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When it comes to St Mirren in Europe, Jamie Langfield was always going to be there one way or another.
The St Mirren goalkeeping coach still vividly remembers watching from the Love Street terraces in the Paisley club's last outing in Europe 37 years ago.
To now be on the pitch in training ahead of the Conference League tie against Valur is something out of his wildest dreams - even if a trip to join the merry travelling band of supporters at Reykjavik bar The Dubliner is an experience he's gutted to miss.
“It’s probably the most excited I’ve been in a long, long time," said Langfield after training at Valur's stadium last night. "As a player it was totally different, you just had to worry about yourself but now I’ve got the goalkeepers to worry about, the other players.
"It’s a different feeling but it’s a feeling that I’ve thought about for a long time and I’m glad it’s here.
“I’m going to embrace the chance we’ve got here."
Asked whether he thought this day would come and to be in the dugout when it happened, he added: “Absolutely not. I remember being at the Mechelen game in 1987/88 after we won the cup and Love Street was packed. It was unbelievable - I know going back to the SMiSA Stadium next week and that feeling we’re all going to have will be incredible.
“But we’re not here for a holiday we want to progress and hopefully do it season on season. I know it’s hard but why not dare to dream.
“I know we’ve got the manager and Diarmuid here and the staff and the players that are capable of doing it and as long as we continue to progress every year I think we can do good things."
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Langfield is the longest serving member of the football backroom staff in Paisley having joined as goalkeeping coach after a stint as a player at his boyhood club.
And while missing out on the party atmosphere in Reykjavik is a blow, Langfield appreciates the privileged position he is in to be at close quarters with the squad ahead of a historic night.
“Of course, there is that part of me wishes I was there with all the fans we’ve got over," he said. "I know there is quite a few have come over and we’re grateful for them coming.
“I wish I could be in the Dubliner having a right good pint and a sing-song!
“But if you flip it on the other hand, a lot of the fans would like to be in my position being this close to the players and the staff and being on the inside because this is what it’s about.
“I’m probably gutted I’m not there and they’re probably gutted they are not in my shoes.”
For Langfield, and so many inside the building at the SMiSA Stadium, none more so than Tony Fitzpatrick, European qualification is vindication of fierce determination to upset the odds and be bold in their ambitions.
He added: It’s incredible, just the rise in the club.
"I know it took off when Jim Goodwin came in and Tony said what he said and people had a laugh.
“I think what the manager and Diarmuid have managed to achieve with the players for me is honestly just a dream.
“I was lucky enough to play in Europe with Aberdeen, Dunfermline and Dundee as well but to do it with my boyhood club and hometown team is just a dream come true."
