I’m glad I took the plunge Ex-plumber Jordan is loving full-time football
Craig Ritchie
Former plumber Jordan Kirkpatrick admits he is delighted he swapped his plunger for his boots to return to full-time football.
The summer signing joined St Mirren from Alloa Athletic having decided to hang up the overalls in a bid to achieve his dream of returning to the top flight.
Kirkpatrick started his career with Hamilton Accies as a 17-yearold before going on to feature for Dumbarton and Clyde.
Those moves saw the midfielder having to juggle a full-time job in the background, lending his hand to the trade whilst training on evenings and playing on a Saturday.
But despite a bit of a slagging driving him round the U-bend when he handed in his notice, Kirkpatrick insists he is ready to make the most of the opportunity he has been handed by Jack Ross.
Kirkpatrick told Express Sport: “I was a plumber so I have come here from something completely different. It was a lot of hard work. “So coming to full- time football has been like a holiday for me and it’s been brilliant to come in every day, train, and then go home. “Now that I am here I am just trying to enjoy every bit of it, make the most of the opportunity and enjoy it again.
“The guys I worked with gave me a bit of a slagging when I chucked it, but I think it was just a bit of jealousy to be honest.
“They were just raging that they had to go back in to the site when I’d be runnning about kicking a ball.
“But in fairness they were brilliant about it and encouraged me to go and make the most of my chance.”
The 25-year-old has so far had to settle for a spot on the bench this season as he continues to work his way in to Jack Ross’ plans.
Having previously worked with Ross while his now boss was assistant manager at Dumbarton, Kirkpatrick knows all about his gaffer’s high standards.
And he says he is more than happy to bide his time as the team continues to perform well at the start of the season.
He added: “It has been good and I am enjoying it. Being back to full time though has been tough and has taken a little bit of getting used to.
“But I feel like I am fit and getting up to pace now.
“It is now a case of just waiting on my chance and making sure I give the manager a decision to make.
“But I can’t have many complaints right now because the boys are doing well so it is hard to argue for a place.
“It can be frustrating, but you shouldn’t be a footballer if you aren’t frustrated when you aren’t getting a game. But I’m still involved even if it is just coming on in the final 10 minutes of games and playing a part.”