Star praises Saints boss as he wins our young player of the year
Ethan Erhahon paid tribute to Saints gaffer Jim Goodwin for keeping faith in him after he picked up the Express’ young player of the year award.
The 20- year- old enjoyed a stunning breakthrough season with the Saints, making 40 appearances in total as the club finished seventh for the first time since 1989.
The academy graduate has flourished since moving back into his favoured midfield position, turning out twice at Hampden this year in the semi-finals of both the Betfred Cup and Scottish Cup.
Erhahon admits he’s fortunate to have a manager that stuck with him through thick and thin, believing other bosses may have cast him aside when his performances took a dip midway through the campaign.
He told Express Sport: “I’m really happy to pick up the award and I want to thank everyone for their support over this season.
“It’s been a brilliant season for me. My target was to play around 20 to 30 games, so to play as much as I have has been brilliant.
“I’ve probably overplayed a bit, but that’s exactly what you want as a young player.
“I have to give credit to Jim because he’s always backed me.
“He said I had a dip earlier in the season, which I know myself I did, and at that point some managers would have taken me out of the team.
“He persisted with me though and that makes you more confident because you believe that he sees something special in you. That makes you more confident. I was always eager to prove him right when I stepped onto the pitch.”
Erhahon follows in fellow academy graduate Cammy MacPherson’s footsteps, who picked up the PDE young player of the year award last year.
The talented midfielder says he’s enjoyed playing alongside his pal this season as well as Ryan Flynn, who he has learned a great deal from both on and off the pitch.
Erhahon said: “I’ve known Cammy since the Under-20s and it’s been great to play alongside him so much this season for the first team.
“He said to me he should have got goal of the season for his one against Killie!
“But I said mine against Aberdeen was better because, for me, that was a once in ten years hit, whereas he scores goals like that in training all the time.
“I’m still learning every game, from whoever I’m up against but also from who I’m playing alongside as well.
“I’ve played next to Flynny a few times and I’ve loved that. We worked really well together up at
Dundee United when we won 5-1.
“He’s got so much experience and he’s such a good guy off the pitch too. ”
After such a long and hectic campaign, Erhahon admits he’s looking forward to putting his feet up for a couple of weeks.
The driven youngster is already thinking about his goals for next season though, as he looks to become an even more important part of St Mirren’s team.
Erhahon added:
“This is the most games I’ve ever played in one season.
“I’m going away for a break in Scotland for a bit and the first few weeks I’ll be relaxing and letting my body recover.
“I’ll still be thinking about football all the time though and I’m already thinking about my goals for next season, both personally and for the team.
“I want to get better every year and hopefully I can kick on even further when the next season starts.”
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