Scottish Cup memories: Brian Easton

Brian Easton still gets goosebumps when reflecting back on his Scottish Cup memories with St Johnstone.

Despite being more than 10 years ago, the left-sided full-back rarely goes a day or week without thinking of that famous day in May.

Brian played a pivotal role in our 2014 Scottish Cup win – from earlier rounds through to that glorious final against Dundee United at Celtic Park.

“In those earlier rounds you weren’t thinking about getting to the final,” Brian smiled. “There was just the team in front of you at that moment in time.”

The realisation of what could be on the horizon did start to sink in more following a 2-1 comeback win against Aberdeen in the semi-final. Nobody needs reminding but Stevie May was on target with both second half goals.   

“We started to progress further into the competition and then knew how massive it was becoming when we got through to the semi-final,” Brian continued.

“It was all about getting past Aberdeen and what an exciting day that was. To come from behind was brilliant and then, suddenly, you are in the final.

“People maybe thought ‘here we go again’ against Aberdeen because they had beaten us in the other cup. So there was relief and exhilaration when we went ahead in the game. There was an outpouring of emotion from everyone.”

Playing alongside Brian for the majority of the cup run – and in the final – were Steven Anderson, Frazer Wright and Dave Mackay.

He said: “From the start of the season, we felt we had a solid back four. You knew exactly what you were getting out of the guys beside you and there was trust in each other.

“We had big Alan [Mannus] behind us as well so there was never any fear going into games. We were always confident.

“We had such a good season all-round. I remember people saying that no St Johnstone player could be put up for player of the year, because we played as a unit. That was very true.

“We had people banging in goals and some very good players, but we just worked well as a team and that made it more special.”

Brian never tires of reminiscing about the full-time scenes in the east end of Glasgow after Anderson and Steven MacLean had sent Perth fans into dreamland.

The 15,000 Saints supporters danced in the large stand behind the goal and, for many, the emotion took over.

It started to sink in for Brian just how much this win meant to everyone – and that was emphasised the following day at the big after-party celebrations in the city centre.

Brian said: “I never get tired of talking about it and it still sticks fresh in the mind. There was so much anticipation for the game itself and then afterwards was just unbelievable.

“I get goosebumps talking about it still. You are obviously so happy personally and for the team, but you feel the emotion and happiness from all our fans in the stadium.

“It was whirlwind, then you start speaking to the fans in Perth the next day and you realise how massive the achievement was. For the fans, it will always be a special life moment.”

Silverware-winning legends were recently back in the Fair City for the 2014 Scottish Cup Winners’ Anniversary Dinner at Perth Concert Hall.

Hosted by Eilidh Barbour, almost the full squad was on hand to talk through the achievement in front of a sold-out audience.

Brian himself was up on stage at one point taking a trip down memory lane and thoroughly enjoyed the evening in the company of team-mates, staff and fans.

“It was a great night at the Scottish Cup anniversary dinner and crazy that it was 10 years on,” Brian told the official matchday programme. “I always try to keep in touch with staff and the boys, but it’s obviously not as often these days as it was back then.

“When we are all together, you always have the same relationship no matter how much time passes. You still feel the love and support from everyone – including the fans.”