Paul Hegarty wept when his beloved Dundee United won the Scottish Cup because he knew just what a special achievement it was.
Hegarty is one of the greatest players ever to wear tangerine and black and was the proud captain who lifted the silverware when they won the league cup in 1979 and ’80, then the Premier League championship in ’83.
The one big omission on his CV, though, was a Scottish Cup victory.
It is no wonder, therefore, that he was overwhelmed with joy when, as first-team coach, he played his part in United’s triumph over Ross County on Saturday.
Hegarty said, “I was part of the backroom team in 1994 when we beat Rangers but I was only a second-team coach under Ivan Golac.
“That was great but this was something else.
“Coming back to my old club a club that I had enjoyed a lot of success with it made it more special.”
He added, “Playing is everything but to do what I did on Saturday, be a coach of a winning side, is amazing.
“I was very emotional on the day and that was just the way I felt.
“I am not normally like that but I don’t think anyone begrudges me that, because of everything that has happened.
“So I was a bit emotional, yes, because I was able to watch these young players collecting winners’ medals.””Magnificent” seasonThe scenes at Hampden were a world away from United’s all-too-numerous falls at the final hurdle, losing even when they had a side far more talented than their opponents.
Hegarty said, “I never enjoyed Scottish Cup finals because I never won any, although I did win two league cups and the league.”
Hegarty praised the players’ work ethic and their patience, citing both factors as being crucial.
He said, “The basis of that started with Craig Levein, Peter Houston has carried it on and they just want to come to work every day.
“They want to train and play all the time I take my hat off to them.
“These boys were thoroughly professional and the manager was spot-on at half-time.”
Hegarty laughed when asked just how United can improve on such a memorable campaign.
He joked, “The only thing you could do is win the league, the league cup and retain the Scottish Cup a treble.
“That puts some pressure on the manager, doesn’t it?”
He added, “Seriously, though, it has been a magnificent season and a lot of credit has to go to Peter, as well as Gary Kirk for doing the great work behind the scenes.
“The players have got to take most of the accolades and the plaudits, though.
“I take my hat off to them.”
Hegarty said, “When you see a lot of people turning up at the game, spending a lot of money and travelling to Glasgow in their droves, you have to give them something in return.
“We gave them happiness in abundance.”