Sturrock in Hall of Fame

Former St Johnstone manager Paul Sturrock was a guest of the club for last weekend’s win against Hamilton.

And the following evening he was honoured to be inducted into Scottish football’s hall of fame.

Sturrock, whose playing career included time with Perthshire amateurs Vale of Atholl, was Saints boss between 1993 and 1998.

He guided the Perth side to the Division One title in 1997.

Sturrock was inducted into Scottish football’s hall of fame alongside John Robertson, Colin Stein, Tommy McLean, Joe Harper and Patsy Gallacher.

“I’m very pleased,”Sturrock told Saints TV.“To be voted by your peers for something like that is a bit special.

“It’s like the icing on the cake for me, 45 years in the game and it’s something to appreciate.”

Sturrock watched as Saints recorded their first victory of the season on Saturday, a 3-2 nail-biter against Accies which was followed up with the midweek Hearts triumph.

He has backed current manager Tommy Wright to turn fortunes further in the coming months.

“Confidence is a huge thing and sometimes it deserts you,”Sturrock said.“There are quality players and I don’t see why there should be problems.”

He added:“Geoff [Brown] gave me the opportunity and I was delighted to take it. I think we did quite well for four or five years.

“It’s gone on to bigger and better things, winning the cup. This manager has been fantastic, to be in Europe three or four years in a row.

“I’m hopeful they can get back to those kind of positions again.”