Perthshire Advertiser

Cherry picked for home games

Club favourite gets house named after him

- Matthew Gallagher

Paul Cherry used to run through walls for his St Johnstone team-mates - now he has a house type named after him in Perth.

Locals were recently asked for their votes to decide names for Urban Union’s new housing developmen­t in the Muirton area of the city.

And former fans’ favourite Cherry, who now lives in Spain, was selected by Saints supporters alongside a host of club stalwarts both past and present.

Also put forward were Willie Coburn, Sergei Baltacha, Alan Main, David Wotherspoo­n, Steve Maskrey, Steven Anderson, Roddy Grant, Jim Weir, Dave Mackay, George O’Boyle and current manager Tommy Wright.

“I am honoured that I have been nominated by the Perth public to have a house type named after me,” Cherry said. “I enjoyed my time at St Johnstone.

“It’s a surprise that I have a home named after me, especially now that I am involved in the property business in Spain. I can’t wait to tell my friends in Spain that I have a house named in my honour.

“I really enjoyed my eight years with St Johnstone and I always gave my best for the club and the fans and I believe they appreciate­d my efforts. We had great times and memories and nobody can take that away.

“The St Johnstone supporters may not have the mass numbers but they know how to support their team and the players really appreciate the support that is provided.”

Cherry continues to keep tabs on how his former club are getting on. When he returns to Scotland, his time is often spent watching son

Cherry (left) was a favourite during his playing days Chris speeding around the track at Knockhill.

That has a familiar feel and Cherry said: “I try to get to a few games when I come over as my son Chris lives in Abernethy with his family.

“However as Chris is now racing cars at Knockhill we try and combine a visit to watch him race. I was never into motorsport but my wife Nicola and I have the buzz and love to watch Chris flying round the circuit.

“It gives me the same buzz as running out the tunnel at old Muirton Park when you had the shed right in front of you with the Saints fans cheering – those were the days.

“It is ironic that the houses being built now at Muirton should be named after Saints players who provided so many memories for fans.

“I wish the developers all the best and it is a nice gesture that the properties are named after players who appreciate­d the support of the Perth public.

“I always look out for the St Johnstone results and Tommy Wright and his team continue to excel in a very difficult league without the financial resources of some of the other premier league teams. They deserve all the credit that is given.”

●See page 8 for more.

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Raising the roof

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