As we enter the final six games of the season, Josh McPake is more determined than ever to play his part and give supporters plenty to cheer about.
It is no secret now that Josh will depart at the end of the 2025/26 campaign after agreeing a pre-contract with Hearts.
But his commitment to the Saints has remained clear for all to see as he looks to build on 14 goals in 28 William Hill Championship appearances.
“The support has really been brilliant with me,” explained Josh. “Obviously my future is not here come the end of the season, but I’ve always felt very part of this club and what we’re trying to do.
“Everyone has been brilliant with me, and I really appreciate the fans. The whole squad does. And I know they will be with us for the last six games of the season.
“There were times when they were patient with us. I actually can’t thank them enough for how they have treated me.
“I’ve always just wanted to give my all to the very end. I’ll continue to do that because the club has been brilliant with me. I want to repay that.
“It’s a great group of boys. There are a few who were here last season, like Holty, who is always great with me. And all the other lads who have come in have worked really hard.
“We’re working towards the same goal and that makes it a nice environment to be part of.”
Known for his goals and ability to beat a man, Josh has also shown that he is willing to put in the hard yards in a defensive sense.
He said: “We’ve done well to get results over the line in the past couple of weeks. The Ross County game here was a good example. That kind of performances give you a different type of confidence.
“These days you need to do everything. You need to have the whole package. The gaffer has always made sure that defending comes into my game too.
“It’s important when games are tight. The whole group needs to do their job – and do it right. I’m always trying to do that at both ends of the park.
“The defence has been really solid, then it’s up to us to find the back of the net. When we all defend well, the forward-thinking players get more licence to go on the hunt for goals and assists.
“Don’t get me wrong, scoring goals is great. But there are times you need to grind it out. Sometimes those ones feel better when you have had to work so hard.
“There is a great togetherness in this group. That helps a lot.”
Queen’s Park are the visitors to McDiarmid Park this Saturday afternoon. The Saints edged a 4-3 thriller last time out in Perth.
The last meeting between the teams was a 1-1 draw at The City Stadium in February.
Josh said: “Queen’s Park are a good team but we know, especially at this time of the season, every game is particularly tough.
“All you can do is take it one game at a time. We would never underestimate anyone, no matter where they are in the table.
“Everyone is playing for something at this stage of the season. We just need to look forward to every single time we get out there.”
