Foley’s finally growing places

Sam Foley reckons ditching gardening prepared him perfectly to pull up trees with the Saints.

The 32- year- old midfielder penned a two- year deal with St Mirren on Thursday ahead of being thrust straight into the first-team for this afternoon’s opener against Hibs.

The former Newport County and Northampton Town man was a latecomer to the professional scene, penning his first contract at the age of 25.

Prior to that, Foley potted about a number of jobs as he chased his dream of playing football for a living.

He reckons his path to the top will stand him in good stead as he bids to make the most of a once unlikely career.

Foley said: “Getting the chance of playing in the Scottish Premiership speaks for itself.

“With the career I have had so far, by coming into the game as late as I did, I couldn’t turn down an opportunity like this.

“I turned full-time professional when I was 25.

“Dropping out of the game wasn’t the best thing, but it was certainly great for me as a human being.

“As a footballer, it gave me a grounding to realise the value of certain things.

“It made me the player and person I am today and I wouldn’t change the journey I’ve had for anything.

“I wish it could go on longer and I can play more, but a footballer’s career is a ticking time bomb.

“So to have the opportunity to come up here is brilliant.

“I did a few off jobs like working in bars. I was a gardener and I did a night shift as a security guard for 12 hours and went straight to preseason training the next morning with Newport County.

“It taught me to pull my finger out, but they were learning experiences and I look back on them with fond memories.

“The perception of footballers often that people forget they are still just normal people.”

Foley revealed just one chat with new boss Jim Goodwin was enough for him to make up his mind to come north of the border.

He added: “From the first moment I spoke to the manager, I wanted to sign.

“He spoke very highly of the football up here and very highly of the club.

“He also showed a strong desire to bring me here and now I can’t wait to get started to repay the faith he’s shown in me by bringing me to this football club.

“It’s a new squad with new ideas and a new manager, so it’s a work in progress and to be part of something like that is great.

“I’ve spoken to mates of mine who have played up here and they only have good things to say.

“One of my best friends is Gary Warren, who was at Inverness for years and he was telling me to come here as he knew I’d enjoy it.

“The opportunity was too good to turn down.”