St Mirren hero Tony Fitzpatrick revealed he was more nervous standing in the tunnel ahead of his goodbye presentation on Saturday than he was before the 1987 Scottish Cup final.
The outgoing Buddies chief executive was given a rousing and emotional send off at half-time during the club’s 2-0 win against Dundee.
The 66-year-old just managed to keep his emotions in check as he addressed around 5,000 St Mirren supporters having recently retired from the demanding post.
Fitzpatrick couldn’t believe how apprehensive he was before being welcomed on to the pitch.
But he loved every second of being back out in front of his beloved fans.
Speaking exclusively to Express Sport, Fitzpatrick said: “It was a day I’ll never forget.
“I savoured every moment and it was great to be on the pitch again, standing looking around the stadium with over 5,000 fans there.
“I’ll be honest though, I was so, so nervous before I walked out.
“I felt more nerves on Saturday than I did before the Scottish Cup final back in 1987!
“I had to fight hard to keep my emotions in check, because as most people know I’m a very emotional guy.
"It was an incredible, wonderful reception though and to get to go out on the Saints park again in front of the fans was really special.
"For us to play well and get the win made it even more perfect too.
“I keep getting special moments with St Mirren and I’ve been so blessed to have this club in my life.
“The town has been brilliant to me. I can’t thank the fans enough for a perfect send off.”
As well as an award to thank Fitzpatrick for his incredible service to the club as a player, manager and chief executive, Fitzpatrick was surprised with a replacement of his 1987 Scottish Cup winner’s medal.
The former Saints skipper was delighted to finally have the memento back in his life
.Fitzpatrick said: “That was an absolutely fantastic surprise.
“It was the last thing I’d ever have thought of getting. To get the medal was such a special moment.
“A lot of people at the club kept it a secret and it was such a kind gift.
"I’d lost my original one, I think during a house move years ago, so it was special to get another one back. I certainly won’t be losing this one!”
Fitzpatrick was also moved by another goodbye after the match from the St Mirren fan’s group Northbank Aggro.
He paid tribute to them for their continuous support that has developed a much more exciting atmosphere at the SMISA Stadium in recent years.
Fitzpatrick added: “In the 1877 Club afterwards the Northbank group and Josh Magennis gave me a beautiful presentation of an award and a scarf.
“These guys have grown so well over the last few years. Honestly the stadium was pretty dead years ago and we needed to do something to about it.
“They have been superb in recent years and they’re the heartbeat of the club. The noise they make and the support they give is incredible.”
