As many of you will have noticed, we have been running a regular feature in our matchday programme about St Johnstone fans who are shining within their own profession.
The latest to feature is curler Robin Brydone, currently ranked third in the world…
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Perth has a proud history of producing world-class curlers – and many who also happen to be long-serving Saints fans!
Robin Brydone grew up playing football on the astroturf surface opposite the stadium and played locally for the likes of Letham, Fair City and Pitfour.
Football was never the end game, but his hard work and dedication on the ice has seen him rise to a current world ranking of THREE with Team Whyte.
Robin (29) said: “I actually did play a lot of football when I was younger and went along to the Saturday morning coaching with Atholl Henderson.
“I went on to play for Letham, Fair City and finally finished playing football with Pitfour out at St Madoes. I always played through school. But I played a load of sports and tried to get involved with everything I could.
“I ended up competing every weekend with the curling and that was the choice I made. I think it was the right choice!”
Robin still remembers his first St Johnstone game and was a regular season ticket holder alongside his dad, Tom.
He said: “I was three when I went to my first St Johnstone game. I’m not sure why I remember it specifically, but we played Queen of the South.
“That was the start and I went along ever since. I had season tickets with my dad in the East Stand, right on the halfway line. We had those for a long time and we always tried to get to every game we could.
“I would also be at the European games at home. Unfortunately, I never made it to one of the away games in Europe, although I did do one of the pre-season trips to Ireland with a bunch of mates.
“I’ve always followed the team and was obviously at the cup final in 2014. I was there with my dad – and that was special.
“For a club like St Johnstone to win the cup in the first place is special, but to share it with my dad was extra special.
“He’s been a Saints supporter his whole life and has scarves that are older than I am. I remember seeing how happy he was on that day in May.”
Robin’s curling career takes him around the globe on a regular basis – and he is proud to share the Saints name everywhere he goes.
“Last season obviously wasn’t what everyone hoped for,” he said. “But it’s been phenomenal to see how well they are doing this season. You can definitely see a progression with the team.
“I have notifications for St Johnstone set on my phone. I make sure, even when I’m away playing, that I get access to the score as soon as I can.
“I’ve taken my fiancé, Clancy, who is Canadian, to her first Saints game and our daughter already has her first St Johnstone kit!”
Robin and Team Whyte secured the Players’ Championship title in Canada at the beginning of the month and, more recently, were back on home soil for the prestigious Perth Masters at the Dewars Centre just a mile from McDiarmid Park. They also took the title.
Robin said: “This season has had a bit of adversity. I started the season recovering from shoulder surgery. One of my team-mates, Duncan McFadzean, who is also a Saints fan, had knee surgery and has missed the full season.
“We brought in a new player, Craig Waddell, to fill in and he has done an excellent job. We have been going from strength to strength and have been in three Slam finals, winning one of them.
“We’ve put ourselves in a spot where we could be picked to go to the World Championships this year. That would be really great and something to look forward to.”
