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Paisley - Visit the Panda
A Brief History
St.Mirren FC were founded in 1877 taking their name from the patron Saint of Paisley, although the spelling differs. It all happened when two members of the rugby football team decided to start their own association team and went to Harry McNeil’s to buy a ball.
In their first match, in front of a three-man crowd who had each paid tuppence, Saints recorded a 1-0 victory over Johnstone. The first professional match was against Renton. Today we have Morton as a derby but in the beginning it was Abercorn who provided the derby opposition. St.Mirren and Abercorn were founder members in 1890 of the Scottish League and in the first season Saints were eclipsed by their neighbours, they finished 7th, we finished 9th, second to last. Three years later we finished third behind the Old Firm as Abercorn started their plunge to obscurity. Round about this time the club left Westmarch and set up home at Love Street.
In 1908 Saints reached their first Scottish Cup Final by now a professional outfit and a plc who owned their own ground. The score in that final was less cheery, thrashed 5-1 by Celtic. However silverware did come in 1919 when the Victory Cup was won after extra-time as Hearts were defeated 3-0, two goals by Sutherland and one by Hodges. Two seasons later Saints finished eighth in the league but it was a season of personal triumph for Dunky Walker who scored 45 times in the league. The club was then invited to open the Nou Camp, stadium the impressive new place of abode for Barcelona. Saints brought the giant trophy home after seeing off Notts County in the final by 2 goals to one, both by Walker.
By 1926 Saints were ready to claim real silverware in a real tournament as they gained revenge on Celtic with a 2-0 victory in front of the first ever 100,000 crowd. Davie McCrae (Saints all time top marksman with 221 goals) stole in at the back post for number one and Howieson added the second goal. The players were awarded with a bottle of whisky and Davie McCrae promised not to drink his until the cup once again had black and white ribbons on it and was in the Love Street trophy room.
Saints were back at Hampden in 1934 but the Scottish Cup went to Rangers as Saints went down 5-0. The following year Saints tasted relegation for the first time, they did however bounce straight back up. During World War II Rangers were the losers as Saints defeated them in the Summer Cup final courtesy of a strike by Alex Linwood. During WWII Bill Shankly turned out for the club. Attendances were superb, 15,000 regularly turned up.
After the war Saints signed a D-Mobbed youngster called Dave Lapsley, Lapsley was a significant signing as he was to be the next captain of a Saints cup winning team. In 1955 in the League Cup Final Saints came close but lost to Aberdeen (2-1) but come 1959 it was a different story. With Willie Reid at the helm Saints swept Aberdeen aside 3-1 with Tommy Bryceland, Alistair Miller and Gerry Baker all on the scoresheet. This coming after Celtic had been thrashed 4-0 in the Semi-Final. The final was Lapsley’s final match, he and Davie McCrae enjoyed some very mature whisky.
The cup provided some more glory the following year, they didn’t win it but they did record their highest victory when they cuffed Glasgow Uni 15-0 with American forward Gerry Baker bagging ten of them. Saints were back in a cup final come 1962 this time against Rangers having again beaten Celtic in the Semis. There was no happy ending though as the Ibrox team won 2-0.
The glory days were now at a premium and instead of great days they made do with some great players. Totto Beck, Archie Gemmill, Jim Blair, Gordon McQueen and Iain Munro were some of them. Managers were coming and going and eventually 1959 hero Bryceland was installed as manager. He replaced Wilson Humphries. Bryceland failed to have the desired effect and after 12 months he was on his way.
By 1974 Willie Cunningham had lead Saints to their worse ever position and left. His replacement was not as much a manager as a messiah. Alex Ferguson swept into Love Street and in 1977 with a young, fresh and vibrant team he swept into the Premier League. The members of that team trip of the tongue, Fitzpatrick, McGarvey, Stark, Hyslop and Hunter. The team went on a twenty match unbeaten run and had a titanic struggle with Clydebank for the title before a 4-0 win at Dens Park sealed the title, McGarvey notched a hat-trick.
Crowds boomed and the Ferguson tours of Paisley with a megaphone are now legendary and the stuff of folklore. Saints held their own in the Premier but in a moment of madness and folly saw Saints sack Ferguson. Jim Clunie replaced Ferguson and brought in the likes of Thomson, McDougall and Somner and whilst Fergie was sacked for winning promotion Clunie went immediately after a roasting volley from Alex Beckett had defeated Celtic at Parkhead.
Clunie took Saints into Europe for the first time and also got his hands on some silverware, the Anglo-Scottish Cup, when Bristol City were demolished 5-1 on aggregate 2-0 at Ashton Gate and 3-1 at Love Street, Saints are the only ever Scottish winners of this cup.
Ricky MacFarlane, a physio in Ferguson’s days took over and new stars like ex-Johnstone Burgh striker Frank McAvennie were introduced and time after time it was cup heartache at the Semi-Final stage, who can forget Thomson, Weir and the ball going through his legs? Not to mention Sandy Clark’s goal that never was at Hampden. Thomson was at it again in ‘84 when a wind assisted shot somehow beat him.
When MacFarlane departed in stepped Alex Miller and success for him was qualifying for Europe. One of Saints all time great nights came in an European campaign when in 1985 Slavia Prague were knocked out after a 3-0 Saints win at home, McGarvey’s flick for number was sublime. We won’t mention the Hammarby match.
Miller went to Hibs and Alex Smith came in from Stirling but not before Miller had beaten of Liverpool to sign a 19 year old from Clyde called Ian Ferguson. Ferguson along with the likes of Campbell Money, Billy Abercromby, a 17 year old Paul Lambert and the last remains of the Ferguson era Fitzpatrick and McGarvey inspired Saints to another Scottish Cup triumph. In a tense match Ferguson scored with a sizzling left foot drive in the 110th minute of the match, it was the club 110th year.
After this cup win things went pear shaped and Saints sunk from Premier midtable to the relegation zone and finally in 1992 into the depths of the First Division. Smith made way less than 12 months after that May 16 triumph and Fitzpatrick took over and despite bringing in the likes of Guni Torfason and Victor his team stayed afloat thanks to reconstruction. Davie Hay took over but the rot had already set in and after a goal-less draw with Hearts, Saints were officially relegated.
The first season in division 1 saw new boss Jimmy Bone put his faith in talented youngsters like Barry Lavety, Martin Baker, Jamie Fullarton and the inspirational captain Norrie McWhirter. They came close in their first attempt but were pipped by Raith and Kilmarnock. However after this the team like the financial state of the club almost wilted and died. Form slumped and after 4 seasons Bone made way in acrimonious circumstances for Iain Munro, but Munro’s reign lasted only hours as he jumped shipped to Raith. Tony Fitzpatrick filled the void and despite a good first season he flopped and was lucky to see his charges avoid relegation into Division 2.
Fitzpatrick left at Christmas 1998 and Alloa gaffer Tom Hendrie took over and with another exciting bunch of youngsters has it all to do but has certainly made a good start. Hendrie’s start was mocked and scoffed at in many places, mostly Fife, Falkirk and the offices of national newspapers, radio and television. However it was clear to all the Love Street faithful that a special talent had arrived to bring the good times back.
Genius is sometimes an overly used word but the way Hendrie in tandem with assistant John Coughlin turned the fortunes away instantly was frankly genius. In under 18 months Hendrie transformed Saints from First Division strugglers to runaway leaders and comprehensive First Division winners. On a budget not quite amounting to shoestring proportions Saints steamrolled all before them and less than 2 years after almost going into oblivion the only place Saints were going was back to the Premier.
Unfortunately the SPL was not the Promised Land we all hoped it would be. Instead of milk and honey all we got beaten up and relegated. Injuries certainly played their part, at the end of the day though we just were not good enough. Another hard First Division slogs lies ahead.
CLUB DETAILS
The ground now has an all seated capacity of 10,800.
Address...
Saint Mirren Park, Love Street, PAISLEY, PA3 2EJ
Telephone Enquiries 0141 889 2558
Commercial / Marketing 0141 840 1337
Sport & Leisure Complex 0141 849 0611
Fax Number 0141 848 6444
St. Mirren Clubcall 09068 121 885
PAISLEY
St.Mirren are, and always have been based in Paisley on the West coast of Scotland a few miles from the hub of Glasgow. Paisley is actually the biggest town in Scotland and boast not only a University but also an Abbey not to mention some residents with the worse dress sense and patter you are ever likely to come across. For those amongst you not lucky enough to visit Paisley it has often been likened to St.Tropez, the Bahamas and a millionaire's paradise, but only by visitors from Greenock. Greenock is the neighbouring town a couple of miles up the road and it is Morton who supply some local rivalry, well at least they used when they had a team worthy of making the effort to hate them and before they went to the wall. Morton actually haven't yet gone burst but we can but hope. The Champagne remains on ice and the parties put on hold. Apparently when and if Morton cease to be the local prisons are to have a black armband day, but enough needless bashing of Morton and the fine Eldorado drinking residents of Greenock and more about Paisley.
St.Mirren play their home matches at Love Street, which believe it or not is in a street, called Love Street not far from the town centre. Others might try and tell you that Saints play at St.Mirren Park but don't have any of it, it is Love Street and it always will be.
TRAVEL GUIDE
If you are wise enough to decide on a visit to see Paisley's finest then you should have no problems getting there no matter where you come from or how you travel. Strangely Glasgow Airport is actually based in Paisley and is within walking distance of Love Street, a taxi ride from the airport shouldn't set you back too much although the nice friendly Paisley taxi drivers won't be too happy only taking you such a short trip.
As I was saying the ground is only a short stroll from the cosmopolitan, almost Parisian centre of Paisley and as a result is easily accessible by both bus and rail links. Gilmour Street Station has links to all the local outposts such as Johnstone, Ayr and Bishopton. Those travelling from further afield will no doubt have to come via Glasgow Central but worry not Glasgow is a short 5-10 minutes away.
Having Glasgow so close has it plus points but means we have to put up with those football fans who tarnish the name, fans who have no place in a football stadium, fans who are a disgrace to all good fans. Yup, being that close to Partick Thistle can be quite trying.
Getting to Love Street by bus is not a problem; there is always a plentiful supply of buses right into the heart of Paisley from Glasgow and surrounding areas such as Renfrew, Erskine, Linwood, Houston and Barrhead.
Not surprisingly being as close to the country's biggest airport as we are the road links are fairly decent. Coming off at the airport slip road from the M8 you can be off the motorway and in your seat within 10 minutes. If you are driving but wish to avoid the M8 and who could blame you then the local roads are not too bad and access to the stadium is good. If you are coming through Bishopton, Houston or Bridge of Weir then add on enough time to get stuck behind a tractor, a combine harvester or both. If you take the wrong exit and end up in Greenock then roll the windows up, put the boot down and get out of dodge as if you're life depends on it because it probably does.
There is no official parking spaces for the average fan so you need to find parking and around the local streets. Parking usually isn't a problem and you will 90% of the time get a space within a 5-minute walk of the ground.
Anyhow, coming from anywhere east or north of Paisley use the M8 and exit at Junction 29, St. James's Interchange. Do not be fooled by the sign at J24 which is for 'Paisley A761' as this takes you all the way along Paisley Road West and will take ages. Coming past the airport be careful not to get caught in the left lane as this cuts-off to the Johnstone bypass A737, so you want to stay in the middle lane, which becomes the left lane at J29. Take the first exit off the roundabout.
Coming from the other side of the M8 also take J29. From there take the 3rd exit from the St. James's roundabout.
From Ayrshire best take the A77/A78 to Kilwinning then the A737 as this road also joins the St. James's Interchange. Take the 4th exit from the roundabout.
All of these routes bring you onto the dual carriageway, Greenock Road and half a mile along will take you right past the Caledonia Stand, which is for away fans. However, for better parking, after leaving the roundabout take the first road on the right (MacFarlane Street) and follow it until you come to Clark Street on the left just before St. James's train station, or else carry on below the bridge and take the next on the left, Murray Street. Both have ample unrestricted parking.
SOMEWHERE TO STAY
So once you've flew up to Paisley or came up a train and only been delayed a day or two if you're lucky you'll be looking for somewhere to stay in order to prepare yourself for your trip to the Stade De Lourve.
There are a couple of hotels within the Airport grounds; a Forte Post House and an Express by Holiday Inn if my memory serves me right.
Again due to the proximity of the Airport there are a few other hotels dotted around the local area. The Glynhill and the Brabloch are both within easy walking distance and are worth a try. My recommendation of where not to go would be the Normandy Hotel in Renfrew, if you cross Fawlty Towers with Guesthouse Paradiso and you're halfway to getting the full picture. Booking into the Bates Motel and taking a shower is a preferable option.
A BEVVY
You've traveled and you've found yourself somewhere to crash so now to the important issues, where can you go to get a good drink both pre and post match.
The traditionalists amongst the Saints support can often be found quenching their thirst with a drink in the Wee Barrel. These is a cosy wee place a stone throw from the ground and although it can get a tad busy pre-match it is friendly and the prices are most welcoming. Believe it or not but it is actually Rod Stewart's favourite watering hole in the world, honestly.
Flares is another nearby pub offering special pre-match prices (£1 a pint) and allowing club colours to be worn, several pubs in Paisley have no problem taking the football crowd's business but ban all wearing of colours. Other places you might think about for a quiet tipple before the game are The Last Post, The Hogshead, The Bull Inn, Argyll Bar, Hamish's Hoose and Sportsters.
After the match and if you are on the look out for some night life to celebrate a Saints win then there is enough choice to keep you occupied and to set you up for a pleasant mini pub crawl.
In and around Paisley's centre there are many good pubs that will set you up for a good night out. On the High Street there is Varsova, there is a sort of eastern European theme going on here. Translated this means there is no furniture, it is always cold, you have to stand in queues and the prices are a bit steep. They do though do a decent line in cocktails.
Also on the High Street and of no interest to those Greenock chappies is the library and museum. More of interest to them is the Job Centre straight across from Varsova.
Just off the High Street is New Street and there is a veritable plethora of pubs here. O'Neil's and Café Borgia are two of the better ones and you should pay no notice of the local term for Café Borgia as Café Bollocks.
From New Street you can hit Shuttle Street and Bar Buddha and Brunswick Cellars. It is okay for a quick drink but the Brunswick DJ is the epitome of all things cheesy and after 10 minutes with him you see where The Smiths were coming from.
Finally there is Causeyside Street; this also leads of from New Street. Causeyside Street has two main places and both are bit pretentious and are poseurs' paradises. Halo and Lush are not all that bad; they just aren't my cup of tea but if your clothes are worth more than your car then they are the place for you.
If you decide to slum it and pop into Glasgow then Byres Road offers a great variety of pubs, it is perfect for a traditional pub crawl. One of the better ones is Curlers situated right beside Hillhead Underground. A small compact place it is usually busy on the weekend and it has a Vodka bar, which allows you to buy beer from it.
If you fancy hitting a club in Paisley then the options become somewhat limited. You have the option of Fury Murry's in Shuttle Street or going home. Fury's is a bit of student place but it is cheap, the music is not too bad and if you don't mind drinking cheap Vodka then you've hit the jackpot. I would recommend getting in early and quaffing the cheap drink early doors as when it fills up you have more chance of getting Britney Spears or Anna Kournikova than getting a drink.
Fury's isn't the only club in Paisley but it is the only one I would be caught dead in. Club 30 in New Street is known more as Club Slapper as frankly with good reason. This is just a club for embarrassing mothers or blokes pushing 40 who just can't accept they aren't 18 anymore.
The Institute has newly opened in Bridge Street and is one of these places that have had more makeovers than Madonna and more names than Prince. I haven't been in it since it reopened but when it was the Kasbah it was pretty honking.
The final option is IKON and if this is an option then you are obviously 16 years old. Every town has one and this is Paisley's under age hang out. On a Friday and Saturday night there are more neds per head than it does you to know. Unless you have a love of oversized sovereign rings and sporadic violence then stay well clear.
FEEDING YOUR FACE
To be honest eating out in Paisley is not the town's strong point and if you are looking then you'd be better advised to go to Glasgow for a wider
choice. Paisley does have a few good eating haunts, one example of this is the Flying Gourmet. Cantonese in theme and it is nice and relaxing with
food that is not to sneezed at. Also in the heart of Paisley is the Antica,
an Italian restaurant serving foods from all nations. Friendly staff, good
helpings and it won't lighten your pockets too much. Outwith Paisley but
still close enough to be local are the Dynasty in Renfrew and the Bishopton
Inn. The Dynasty is for those with an Oriental hungering, you pay for what
you get but if you want a good meal then this could be your ticket. The
lunchtime special is well worth a visit, £6 for 3 courses. The Bishopton
Inn is a great wee place for a good feed in nice surroundings and decent
prices. Lots of choice from Curry to Steak pie. If it is a quick bite you
are looking for on your way to and from the match then the Cosmo can be
found immediately outside the ground and is top notch. Brunches, in the town centre do a good line in sandwiches and light snacks both hot and cold.
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21 Nov 08 
Newcastle United Football Club