Meet Seamus Ferry – an avid St Johnstone supporter whose passion for the club has taken him deep into the world of football shirt-collecting.
From Muirton Park classics to cup-winning favourites, Seamus has amassed a unique and interesting collection of more than 300 items.
The collection continues to grow and includes over 100 match-worn shirts – all of which tell their own story about a certain moment in time for the Saints.
Seamus showcases his collection across social media on his dedicated account ‘St Johnstone Football Shirts’ and is keen for as many fans as possible to get involved.
He kindly gave up his time to talk through his journey.
Seamus explained: “I was actually born and brought up in Glasgow and, to be honest, I hated football when I was younger. But I then started following a local amateur side and, through them, I got connected with Saints.
“My pal from Perth invited me to a game and I fell in love with the club from there. It was back in 2017 against Celtic.
“I live around the corner from Hampden and, during the pandemic, I wanted to go down and support the team despite no supporters being allowed at either cup final in 2021.
“I really wanted a shirt as a memento from such a special season and, ever since then, my passion for shirt collecting hasn’t really stopped.”
The retro football shirt scene increased in popularity in recent years with the likes of Classic Football Shirts and Ellis Platten of the Away Days YouTube channel helping to raise the profile.
Seamus continued: “They have helped to fuel my interest even further. Football shirts in general have become so popular and it is great to see. Here’s hoping I can spread the word of St Johnstone and more people will be wearing our shirts around the world!”
Seamus enjoys showcasing his treasures to the wider Saints support and he is thankful to those who have helped to grow his collection.
He added: “I have had support from so many angles of the Saints support. We are a community club and this has really helped to grow my collection. I must also thank players, former players and former staff members too.
“I reached out to Adam Webb when he took over and I have kept in touch with him since then. He has been phenomenal in helping me out also.
“He hopes to use the collection in the future for club events – that is really exciting for me.”
Seamus gave us the lowdown on his top three Saints shirts from the collection…
- Chris Iwelumo shirt from 2014 Scottish Cup Final
Seamus said: “This shirt was given to Total Teamware Ltd (Joma), who used to look after the club’s kit. Chris’ shirt was given as a presentation gift after our Scottish Cup Final in 2014. I purchased directly from them back in 2023.
“Of course, Chris was an unused substitute on the famous day, resulting in us wining our first ever major trophy.
“I actually bought the shirt in a frame, but I was just curious what was on the back. I got a nice surprise when I opened it up!”
2. 1986-89 Match Worn substitute away shirt
Seamus said: “This was gifted to me directly from the supporter who was given the shirt in 1988 after securing promotion after the 87/88 season party at Muirton.
“It is extra special because the shirt was never commercially available to the public. It was only the home shirt that was available during this time.
“Obviously this covered the last season at Muirton Park and Match Worn is big name in the retro football shirt world too.”
3. 1982-86 Match Worn Umbro Home Shirt.
Seamus said: “I managed to get this shirt courtesy of the club’s charitable arm Saints in the Community when they ran an auction when a supporter donated a bundle of items back in 2023.
“After more research this was worn by none other than John Brogan, the Saints legend.
“It’s hard to describe the amazing feeling when you do your research and you find a wee gem of information about a shirt in your collection.”
