Fitzy: We're heading for Europe!

Nov 5 2008 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

LOVE Street legend Tony Fitzpatrick last night hailed Gus MacPherson as St Mirren’s most successful manager since Alex Ferguson – and predicted he will lead the club back into Europe.

Fitzy insists the current Buddies boss is the best thing to happen to the Paisley club for 30 years.

The former midfielder, who skippered Saints and also had two spells as manager, was at the club’s new stadium in Greenhill Road yesterday as he gave his support to the Wall of Fame scheme.

And 51-year-old Fitzpatrick believes it’s only a matter of time before European ties are staged at St Mirren’s new home.

He said: “I think Gus can take the team into Europe. It’s going to take time but he is progressing the club in the right way.

“Since the days of Alex Ferguson, there have been many great managers at St Mirren, such as Ricky McFarlane, Alex Miller and Alex Smith, but I think the most successful manager since Fergie’s days is Gus.

“It has been a pleasure to watch his team play.”

Fitzy reckons MacPherson’s achievements are even more remarkable considering the lack of cash he has had at his disposal.

He added: “Gus is up against teams that have much more financial power than he does but the board of directors at St Mirren have stuck by him and he’ll take the club even further.

“They’ll be a force to be reckoned with and you have to take your hat off to him for what he’s done so far.

“You have to think about where he has taken the team from. They came up from the First Division and Gus has now established them in the SPL.

“They are going to be a top six team, if not this year then certainly within the next couple of years.

“Alex Smith won us the Scottish Cup, let’s not forget that, but Gus has won the First Division, the Challenge Cup and he’s kept St Mirren in the SPL for the last two years on a tight budget and, for me, that’s incredible.”

Fitzy was only too happy to fork out cash for a special brick in the Wall of Fame at the new Greenhill Road stadium yesterday.

It is hoped the scheme will raise up to £150,000 for club development.

So far, more than 250 engraved bricks have been sold at the new stadium and Friends of St Mirren member Ronnie Carswell is optimistic that even more fans will sign up soon.

Those who would like to purchase an engraved brick can call 0141 889 2558 or send an e-mail to info@saintmirren.net