A Canadian World Cup exit is just days away.
But Wotherspoon family pride at St Johnstone star David being a small part of the biggest football tournament on the planet will take a lot longer to fade.
The three-time cup winner with Saints became only the second player in the club’s history to earn selection for the once every four years finals, having recovered from knee surgery just in time to make John Herdman’s 26-man squad.
Canada have become Perth’s adopted World Cup nation in Qatar on the back of it.
And a bowling club function room on the city’s Feus Road, with Maple Leaf flags hanging from the walls and ceilings on Sunday evening, was the embodiment of that Spoony-inspired support.
There was a first goal to cheer in Canada’s second Group F match but a win or a draw remained elusive unfortunately, as Croatian pass and move class ended their hopes of progression to the knockout rounds.
Let's go 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/lYA3fYZaff
— Ian Wotherspoon (@stspoonysnr) November 27, 2022
Brother Ian, who organised the party for family and friends, will join his parents and David’s wife and children in Qatar for the final group match against Morocco.
Game-time for arguably St Johnstone’s greatest ever player will be the “icing on the cake”.
However, dreams have already been fulfilled.
Canadian ‘brotherhood’
“Seeing David be at the heart of the Canada set-up at a World Cup has been amazing,” said Ian.
“He’s been as much a part of it as the boys who have played the first two games.
“The manager has created a proper brotherhood.
“When David did his ACL, Atiba Hutchinson (who reached the 100 cap landmark on Sunday) phoned him the day after to say ‘I’ve had the same injury’ and make sure he was OK.
“You could say that David was a ‘fringe player’ as such, with 10 caps, but that’s the sort of thing that sums up the team spirit they’ve got.
“For him, it’s incredible to be at a World Cup and for us to watch on is really special.
“The people here for this game are family and friends. As soon as I mentioned doing this, everyone thought it was a great idea.
“It wasn’t about whether David would play, it was about showing we’re right behind him and right behind Canada.
“How many players get to say they went to a World Cup? I think there’s 832 at this one.”
What an unbelievable couple days it’s been! I want to thank everyone for there kind messages and support I have received. It’s been overwhelming. I’m very grateful and so proud to be in this position it still hasn’t sunk in yet. Thank you! 💙🇨🇦❤️Let’s do this #WC2022 pic.twitter.com/eqh4DgMKAF
— David Wotherspoon (@Spoony_10) November 14, 2022
Ian added: “Mum, dad, Sophie (David’s wife) and their kids are all out there just now and absolutely loving it.
“They’ve been so well looked after. Canada Soccer have been immense.
“I’m heading out on Wednesday. It’s going to be a flying visit of a couple of days but it will be a trip of a lifetime.
“If David gets a game it will be the icing on the cake but just to see him being part of the match-day squad will be amazing.”
Lockdown memories
Watching Canada’s last two matches from afar has brought back memories of St Johnstone’s historic closed-doors double season for Ian, when family members were denied the chance to be at Hampden Park for the 2021 cup triumphs.
“That was probably David’s best year,” he said. “The freedom Callum (Davidson) gave him to just play brought out the best in him.
“It was really tough not being in the ground for the big games.
“The family had a great time, watching the Scottish Cup final on the tele but it’s not the same as being there obviously.
“Everybody remembers the interview afterwards when (man of the match) David thanked mum and dad and Sophie, then burst into tears.
🎙 David Wotherspoon > Ryan Christie pic.twitter.com/a76L8hWlDo
— Ewan Smith (@ewansmithpr) May 22, 2021
“He didn’t mention me! He phoned me afterwards and said he couldn’t hold it back and I totally understood because we were the same watching it.
“I knew he’d be a success when he signed for Saints. I was happy because it meant I didn’t have to go and watch Hibs anymore!
“I’ll be honest, if he’d added more goals to his game I don’t think he’d have stayed with Saints for long.
“Maybe I’m biased because I’m his big brother but I always thought he could go to England.
“His confidence has grown as the years have gone on.
“He’s getting the recognition now for the footballer and the person he is.”
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