Buddies for life

Lennon’s superb Saints fought back from 1-0 down to beat Hearts 3-2 at Hampden.

In a thrilling final, Esmael Goncalves, Steven Thompson and Conor Newton all scored to cancel out a Ryan Stevenson double. And Lennon beamed: “I am very proud and emotional — a lot of emotions really. It’s just sinking in and I am absolutely thrilled.

“We played a fantastic game. In the first half they played the game and we played the occasion. But I got into the players at half-time and reminded them that if they wanted to become legends there was a game of football to be played.

“It was a fantastic start to the second half and we got ourselves into a good comfortable lead.

“But we were never comfortable in the sense that we thought the game was out of sight.

“A good quality side like Hearts will always champ at the bit to get back into it.

“They have a good aerial presence and put us under a great deal of pressure.

“They were a wee bit more direct than we are used to and that caused us real problems.

“I thought the Hearts fans brought a lot to the game, along with our own. It was the people’s cup final and great credit to both sets of supporters.

“From our point of view I am delighted that we are bringing the trophy to Paisley for the first time in this club’s wonderful 135-year history.

“I am absolutely thrilled with the board of directors at our football club.

“Firstly for having the belief in me to give me the opportunity to serve this club, and I am absolutely delighted that my staff and my club have delivered a trophy for them.

“That’s what we emphasised at half-time. There was a bit of emotion in there.

“There were a few raised voices and also a wee bit of comfort offered. Most importantly, though, it was reminding them that that these opportunities don’t come very often.

“Some of these players will play their full career and never get another opportunity to come and play at the national stadium in a cup final.

“The reality is that, for some of our players, it might be their last.

“So my message to them was to make sure it was a day they could remember for the rest of their lives. They’ve given us that.

“They have given everybody associated with our wonderful club a memory to cherish for the rest of their lives.”

Stevenson gave Hearts the lead after 10 minutes.

But Goncalves hit the leveller in 37 minutes and Thompson then fired the Buddies in front a minute into the second half.

Newton put the Paisley side 3-1 up in 66 minutes before Stevenson netted his second goal.

That ensured a nervy finish with the Jambos piling men forward in search of a goal to take the game into extra time.

But Lennon’s Saints held on for a famous triumph.

The boss hailed all his men — but revealed that he tipped lifelong Buddie Thompson to become a hero.

He added: “Before we came out for the second half I said to Thommo: ‘It’s written for you. you are living your boyhood dream.’

“It was a wonderful finish from him.

“The third goal from Conor was another really wonderful bit of football.

“But Stevie is a top player. He has had a wonderful career and I feel there is the same level to come from him yet.

“We are getting the best out of him on a weekly basis and that is all credit to him.

“It’s Roy of the Rovers stuff for him.”