A poignant send-off for Saints stars
It was always going to be an emotionallycharged afternoon.
This was a day of thanks, of cherished memories, of years of hard work and of farewells.
Chairman Steve Brown, who has guided the club through its most successful ever period since taking the reins back in 2011, said his goodbyes on the pitch before kick-off.
And in the final minutes, Murray Davidson was handed the captain’s armband and entered the action for one final appearance as a St Johnstone player.
One last dance and one final appearance of a football
career which has stretched 14 years and more than 400 matches in Perth colours.
The reception he received when striding onto the field of play with a couple of minutes remaining was hairs on the back of the neck stuff.
As were the scenes beyond full-time when staff and fellow players provided him with a guard of honour in front of the noisy band of East Stand supporters.
“Oh Murray, Murray... Murray, Murray, Murray, Murray Davidson” echoed around the stadium for what seemed like hours as the man who always gave his all for the badge soaked in the last moments of his Mcdiarmid Park journey.
“When big Alex Mitchell went down with cramp, I shouted Muzz over and said you’re going to have to play 10 minutes,” smiled manager Steven Maclean.
“He went ‘no way!’ But I said he was going on. Listen, I’m chuffed for the big man, he’s been my mate. What a guy and a great servant to the club. I wish him every success for what he does and he’s always going to be welcome back here.”
Fittingly, for Brown and Davidson, Saints rounded off the 2022/23 campaign with a comfortable win against Livingston.
There was nothing on the line in terms of Premiership position - ninth place was already the end game - but finishing a turbulent year on a high for club stalwarts was a priority.
Drey Wright, a star performer this term, continued his productive season by opening the scoring with a low finish on 18 minutes.
Later, in the 69th minute, arrived the next moment which could only put a smile on the faces of every Saintssupporting individual in attendance.
Chris Kane was utilised as a second half substitute and was making only his second appearance since returning from a 16-month spell of injury pain. It was a tough time, no doubt about it.
But he was handed the ball to double Saints’ advantage from the penalty spot and, instantly, you could see the relief and emotion pour out in his celebration.
It was his first goal since Boxing Day 2021 and also brought clear joy to his teammates who quickly mobbed round in delight. “It was great for Chris,” Maclean added.
“His performance pleased me more than anything.
“He got his goal, it helps I know and everyone looks at the goal. But he was running about bashing centre halves and that’s the Kano we know.
“That’s what we need from him, being a pest up there and holding the ball up and being a striker no one wants to play against.”
There was happiness, sadness but memories to last a lifetime when the full-time whistle sounded.
The contributions and loyalty of those on and off the park will not be forgotten.
Maclean, who was confirmed as the manager on a three-year deal on Friday, concluded: “I was keen to give the chairman three points for his last game and send him off happy.
“He’s been fantastic for the club, you saw with the display the crowd did for him.
“I think everyone appreciates what the Brown family have done for this club.”