Steven is ready for the Class of 2014 to be overtaken
Viewed from a certain perspective, Steven MacLean is the only man at St Johnstone who stands to lose out if the Perth club win the Scottish Cup.
MacLean scored Saints’ second goal in the 2014 Final against Dundee United to clinch their first major trophy.
However, if the 2021 side can follow up this season’s success in the League Cup, they will better the achievements of their predecessors.
And in the process, potentially turn MacLean and the Class of 2014 into forgotten men.
“I hope so. I would be buzzing with that,” said the Saints coach, laughing at the suggestion.
“Listen, if the team was to do that, it would certainly eclipse 2014.
“They have a chance to make history. But it is important not to jump the gun. This is a massive game for us and the players need to make sure their minds are focused on it.
“St Mirren are a good side, who we just pipped to a place in the top six. They have good players who Jim Goodwin has got going well, and it will come down to whoever plays well on the day.
“But our players have already shared a great moment together, and I think when you do that as a group, you will always become stronger and more together.”
In 2014, MacLean greeted his goal in the Final with a wild celebration, whipping off his jersey which he spun round his head as he vaulted a set of advertising hoardings to go and hug the fans behind the goal.
His reactions from the sidelines are more subdued, but that should not be taken as a sign he cares less.
“Trust me, it is just as good to win now,” said the 38-year-old. “The only thing is as a player when you won, you didn’t think about the next game.
“As a coach, when you win, instantly you’re thinking about the next game. As a player, you didn’t give a monkey’s about the next game.
“You were just buzzing that you were winning.”
That’s something he would still have been doing but for an invitation from Callum Davidson.
“I was probably going to play for Raith Rovers this season,” MacLean revealed. “But Callum made the call and I jumped at the chance.
“I’ve got my A-Licence, and I need to do my ProLicence. That will be the next step going forward.
“What kind of coach am I? Hopefully a good one! What I can tell you is that I am loving it.
“I am always learning off Callum. For him to have changed the system and the formation – and got the players buying into it – shows what a great coach he is.
“How could you not enjoy the run that we have been on, and how we have done this season?
“In football, there will be loads of lows, so when the highs come, it is important you enjoy them.”