It was such a privilege to play for the Saints

Kevin Rutkiewicz always had an eye on entering the world of football management.

The former St Johnstone centre-back now has hold of the reins at Stirling Albion who, before the coronavirus shutdown, sat comfortably in sixth in LeagueTwo.

“I had my eye on management for a long, long time,”said Rutkiewicz.“It’s the same as everything else in life – you go into a different job and see the progression that is offered.

“This was the chance for me to extend my football career. I love the game, I’m a football fan as well as a manager. I am missing it terribly at the moment.

“You don’t take it for granted. As players, we were all guilty of taking playing for granted and didn’t realise the real pleasure of what we had.

“But certainly as a manager you realise how crucial a part football plays in your life.

“We’re all waiting for our hit of football again but I’m very proud I’ve managed to open a wee door for myself. I’m hoping I can keep on improving, develop as a manager, move forward and emulate some of the great managers of the Scottish game.”

One of Rutkiewicz’s current squad members at Stirling Albion is young Cammy Thomson, formerly of St Johnstone and whose home is the Perthshire village of Burrelton. The 20-year-old last week penned a new one-year deal at Forthbank.

“Cammy has been a revelation,”Rutkiewicz told the PA.“Over the last 18 months his game has improved dramatically.

“He is really enjoying his football and is a breath of fresh air to work with. He is so enthusiastic and has such desire to improve his game.

“I would say he is a little bit of a throwback. He is a wee bit old-fashioned, not in his play, but with how honest and hard-working he is.

“There are no airs or graces about Cammy. He has the right attitude.

“We’ve re-signed Cammy for the forthcoming season and I’ve said to him that I want the club to keep up with his growth.

“I’m hoping we can improve as quickly as Cammy is. He is a player who could really make some headlines over the next 12 to 18 months.”

Reflecting on his seven-year stay at Saints, Rutkiewicz concluded: “I loved my time at St Johnstone. It’s a proper football club and that is the biggest compliment I can pay.

“It’s run right and has been a ground where numerous talented players have played, come through and returned. I feel very privileged and lucky to have a very small part of that in my history.

“I hope some of the fans have some good memories of me – but the privilege was all mine.”