St Johnstone chairman Steve Brown will welcome Sir Alex Ferguson to McDiarmid Park as two of his old clubs do battle in Perth.
The former Manchester United manager has accepted an invitation to take in the league clash between Saints, who Fergie used to play for in the 1960s and Aberdeen, the team he famously guided to domestic and European silverware in the 1980s.
The visit will mark this month’s 50th anniversary of Ferguson’s hat-trick against Rangers at Ibrox when Bobby Brown’s newly-promoted Saints shocked the reigning league champions with a 3-2 victory on December 21 1963.
Mr Brown is looking forward to welcoming Sir Alex to Perth as a guest of honour and is hoping he will see a victory for the home side, despite his close ties with both clubs involved in this afternoon’s fixture.
“Everyone at St Johnstone is delighted and honoured that Sir Alex has accepted our invitation to take in the game at McDiarmid Park,” Mr Brown said.
“The club will always be grateful to Sir Alex for bringing a star-studded Man United team north for the official opening of McDiarmid Park back in 1989 but I know older fans treasure fond memories of a young Fergie’s hat-trick at Ibrox.
“We are thrilled that a genuine football legend like Sir Alex has made time in a hectic schedule to be our guest at the game against another of his former clubs. I know he will be assured a warm welcome from both sets of supporters.”
Sir Alex netted 22 goals in 45 games for the Saints from 1960 to 1964.