Leckie’s last stand

Nov 14 2008 by Andrew Newport, Paisley Daily Express

A LIFELONG Saints fan and top sports writer who started his career at the Paisley Daily Express has written a book about the final whistle being blown on St Mirren’s Love Street home.

Bill Leckie was just beginning life as a journalist when he joined every Buddie’s favourite newspaper back in 1984 and has since gone on to become one of the biggest names in Scottish media.

But the Foxbar boy has never forgotten his roots and, yesterday, he was back on the famous North Bank at Love Street to visit the spot where his late dad Arthur first took him to watch his St Mirren heroes.

Bill has put his writing skills to good use by penning a tribute to the club’s home for the last 115 years, titled ‘Endless Love.’

But, while he knows that finances dictate that the Buddies MUST move, he’s gutted it will mean the end of the road for Love Street.

Bill told the Express: “In the last few months, I’ve been making as many excuses as I can to come back to the old ground. It’s been very emotional.

“I remember coming here with my dad Arthur and a whole crowd from Foxbar. It was still standing in those days, which meant you could stand with your pals, and we would all congregate on the same steps every week.

“Games like the Scottish Cup tie with Dundee United in 1977 when we beat them 4-1 and the European games against St Etienne and Feyenoord stick out, as does winning the league with Alex Ferguson and our other title wins with Tom Hendrie and Gus MacPherson.

“But more important to me is that Love Street is where I used to come with my dad. It was a time when he worked most days of the week and Saturday would be the time when it was just me and him.

“The new stadium won’t have that personal history. It’s like moving into a new house. Until you put pictures on the wall or decorate it, then it won’t feel like home.

“I say in the book that I don’t like it. It’s not the fault of the architect or that it’s a badly built stadium. It’s just not Love Street.”

Bill admits that writing a book about St Mirren’s famous stadium has been a real labour of love.

He said: “First it’s the house you were born in. Then it’s your primary school. Then, eventually, they decide you’re not getting to keep ANY of your childhood – so down comes Love Street.

“No more North Bank, no more Caledonia End, no more Cairter’s Corner, no bump in the east goalmouth where my Uncle Danny’s ashes are scattered.

“But when the option was no more St Mirren, well, the words ‘lesser’ and ‘evils’ spring to mind.

“This is the story of what that ground meant to those who called it their second home.”

Endless Love publisher Norman Macdonald, of Paisley-based Macdonald Media Publishing, is sure the new book will be a big hit.

Norman, a former Paisley Daily Express editor, said: “Bill Leckie is one of Scotland’s most entertaining writers and he’s never short of an opinion or 12.

“His views on football are like that screamer of a shot that ripples the twine at the back of the net. When Bill gets going, he doesn’t miss and hit the bar.

“This is a book that’s not only a must-read for St Mirren fans, but is a great read for true football fans – no matter which team they support.

“I’m sure this book will be a best-seller and, at only £9.99, it’s a great value Christmas gift for the football fans in your life.”

Endless Love will be available from Provan Sports, in Causeyside Street, Paisley; WH Smith stores in High Street, Paisley, and at Braehead, Renfrew; and Waterstone’s bookstore, Braehead, from tomorrow.