St JOhnstone boss Tommy Wright has revealed he celebrated his side’s historic Scottish Cup semi-final win with nothing stronger than a glass of Scotland’s other national drink.
The McDiarmid manager, who recently had gall bladder surgery, is currently not allowed to touch alcohol.
So it was left to chairman Steve Brown and the rest of the club directors to do his celebrating for him however, by the time the cup final comes around on May 17, the big Northern Irishman is keeping his fingers crossed he will be able to raise a glass to toast what he hopes will be a win over Tayside rivals Dundee United with a drop or two of the strong stuff.
He said: “After the game, I came back to the club because the staff had a party. I don’t think it was a free bar, though, because you know what our chairman is like!
“I had a diet Irn-Bru then went home, put my feet up and watched the golf. I’m still not allowed to take any alcohol so I just headed up the road.
“I think the doctor has said I can have some drink in May, so I’ll just hang off until then. The chairman and the directors went out and enjoyed themselves, so I think they probably had my share as well.
“The chairman was emotional after the game and so was (his dad) Geoff. It’s great for them because of how they’ve run the club and taken St Johnstone to where we are today.”
Saints proved to be made of strong stuff themselves at Ibrox against Aberdeen on Sunday, coming from behind to beat the Dons thanks to two Stevie May goals, and secure a place in the Scottish Cup final for the first time in their history.
And Wright, who kept goal for Northern Ireland as well as Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle during his playing career, revealed exactly what the achievement means to him.
He said: “Sunday was the best day of my career, without a doubt. It was easily the best experience I’ve had as either a player or a manager.
“The way we won the game made it even better, coming from behind to beat a good team like Aberdeen. It was a very special day and we now have another special one to look forward to.
“I was confident that with the squad we have, we could do it. The chairman challenged me to win a trophy in my first season, so I’m doing my best!
“We went close in the League Cup and now we’re in a final so we’ll give it our best shot.”
Aberdeen were firm favourites to win the semi-final, however, Wright revealed that the Dons management duo of Derek McInnes and Tony Docherty, who were previously in charge at McDiarmid, were more than gracious in defeat.
He added: “I get on really well with Derek and Tony. I appreciated what they said after the game and Tony Doc texted me later on at night to say well done again.
“I know the job they did here and appreciate how important a role they’ve played in the club’s development.
“I genuinely think that ifAberdeen are not winning the cup, then the pair of them want St Johnstone to do it. They get on really well with all the people here, they brought some of the players here and I’m sure they’ll be wishing us well next month.
“I’ve had a lot of good luck messages from other managers as well, which is really appreciated.”
With Dundee United having already made it through to the final after beating Rangers on Saturday, many observers had started looking forward to a “New Firm” final.
Saints put paid to that notion and now Wright is hoping the people of Perth will get right behind the team on May 17 at Celtic Park.
He said: “I’m not going to criticise the press because I understand why people wanted the New Firm final.
“We’re the small club out of the four, but I think it’s a great story that St Johnstone have got to their first ever Scottish Cup final.
“It’s great for the city of Perth and hopefully the whole town will get behind the team. The reaction has been great, I’ve had calls and emails from supporters who have been following the club for 50 years and they’re delighted.
“A lot of people have taken a lot of pleasure from this. There were fans crying at the end of the game because people genuinely thought we’d never get there.
“I can understand it because people have had so many disappointments.
“There was a barrier there and the club couldn’t break through it. Now we have and I can see what it means to so many people.
“The final will be a great experience for the fans and the players. The focus will be on St Johnstone and Dundee United for a whole week, the eyes of the country will be on the game and we’ll just enjoy it.
“But you only enjoy a cup final properly if you win it and we’ll be doing our best to bring the cup back to Perth.”
May’s double against the Dons increased his tally for the season to 25 goals and also increased the player’s valuation.
Wright is hoping the striker will agree to extend his contract with the club but he is realistic enough to realise that May’s goal-scoring feats mean St Johnstone will struggle to keep him.
He added: “We’ve spoken briefly to Stevie and his agent about possibly extending his contract. I will understand if that doesn’t happen but he’s someone I want to keep here.
“He’s attracted a lot of attention and there will be more in the next window. But it will have to be the right thing for him and for the club.
“Obviously I’d love to keep him, but if he doesn’t sign then going into the last year of his deal you’d have to look at it.
“We’re realistic enough to know that if the right offer comes in and Stevie is happy with it then he’ll be away.
“That’s football, you just get on with it,” said Wright.
“But he’s under contract and I’m hoping to keep working with him for a while yet.”