Wotherspoon is sure plenty of Saints can repeat Mac’s Churchill moment
David Wortherspoon hopes St Johnstone don’t need another rousing speech to reach a cup final.
But the midfielder is confident that words of encouragement will be in plentiful supply when Saints take on Hibs in Saturday’s Betfred Cup semi-final.
Wotherspoon credits current first-team coach, Steven Maclean, as being vital to the club lifting the Scottish Cup in 2014.
Not only was he a big influence on the pitch – he scored in the Final against Dundee United – but his motivational skills were second to none.
The main example of that came during the Perth club’s semi-final clash against Aberdeen.
Wotherspoon recalled: “The first half was a bit of a blur, and they were 1-0 up. But I felt we were still in the game.
“We came in at half-time, and I remember Steven Maclean standing up and giving a big speech.
“He basically talked about how he was only here once, and this could be his last time to make a final.
“He said: ‘We know we can go out and win, but we have to fight for it’.
“That just seemed to spur everyone on, and give us the belief to go on and win the game 2-1.
“It was a massive turnaround, and I think that set us on the road to winning the trophy.
“That’s one great memory from semis, but we’ve also been beaten at this stage before – like by Hibs at Tynecastle.
“That was disappointing because I felt we did really well in the game.
“The Aberdeen game shows it’s never over.
“It’s a one-off game, and if you play your best, as hard as you can, then you can get the outcome you hope for.”
The 30-year-old smiles when he considers that he’s now one of the senior players – just like Maclean was six years ago.
He said: “It is crazy how quickly time passes. I joined the club from Hibs in 2013, and this is now my eighth season.
“It has gone so quickly, my kids are growing up and everything seems to fly by.
“You have to make the most of your opportunities when they come along – and take them.
“You look back at what you’ve done, but you also need to look forward to what you can do. “Getting to this Final would be massive for us and the club.” Victory over Hibs would be particularly sweet for Wotherspoon’s teammate Liam Craig. He was with the Easter Road men while Saints were winning the Scottish Cup – their only major trophy success. He returned for a second spell at Mcdairmid Park in 2015, and has played over 400 times for the club. Missing from the story of his career so far is an appearance in a cup final.
Putting that right would undoubtedly delight the 34-year-old. He must fear he’s running out of time to experience this sort of occasion.
Wotherspoon went on: “It would be great for Liam. He missed out on a couple of finals.
“He’d have been gutted at that. He’ll be desperate to make things right, and get to the Final that he deserves.
“He has been in the semis before, and knows what it’s like.
“I’m sure boys like Murray Davidson, who missed out on the last final, will also be desperate to get back amongst it.
“I’m sure all the boys are buzzing for it, and can’t wait to get this game played.
When asked if there are members of the current squad who might come up with a speech if required at Hampden, Wotherspoon isn’t short of candidates.
He said: “Apart from the gaffer and Steven Maclean?
“Liam Craig, Liam Gordon, Jason Kerr . . . there’s a few that like to speak up, and it’s great because it gets everyone riled up and focused on what we want to do.
“There’s a few that would take command.”
Wotherspoon’s early years in football saw him come through the ranks at Hibs with players like Paul Hanlon and Lewis Stevenson.
He’ll do battle against his pals at Hampden, and will also be up against split family loyalties.
“My stepdad is a big Hibee, and I’m sure he’ll be praying that I play well – but don’t get the result,” he said.
“He’s looking forward to it, and wishes me the best all the time. But it’s hard when you are supporting the other team.
“We’re hoping to win the game and get to the final, so I am sure he’ll be delighted either way.”