It is with such a heavy heart that we record the passing of former player Sammy Johnston, aged just 58.
A huge fan’s favourite in his time with the club between 1984 and 1990, his attacking style of play won many admirers in an entertaining team which contained the likes of Allan Moore, Steve Maskrey and Roddy Grant.
Signed by Alex Rennie from Bishopbriggs Boys Club in August 1984, he made his debut against Kilmarnock on 27th April 1985 and by the time he left the club six years later he had totalled 201 appearances and scored 33 goals.
Among his personal highlights, he made 108 consecutive appearances between March 1986 and September 1988 and in season 1987/88 he scored a total of nine goals over six consecutive matches.
Sammy played a full part in our league successes under Alex Totten – Second Division runners-up in 1987/88 and First Division Champions in 1989/90.
He played in the Scottish Cup semi-final ties against Rangers at Celtic Park in 1989 when part-time Saints held the Glasgow side to a 0-0 draw before losing the replay and he also played in the famous 3-1 win over Airdrieonians at McDiarmid Park in March 1990.
Sammy is also notable for playing in the last match at Muirton Park and the first match at McDiarmid Park in 1989.
Sammy just made one substitute appearance for the club in the Premier League after our 1990 promotion and after leaving Saints, he gave good service to Ayr United (who signed him for £50,000), Partick Thistle (twice), and Stranraer as well as four clubs in Northern Ireland plus Pollock and Neilston juniors.
A special talent at a hugely significant time for the club, the thoughts of everyone at McDiarmid Park are with Sammy’s wife Annemarie, family and close friends at this very sad time.
