DEFENDER WILL STAY UNTIL 2022
As a kid growing up and playing his football on the local pitches around Perth, Liam Gordon had a St Johnstone dream.
Even pulling on his hometown team’s colours once would have brought unbridled joy to the man himself, his friends and family.
So you can imagine how proud the 24-year-old is now that he has penned a contract extension through to the summer of 2022.
Throw in the small matter of being handed the captain’s armband earlier this season and the smile grows wider.
From humble beginnings in the orange and white of youth side Letham, Gordon has cemented his position in the heart of Saints’ defence. He has made over 70 appearances for the club.
“I was always decent when I was younger,” he laughed. “But I never thought I’d be doing what I am right now.
“Back then you just take each day as it comes. Every kid has aspirations to be a footballer when they are older.
“When I was pulling on the white and orange jersey at Letham, I would never have thought I’d get here.
“I played everywhere back then. I remember moving on to Bridge of Earn where my neighbour’s dad ran the team.
“I’d always said it was too boring at centre-half but he kept me there. I played in defence in all the big games.
“But when it was the lesser teams I was able to go up front and score a few goals.”
A first professional goal for the club the other week, a downwards header against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, was another milestone moment.
To get to this position, Gordon has required patience. He spent many Saturday afternoons sitting on the bench.
“It was an easy decision because I love playing for the club,” Gordon said of signing his new deal. “I feel I’ve been loyal.
“In previous years I probably didn’t get as much football as I felt I should have. That’s sometimes the way it is.
“There were doubts in my mind because you want to be playing. I could’ve maybe got that somewhere else.
“If it was any other club, I may well have moved on. But it’s different when it’s the club that means a lot to you, your friends and family.
“I was always ready for the fight to cement my place. If something is worth fighting for, you fight.
“I always believed in myself and I’m happy to be here. Now I’ve got the opportunity, I need to make the most of it and enjoy it.”
As well as seizing the opportunity for himself, Gordon is pleased to be doing his family and friends proud.
He said: “My papa has been a St Johnstone fan all of his life. For his grandson to play even once for St Johnstone was a nice moment.
“My dad and uncle have been fans since they were young. I used to go to all the games with my friends growing up.
“They are gutted they can’t get to the games. I’d love the fans back in because it makes such a difference.
“It’s a little bit sad at the moment because you begin to feel that playing without fans is the norm.”
The next game to be played without fans will be tonight’s rescheduled Premiership fixture against Dundee United.
A late pitch inspection on Saturday afternoon resulted in a postponement.
“We had just passed St Madoes and had to turn back,” Gordon said. “Everyone was so geared up for the game.
“For something like that to happen so late on is very disappointing for us. But we came back and managed to get in a training session.
“We’ve prepared right and are ready to go again on Tuesday.
“There are guys who have been at the club for so many years and have played in front of the fans in these games.
“So we know the magnitude of it for them. The players know how much it means and everyone will be up for it. We’ll be playing like it’s the biggest derby of our lives.”
Games between the teams have been remarkably tight this term. Three meetings, three draws and only two goals scored.
Something has to give, you would imagine.
“They have three very good players in attack,” Gordon warned. “On paper, there aren’t many stronger in the league.
“We’ll need to be on our toes but we’ve done well against them this season. We’ve limited them to a rare number of chances.
“In the games we’ve played, we were the team on top and lacked the final cutting edge. Three points would be a big result for us.
“Currently we’re in a position where we shouldn’t be and we feel it’s not good enough for the club.”
Liam Gordon (left) tackles Rangers’ Ryan Kent during a Scottish Premiership match
Beyond Tuesday evening, there is much to look forward to. A Betfred Cup semi-final against Hibs at Hampden is just around the corner.
And on Sunday Saints were paired with local rivals Dundee in the third round of the Scottish Cup. The competition is currently on hold due to the rise in COVID-19 cases.
Gordon said: “The Dundee cup tie would’ve been an incredible one for fans. I’m gutted they won’t be able to see it in person.
“These are the games you want to play in. It has all the makings for a great cup tie.”