Enjoy cup final, Godfrey urges Buddies

Mar 16 2013 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

It has been more than 20 years since Peter Godfrey pulled on the black and white stripes for St Mirren ... but he’ll be giving the Buddies his full support when they go for glory against Hearts at Hampden tomorrow afternoon.

And he reckons that, should Saints win the League Cup for the first time in the club’s history, Danny Lennon and his players will become Paisley legends.

Godfrey said: “This game is massive for St Mirren and it goes without saying that I’ll be cheering them on.

“I hope so much that they can beat Hearts. It would be great for the club and their fans.

“Not many players get the opportunity to play in a national cup final at one of the best stadiums around, so it’s important that the guys who are playing make sure they enjoy the occasion.”

Godfrey will always have a soft spot for St Mirren but admits he left under a cloud when he moved on to Falkirk in 1991.

He added: “It wasn’t my decision to leave St Mirren – that was taken out of my hands.

“Alex Smith had left the club and Saints were between managers at the time.

“Gordon Smith was the interim gaffer – for a week or so – but he made it clear I wasn’t wanted.

“He took me into his office and told me that Falkirk were in for me. It was Falkirk or nothing because he told me I wouldn’t play again for St Mirren.

“I spoke to Jim Jefferies and he painted a bright picture at Falkirk. There were 11 games to go and Falkirk were in pole position to win the First Division.

“I asked him if I’d get a winner’s medal if the Bairns wrapped up the title and he said I would. That’s what it was all about for me.

“ Winning things was more important than the money.

“We won the league and I finally got my hands on a medal but my one regret was the manner in which I was shunted out of St Mirren – and that I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to our wonderful supporters.”