St Johnstone Given Freedom Of The City Of Perth

 St Johnstone Chairman, Steve Brown, spoke to Saints’ media this afternoon and said:
 
"To have been nominated was an honour in itself, but to now have been awarded the Freedom of the City of Perth, this is a fantastic tribute to what the Football Club achieved last season. On behalf of our Club, I’d like to thank Perth and Kinross Council who have recognised our achievements in this unbelievable way.
 
"From my father taking over at St Johnstone back in 1986 to winning three national trophies, and to now being awarded such a prestigious accolade, it is a true honour.
 
"Huge credit must go to Callum, his backroom staff and the players on their efforts last season. What could have proved to be the most challenging season on the pitch turned out to be St Johnstone’s most successful. This is a real testament to the character of each individual involved.
 
"As we have said many times this season, we have missed our supporters and we look forward to sharing our double Cup success and this latest honour with our supporters when it is safe to do so."
 
After the vote was made, Provost Dennis Melloy said: “This is an honour bestowed on few people and organisations.
 
“St Johnstone have given their fans and the people of Perth and Kinross much to celebrate in what have been the most challenging times many of us have faced.
 
“St Johnstone have added to the positive reputation of Perth with the exciting prospect of European football in season 2021/22."
 
Provost Melloy added: “St Johnstone are only the fourth side in Scottish football to complete a Cup Double. St Johnstone is a small, provincial family club that continues to surprise larger clubs.
 
“I know just how much these victories mean to supporters and everyone associated with the club. Winning the Cup Double under these circumstances is truly remarkable, and I congratulate everyone on such a historic achievement.
 
“Given the club’s success and ongoing contribution and unwavering support to the local Peth community, it is considered appropriate to acknowledge their amazing season in an official way.”
 
Council leader Councillor Murray Lyle said he had “great pleasure” in putting forward the motion to award the club the Freedom of the City."
 
He said: “St Johnstone Football Club have completed their greatest season and secured a place in the history books.
 
“It was a significant achievement to win the Scottish League Cup, and even more remarkable to win the Scottish Cup months later in the same season.
 
“To achieve a historic Cup Double, in a year that has been particularly challenging in terms of the ongoing covid pandemic, is an incredible success.
 
The Freedom of the City of Perth ceremony will take place when Coronavirus restrictions have been relaxed.