McDiarmid stands ‘trial’ pays off for Saints – Boyd

Kris Boyd says St Johnstone owner Steve Brown deserves credit for his controversial decision to hand Old Firm fans three stands at McDiarmid Park – because it could help them navigate the coronavirus crisis.

The Saints made the contentious call in January, announcing a ‘trial’ move which would see Celtic and Rangers supporters able to snap up the majority of tickets for their trips to Perth for the remainder of the 2019/20 campaign.

They went on to register a crowds of 8,181 for the 1-0 Scottish Cup defeat to the Hoops in March and 8,743 for the 3-0 Premiership reverse in January. That compares to a gate of 6,242 on the Bhoys’ previous visit in February 2019.

An attendance of 8,286 also watched St Johnstone play out a breathless 2-2 draw against Rangers in February, up from 6,251 when the sides met in September.

Boyd is adamant the scheme was a roaring success – and reckons the decision now appears even more inspired as clubs are forced to rely on their savings.

The former Rangers striker said: “You’ve got to give a special mention to the St Johnstone board to give the Old Firm three stands.

“It has allowed them to bring the money in and, in times like this, it has maximised their income.

“You’ve got to take your hat off to them for the forward thinking. They have a lot of money in the bank because of it and, in the current situation, can use it.

“With the cup game against Celtic as well, they’ve probably been able to get a lot more money in than they budgeted for.

“It might even be that they are able to bring in a couple of players next season because of it.”

Boyd told Sky Sports: “I go back to when Michael Johnston (former Kilmarnock chairman) being slaughtered for opening up the stands (to Old Firm fans) but he had his business head on and it was a case of getting as much money in as you can – because you never know what’s round the corner.

“I’ve been part of Kilmarnock teams where you have been waiting on the Old Firm coming because you need that pay-day to tick over for a few months. I know that for a fact.”