SAINTS DAY
JACK ROSS revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson played a key role in the Paisley party as Saints grabbed the point they needed to clinch what has been a fantastic Championship league title.
The Buddies manager was shocked to get a call from Fergie, who won the old First Division title with Saints 41 years ago, as he prepared for yesterday’s home clash with Livingston.
And it gave Ross extra impetus as he prepared his players to go out and complete the job.
Ferguson will no doubt be very proud — and the Saints fans certainly were as they spilled onto the pitch at the end to celebrate wildly.
Ross said: ‘I was very fortunate to get a phone call on Friday from the greatest manager in the world ever: Alex Ferguson.
‘The one thing he stressed was how positive to be with the players and how we approach the game with them.
‘Thankfully, they went out and produced the result on the back of that.
‘He is still very close with Tony (Fitzpatrick) and I think Tony maybe leant on him.
‘It was a very nice surprise for me to get a call from somebody of that stature and list of achievements in the game.
‘For a young manager starting in the game, it was really good because I had already decided how I was going to approach th match and he just reassured me I was going down the right path.
‘So he can take credit for today as well!
‘He won a league with St Mirren and then went on to do alright, so no pressure then!’
Saints had the best of an often nervy game with Livvy, who were also celebrating as they guaranteed a play-off spot.
The closest thing was an early Lewis Morgan shot that visiting keeper Neil Alexander touched onto the post, while Cammy Smith and Danny Mullen also had chances for the hosts.
But the game mattered little as thousands of fans spilled onto the pitch at the end to mob their Paisley heroes.
It was only 18 months ago that Saint were seven points adrift in this division. The transformation has been remarkable and no wonder the fans lapped it up.
Ross said: ‘In the first instance, I feel relief because we got the job finished but then it’s a sense of pride in that group of players and real satisfaction that they will get the plaudits and rewards.
‘Winning a championship is really tough and most players don’t do it very often in their careers, so they have achieved something here that will never be taken away from them.
‘For what they have given me for so long, I’m so happy for them.
‘I think it’s well deserved. The message before the game was that they are the best team and the best squad in this division.
‘They have to buy into what we do and it requires them to sacrifice themselves and they have got their rewards for it.
‘People remarked when I took this job that I had inherited a good squad and they have proven that.
‘The ones we added fitted in well and that was key for us.
‘We were very clear from day one that this was not a bedding in period — and it will be the same next season.
‘It gave the players ambition and a goal. Some bought into it right away. The ones we recruited bought into it, so that was great.
‘Hopefully, there will be more days like this to come.’
Livingston boss David Hopkin said: ‘It’s a fantastic point for us that has confirmed our place in the play-offs. It’s a magnificent achievement for a club of our size and our budget. St Mirren have won the league but I think our achievement is better.’