Ian will never Fer-get his cup final goal

Mar 16 2013 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

More than a quarter of a century has passed by since Ian Ferguson netted the winner for St Mirren in the 1987 Scottish Cup Final ... but he can remember that goal-den moment as though it only happened yesterday.

Fergie became a Saints legend that day at Hampden Park as his strike sunk Dundee United in extra-time.

Back then, he had no idea the Paisley club would endure such a long wait for their next major trophy.

And he’ll be keeping his fingers crossed that wait comes to an end tomorrow when the Buddies take on Hearts in the Scottish Communities League Cup Final.

Speaking exclusively to the Paisley Daily Express, Fergie said: “I have great memories of scoring that winning goal back in 87.

“Billy Abercromby knocked the ball on and I got in behind the United defence and just hit it as hard as I could with my left foot.

“I’ll never forget the feeling when the ball hit the back of the net and the St Mirren end erupted.

“I went on to win loads of trophies with Rangers but the feeling that day is up there with the best of them.

“Now I’m hoping Saints can win the League Cup.”

These days, Ferguson is in Australia, where he was recently sacked from his position as manager of Perth Glory.

However, he keeps a close eye on Scottish football – and recalls his time at St Mirren with great affection.

It was Alex Miller who signed Ferguson from Clyde in 1986 as a raw midfield talent.

And Fergie is full of praise for the support he got from both Miller and Alex Smith, the manager who guided St Mirren to their Scottish Cup success in ‘87.

He added: “They were both great for me and I learned so much under them.

“St Mirren had a great midfield in those days, with the likes of Aber and Paul Lambert in there, alongside Brian Hamilton.

“Aber pulled all the strings and there was a refreshing energy and mobility that helped us through on many occasions.

“I absolutely loved my time at St Mirren. It was a wonderful club to play for.

“They were good enough to give me my big break and, for that, I will always be grateful.”

Ferguson’s cup final record is enviable, to say the least.

He played in 13 finals in Scotland and has nine winner’s medals to show for his efforts – not to mention 10 SPL titles with Rangers.

Now aged 45, Fergie is happily settled in Western Australia and is thoroughly enjoying the lifestyle in Oz.

However, tomorrow, his attention will turn back towards Glasgow – and that big game at Hampden.

He laughed: “I’ll make sure I see the whole game this time. I didn’t realise St Mirren’s semi-final against Celtic was on the TV and, by the time I switched on, Saints were 3-1 up.

“I was willing the final whistle to sound! When I saw the goals being replayed at the end of the game, I was really impressed with Steven Thompson’s finish. It was top-drawer.”