Captain Fantastic

Boyhood fan realises his dream after being handed armband

What a moment Liam Gordon has been named as St Johnstone’s new captain on the back of last season’s League and Scottish Cup success

Proud Perth local Liam Gordon has fulfilled a footballing dream after being named the new captain of St Johnstone.

The 25-year-old, who grew up supporting the club as a young kid, was officially handed the armband yesterday morning.

Gordon’s journey to this point has been incredibly special having started out playing boys’ club football in the city he loves for teams including Letham and St Johns.

He signed up at McDiarmid Park in 2015 and spent time out on loan before becoming a mainstay of the team in more recent times.

And last season he played a pivotal role in helping Saints claim an incredible and historic cup double triumph – an achievement that may never be witnessed again.

The captaincy was up for grabs when previous skipper Jason Kerr made a summer switch to Wigan Athletic and now Gordon has been confirmed as the man to lead by example. It goes without saying that he was truly honoured to accept the position.

“This is a very proud day for me,” Gordon beamed. “I am a St Johnstone supporter and my grandfather, Brian Gordon, used to take me to the games when I was a kid.

“To be given the captaincy is also a very special moment for Brian and he will be the proudest man in Perth right now. This is also for my family and friends for the support they’ve all given me over many years.

“I’d like to thank the gaffer for having the belief in me to give me this great honour. There are also some great lads around me and when I need people to lean on for advice and guidance there are plenty I can turn to in the dressing-room.

“We have a great team spirit and a great dressing-room. That was the foundation for our success last season. It’s my privilege to be a part of it.”

Gordon’s communication and organisational skills have stood out for a number of years and manager Callum Davidson noted that making him captain was the “natural choice”.

Davidson said: “Liam is a leader and he is the natural choice. He has returned from injury to play against Celtic and Hearts in the past week and he brings many qualities to our team and to the dressing-room.

“He also made a contribution on Wednesday night by scoring our goal against Hearts.

“I have full trust in Liam and I know he has the respect of the dressing-room.”

Such is Gordon’s desire to help inspire the next generation, he recently set up a local football academy with team-mate and friend Liam Craig.

The dedicated pair want to give kids in the area the best chance of progressing through the ranks, just like they did.