Morris among legends lined up for Cuptie testimonial

Jody Morris was an instant hit with St Johnstone fans when he scored on his debut against local rivals Dundee.

And he went on to become a fans’ favourite during his four years with the Perth club.

Now, the successful Chelsea under-18 coach is turning back the clock to pull on Saints blue for the Dave Mackay Testimonial match sponsored by Booker and Kilmac next month.

Ex-skipper Morris, 38, jumped at the chance to honour his former McDiarmid teammate and he will join an array of Saints and Dundee legends signing-up for the October 6 game.

Joining Mackay for his big night will be Danny Griffin, Scottish Cup winner Frazer Wright, Brechin City boss Darren Dods, John O’Neil, Martin Hardie, Allan Preston, Nathan Lowndes and Perth fans’ player of the decade Paul Sheerin.

The closing stages of the match will also see Dens management duo Neil McCann and Graham Gartland joining former players including keeper Rab Douglas, Barry Smith and Gary Harkins, with one-time Perth strikers Steven Milne and Peter MacDonald enjoying credentials to play for both teams.

Testimonial committee chairman Scott Findlay said: “We are grateful to managers Tommy Wright and Neil McCann for their help and co-operation with staging the match for Cuptie.

“They have agreed to allow the legends to play in the closing stages and there has been a fantastic response from ex-players, with Jody taking advantage of a free weekend with Chelsea to travel from London to honour the man who took over the captain’s armband when he left the club.”

Admission to the game, kick-off 7.30pm, will be £15 and £5 concessions (under-16s and seniors). A limited number of hospitality packages are available at £55 a head, including three course meal. To book hospitality packages and match programme adverts, contact committee members or cuptietestimonial@gmail.com

Ex-captain Jody Morris played more than 120 games for St Johnstone.