Paul Lambert believes St Mirren must grab their chance of European football next season - because he fears they might not get a better one.
Having already secured a previously elusive top-six spot, the Buddies now have five games this month to try and battle their way back to the continent.
The Saints haven’t competed in Europe since 1987, when Lambert lined up against Belgian side Mechelen in the second round of the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
The former St Mirren star feels there’s no time like the present for them to secure a European spot, as he expects usual suspects Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs to all be more consistent next season.
Speaking exclusively to the Paisley Daily Express, Lambert said: “It shows how hard it is to get into Europe for a team like St Mirren, when you look at how long it’s been since they have.
“We were always in that bracket in the 80s, in the top-six and pushing for a place in the UEFA Cup.
“It also shows how good that team really was. We had so many top, top players and that’s what you need to be successful over the course of a season.
“It would be great for the club to get back there now, for the fans especially as well. This is a hell of a chance for them this season. It’s a massive chance and it’s the best they’ve had for a long, long time.
“They won’t get a better chance because you would expect Hibs and Hearts to be stronger next season. They’ve been inconsistent but with the resources they’ve got they should be stronger next year. Aberdeen have also turned the corner as well after a difficult season.
“That’s why they need to grab this opportunity and Stephen Robinson has a history of getting it done before with Motherwell.
“Hopefully he can manage this Saints team to the same success.”
Former Celtic and Borussia Dortmund legend Lambert knows all about shining on the European stage, having famously lifted the Champions League title with the German giants in 1997.
His first experiences in Europe were with the Buddies, which included flying out to take on Tromso and Mechelen on charter flights packed with St Mirren fans.
Now 53, Lambert would love to see his first employer bring those special midweek trips back to the Paisley club’s supporters once again.
Lambert said: “It would be great for Paisley, to get these European teams coming back to the town again.
“European football just gives the fans something different. The evening games and the foreign opposition, it all adds a lot of excitement.
“The fans would get to go abroad as well with the team. It was the norm then that fans would travel with us on the plane. There was never any trouble and the atmosphere was always terrific.
“It’s either sink or swim in Europe and it’s such a memorable time for everyone involved.
“St Mirren have made their ground a tough place to come for opposition teams again, just as our team did back then.
“Love Street was always a very difficult place for teams to get a result. I loved it and I’m still sad it’s not there anymore.
“You need to be strong at home and that could be crucial for St Mirren now in these last five games.”
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