Saints double heroes set for Perth honour
Callum Davidson's men to be awarded freedom of the city
St Johnstone's double-winning heroes are to be given the freedom of Perth with councillors set to rubber-stamp the honour next week.
Saints beat Livingston 1-0 in February to lift the Scottish League Cup for the first time in the club’s history.
Incredibly they then claimed the Scottish Cup three months later when Shaun Rooney was the goal hero again in the 1-0 win over Hibs.
They became only the fourth side in Scottish football to complete a cup double after Aberdeen, Celtic and Rangers.
And it followed their 2014 Scottish Cup triumph over Dundee United.
Councillors will be asked to approve awarding the Freedom of the City of Perth to St Johnstone when Perth & Kinross Council meets on 23 June.
Provost Dennis Melloy said: “St Johnstone’s success over the past season has been a shining light for the city in what have often been dark times.
“Awarding the Freedom of the City to St Johnstone is a fitting recognition of their amazing success this season.
“As a lifelong Saints fan, I know just how much these two victories mean to supporters and everyone associated with the club.
“Winning the Cup Double under such difficult circumstances is truly remarkable and I congratulate everyone at the club again on such a historic achievement, completed against the backdrop of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
“St Johnstone is also at the heart of the community through Saints in the Community, and it is right we officially recognise their amazing achievements this season.”
St Johnstone chairman Steve Brown said: “For our Football Club to be considered for the Freedom of Perth is totally unexpected and we are proud and humbled to have been nominated.
“We are in esteemed company, and it would be fantastic if we were to receive such a prestigious accolade.
“It has been a remarkable season and it has been a real team effort. Callum, his backroom staff and the players were unbelievable, and we are very proud. Being nominated is also something my father is very proud of having taken over the club 35 years ago.”
The Freedom of the City of Perth ceremony will take place when Coronavirus restrictions have been relaxed.