Paisley gearing up for cup final celebrations

Mar 18 2010 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

THOUSANDS of Buddies will party in Paisley this weekend as the town plays host to a special bash to celebrate St Mirren’s appearance in the Co-operative Insurance Cup final.

Saints take on Rangers at Hampden on Sunday, when they aim to make history by winning the much-coveted trophy for the first time.

And, win or lose, a party will take place in Paisley town centre to mark the club’s achievement in reaching their first cup final for 23 years.

Phil Clark, who is the DJ and stadium announcer at St Mirren Park, will be in action at a special stage in County Square, which will be decked out with hundreds of black and white balloons.

And, should Saints win the cup, arrangements are in place for the players to show off the trophy during an open-top bus parade through the heart of the town.

Bosses at Renfrewshire Council have joined forces with St Mirren chiefs to organise the special tribute to Gus MacPherson and his men.

Thousands of special black and white cards have also been printed and these will be left on seats at Hampden ahead of Sunday’s match so that the Paisley faithful can give their heroes a welcome to remember as they walk onto the hallowed turf.

The cards also double up as an invitation to the County Square celebrations – but Buddies who are not going along to the cup final are welcome to join in the Paisley party too.

A council spokesperson told the Paisley Daily Express: “Fingers crossed, Saints can lift the cup on Sunday.

“If so, we’re hoping supporters will line the town centre to welcome the jubilant team back to Paisley.”

St Mirren have only taken part in one league cup final – back in 1955, when they lost 2-1 to Aberdeen.

Should the Buddies win the trophy on Sunday, the open-top bus will make its way along Gauze Street to County Square.

Councillor Derek Mackay, Leader of Renfrewshire Council and chair of the Paisley Vision Board, said: “The black and white cards which will be put in place for St Mirren supporters at Hampden are a memento of the great achievement of the club getting to the cup final.

“I will be joining the fans to cheer them on at Hampden on Sunday and have no doubt they can go all the way.”