wouldn’t have been one that passed them by.
Kyle Turner may not be a household name just yet, though a possible move to Aberdeen shows you the potential that is there for the youngster from Johnstone.
But the man in the stands hoping that his son would come on to face the Buddies was someone instantly recognisable for the vast majority of St Mirren supporters.
Kyle’s father, Tommy Turner, is something of a legend down St Mirren way.
The experienced skipper formed part of the legendary 2000 side, marshalling a defence made up of the likes of Barry McLaughlin, Scott Stalwart
St Mirren FC is a club with a proud tradition – and a history to match.
They have been at the centre of the Scottish game since their formation in 1877.
This week we salute legendary Saint Tommy Turner . Walker and Iain Nicolson all the way to glory.
His part in that memorable season will see Turner go down in Buddies folklore.
Despite his advancing age, at 36 Turner still managed to play a pivotal role in the success of what was an otherwise young side which needed all the experience it could get in helping them over the finish line.
Never to be described as the most skilful of players, for what he lacked in flair, Turmer would make up for in blood, sweat and tears to help the host of clubs that he turned out for over the course of a 20 year career which culminated at his local junior side Johnstone Burgh.
Despite now being someone remembered fondly with the Paisley support, it could have all turned out much differently for Turner and the St Mirren support... having started his career with arch rivals Greenock Morton.
And it wasn’t exactly a brief spell at Cappielow – Turner racked up over 100 appearances for the ‘Ton which would earn him a move to St Johnstone in 1990.
He would remain in Perth for four years before a brief stint at Partick Thistle was followed by being snapped up by Tony Fitzpatrick and the Buddies.
But again it didn’t appear to be a match made in heaven – anything but as he was initially loaned out to Queen of the South following a tough start at the club.
But upon his return, and the arrival of Tom Hendrie in the hotseat, Turner went from strength to strength as the side won the league and he raised the trophy in front of an adoring Love Street within two seasons.
And even though he was nearing towards his last legs, Turner would continue to feature for the side in the SPL before joining the league’s new side Gretna.