All work and no play would make Jack a dull boy

Boss Ross admits he had to remember to get into party mode

Jack Ross admits he had to remind himself to enjoy the occasion as St Mirren toasted their Championship title.

The Saints manager is already gearing up for next season as he looks to lay the groundwork quickly in a bid to give the side the best possible chance when they make the leap to the Premiership next season.

The weekend’s 2- 1 victory over Greenock Morton kick-started the celebrations in the town as Saints finally got their hands on the trophy before taking a lap of Paisley on an open-top bus. Thousands of punters turned out to hail the side as the parade came to an end at Paisley Abbey.

But despite already having one eye on next season, Ross insisted that he revelled in the party atmosphere.

He said: “I think it was a fantastic occasion and one that doesn’t come around too often for everyone involved, unless you are very fortunate.

“We stressed to the players before the game to make the most of it, that could only be done by winning the game, and they did that. I think you could see how much it meant to everybody in the stadium.

“I probably have to remind myself to enjoy it as well instead of worrying too much about what lies ahead.

“I stressed to my players to do it so it was important that I did it as well. I wanted my staff to enjoy it too and I think they did that.

“There is a real sense of satisfaction and pride in what this club has managed to achieve as a collective.”

St Mirren were at their free-flowing best for large chunks of the derby victory over Morton as goals from Danny Mullen and Lewis Morgan confirmed their dominance over the Greenock side.

And despite having nothing to play for other than pride and the satisfaction of getting one over their rivals, Ross reckons that there was never any possibility that his side would be taking their foot off the gas.

He added: “I think you could see how determined James Fowler and I were to win the game on Saturday.

“I am fortunate that I have a group of players who trust what we asked them to do. The desire of the players to still produce a performance in these circumstances, because in essence the job was done, was fantastic.”