GRADY'S PANDA PAST COULD BE BLACK AND WHITE OMEN

JAMES GRADY would tell you there's a black-and-white precedent for Gretna winning the Scottish Cup tomorrow.

The first time the Gretna striker went to Hampden he was dressed up as a panda.

The then 16-year-old cheered on hometown side St Mirren to an against-the-odds win over favourites Dundee United in the 1987 Final. And Grady, left, is convinced there will be black and white ribbons on the Cup again when his side face Hearts.

Alex Smith was the boss who steered Saints to victory 19 years ago. He said: "I remember a panda cavorting among the Paisley fans during the game because it was a really unusual sight at that time.

"After the game, young James popped out of the costume and we all had a laugh.

"He was St Mirren mad. That's why he dressed up for the Final and it all ended perfectly for him. I knew James because he was a good prospect who had just been signed by Clydebank, a club that had a habit of picking up talent from our doorstep.

"I'm quite sure he'll regard it as a lucky omen that Gretna have the same black and white colours as St Mirren."

Jimmy Bone, Smith's right-hand man back then, said: "James became a Saints fan through his older brother who ran a supporters' bus from a pub near Love Street. I'll never forget the smile on his face when he took the panda's hat off to join in the celebrations.

"We first learned of him through his displays for his junior club Arthurlie.

"We followed his progress and had a couple of opportunities to sign him but eventually he joined Clydebank.

"He's carved out a good career and deserves it because he's a fitness fanatic and a teetotaller.

"If Gretna win the Cup it will easily top everything he's achieved before."

Taken from the Daily Record