Tony Fitzpatrick admits he struggled to carry all of it collectively when the St Mirren supporters revealed their farewell tribute to the outgoing St Mirren legend.
The phrases ‘captain’, ‘supervisor’ and ‘legend’ had been proudly raised aloft by the membership’s North Financial institution fan group to pay tribute to the person who has turn out to be synonymous together with his beloved Buddies.
Forward of his retirement from his function as chief government subsequent Thursday, the 66-year-old took in his remaining St Mirren house recreation – the 2-1 defeat to Dundee United – from the stands in his present function final weekend.
And whereas the likes of Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson had been among the many properly wishers, Fitzpatrick insists it was the love proven from the Saints supporters that meant essentially the most to him.
Talking completely to Categorical Sport, Fitzpatrick mentioned: “I actually didn’t anticipate it. It was a really particular second for me. The troops within the North Financial institution, I can’t thank them sufficient. It should have taken plenty of effort and time to organize all of it.
“It was a really emotional second and I did have a wee tear within the eye. I used to be struggling to carry myself collectively, to be trustworthy. Phrases are simple to say however the supporters go a great distance again with me.
“They’ve supported me and my household all through my complete profession, almost 50 years. They supported me at my lowest ebb when my son Tony handed away, which is one thing I’ll always remember.
“The love they confirmed me and my household was unimaginable.
“I can’t thank the assist sufficient, they’ve been excellent. Their assist means essentially the most to me.
“They caught with us via covid and this season have been travelling far and wide to assist the boys. It’s an enormous promoting level for us as a membership as a result of not each workforce has the form of backing we do.
“I keep in mind away days on the likes of Brechin and the city was filled with Saints followers. I’ll eternally be grateful to our supporters for every part they’ve given me and the membership over so a few years.”
Whereas Fitzpatrick’s remaining house recreation as chief government led to a late defeat to United, he nonetheless believes his Buddies can attain the highest six this season.
And even when they don’t handle it this time, he’s nonetheless assured the membership shall be pushing for top-half finishes and a return to European soccer within the very close to future.
One factor is for positive, he'll nonetheless be a agency fixture on the SMISA Stadium in years to return. Fitzpatrick mentioned: “We should be within the high six and we’re getting nearer and nearer. Final season we had been a whisker away from it and this season we’re nonetheless proper within the combine.
“The followers need to see us again within the high six and again in Europe. European nights at Love Avenue had been phenomenal.
“It’s a tragic second to depart however I really feel like I’m leaving the membership in nice form. We’ve carried out plenty of work behind the scenes to enhance the membership and that gained’t cease now.
“It’ll be a wierd feeling waking up on Friday morning and never going into the bottom. I’m staying on as an envoy however it gained’t be the form of 24/7 function I’m in simply now. I’ll miss seeing the workers day by day and it will likely be an enormous change in my life.
“I’ve bought a few different issues I’ll spend my time on, together with writing as a result of I wish to hold Babakoochi Bear going.
“However you possibly can relaxation assured I’ll nonetheless be spending all my Saturdays with St Mirren.”