A RECEPTION I’LL NEVER FORGET
Playing in front of fans for the first time in 16 months has whetted David Wotherspoon’s appetite for European nights at McDiarmid Park.
A crowd of only 1000 was permitted to attend the Perth stadium for Tuesday’s friendly with Preston North End as COVID-19 continues to restrict.
But those numbers are set to increase in the coming weeks and Saints could have a significant backing for their Europa League third qualifying round challenge next month.
All eyes will turn to the competition draw on Monday at noon. It will be streamed live on the UEFA website.
Wotherspoon, after a special reunion this week, is looking forward to welcoming more supporters to what will most definitely be a glamour tie.
“It adds excitement and you took it for granted beforehand,” Wotherspoon said of the crowd.
“It was such a privilege to have them back and to have them getting behind us again.
“It was a wee bit emotional. We obviously hadn’t played in front of fans for such a long time.
“For them to applaud us the way they did and just have them back was great. It was nice to see them all.
“We’re looking forward to the season and we’re very excited. I think that shows in the football we are already playing.
“It’s great to be back, especially on the back of last season. We’ve hit the ground running and are very confident.”
Wotherspoon himself hit the ground running by netting Saints’ goal in the 1-1 draw with English Championship Preston during the week.
He had the chance to double his personal tally but blasted a penalty over the crossbar.
“I’m delighted to get the goal,” Wotherspoon said. “It was great work from Mikey O’Halloran to close the goalkeeper down.
“He does that so well, so often – using his pace to his advantage. It broke kindly for me and I’m just glad I found the back of the net.
“I’m glad I could score that one but we’ll forget about the penalty.
I would definitely put my name forward again.
“But, when you’ve taken three over eight years and missed all three, I doubt I’ll get back on them anytime soon!
“There were two saves and then that one on Tuesday was not even close.”
The overall performance was a positive one and Wotherspoon was impressed with how new loan signings Hayden Muller and Reece Devine fitted in.
“It was a great performance,” he said. “I thought we controlled good parts of the game.
“Even when we made a few changes, we still kept to our gameplan. The boys fitted in nicely and it was a good all-round performance.
“We felt confident in our fitness leading into the game. We came back and the boys have looked really fit and lively.
“That is a credit to everyone for keeping themselves in good shape over the summer.”