SAINTS' TRIBUTE TO EUROPA LEAGUE FRIENDS

Saints’ memorable Europa League tie against Eskisehirspor earlier this season will be reflected on next season when we adopt a red and black striped design for our 2013/2014 away kit as a tribute to our friends at the Turkish club.

Club officials and supporters struck up a friendship and bond over the two legs of the European tie back in July last year, sparked by the friendly reception given to all those travelling from Scotland for the first leg.

Saints club officials were given the red carpet treatment in Eskisehir – a welcome reciprocated at the return leg in Perth – and supporters of both sides have remained in touch through social network sites and followed the progress of each other’s seasons.

Saints Chairman Steve Brown says of the tribute, “Fans and club officials really hit it off over the two games. We were treated like royalty over there and we did our best to show them true Scottish hospitality when they came to Perth.

“Both clubs were making the most of their European experience and when one of our fans, Kevin Heller, wrote to the club suggesting that we could adopt their red and black colours for our away kit for next season we were delighted to go for it.”

The ongoing friendship between the two clubs this season has included Saints fans nominating ‘Es-Es’ for a UEFA Fair Play Award while the Turkish side took to the field in a recent game carrying a large banner stating “We are all St Johnstone fans”.

The Saints Chairman continued: “No one who travelled to Turkey for the match will ever forget the experience, even if we did lose.”

Supporter Kevin Heller, who contacted the club to suggest the move said: “Close ties were created over the two matches and fans have continued to keep in touch through Facebook.

“They made us feel really welcome and we tried to return the favour when their supporters came to Perth. I’m delighted the club have taken up the suggestion of an away kit in their colours and I am confident it will prove popular with fans.”

PHOTO: Saints Chairman Steve Brown and supporter Kevin Heller with next season's away jersey.