First Team
Club legend Alex Rennie passes away
7th March 2018
As reported on our social media yesterday, former Saints player and manager Alex Rennie has died after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Able to play in the middle of the park or in defence, Alex was a key part of the 'Willie Ormond era' team playing 254 games between 1967 and 1975. Signed from Stirling Albion, he also played for Dundee United after leaving Muirton Park.
Alex moved into coaching with Heart of Midlothian before being appointed to the post of St Johnstone manager in April 1980 and he led Saints to the 1982/83 1st Division title – ahead of full-time Hearts - but as the only part-time team in the 10 team Premier League it was always going to be a struggle and we were relegated. Sadly, and more significantly, a second successive relegation followed leaving Saints in the third and bottom tier of Scottish football and a parting of the ways followed.
Former striker John Connolly has paid tribute to his long-time teammate and friend.
He said: “It is very sad news.
“Alex had been battling cancer for a few years and missed our annual re-union last year.
“He was one of the game’s good guys. As a player he was always reliable and quietly effective, operating either in central midfield or at the back.
“Alex was an integral part of the team wee Willie Ormond put together and took into Europe. He will be sadly missed at our get-togethers.”