It doesn’t get much Hampden glory in
Wotherspoon says he’s still living his dream with club
David Wotherspoon’s phone was going crazy at full-time.
The messages of congratulation were coming in from all angles. Family, friends, former players and fans.
But there was one text which made the St Johnstone midfielder pause and reflect on how special his journey has been in the game.
It was from Gordon Miller, his former football team coach at Abernethy Cubs, and was along the lines of: ‘I knew you’d always make it.’
Wotherspoon, only a young kid and showing signs of promise when playing at Powrie Park in the Perthshire village, already had dreams of pulling on the Saints colours. Even once would have been enough.
On Saturday evening, the 31-year-old played his 300th game for the Perth club. And it was on the finest of nights at the national stadium.
“It’s all a bit surreal for me still,” Wotherspoon told the PA. “I was young and playing for Abernethy Cubs and Bridge of Earn youths.
“I even got a message from my Abernethy Cubs coach after the game. I still keep in touch with him every now and then.
“He text to say he knew I was going to do things in football when I was growing up. It was a really nice touch and meant a lot to me.
“It brings it all back. Playing for the club and wearing the badge is still a dream come true.
“I went up to the Saints games when I was younger and wanted to be the player out on the pitch in the future.
“It’s 300 appearances, a Scottish Cup medal and now a League Cup final. I’m absolutely delighted.”
There is a strong argument that Wotherspoon is playing the best football of his career this season.
Whether the bulk of his early ability was crafted at Abernethy Cubs, Atholl Henderson’s community football sessions, Bridge of Earn youths or the lunchtime breaks at Perth High School is still up for debate. But his class is permanent.
His starring role in Saturday’s stunning
3-0 semi-final Betfred Cup victory against former club Hibernian came as no surprise.
He delivered again, literally. Wotherspoon’s 35thminute corner was