Buddies legend Tony Fitzpatrick insists he “always believed” St Mirren would break into the Premiership top six.
The former chief executive attracted headlines and raised eyebrows five years ago when he said Saints should be aiming for a top-six finish.
Stephen Robinson and his players defied the odds to lead the club to its highest top-flight position in 38 years.
Fans lapped up the results and performances which sealed the Buddies place at the top table alongside the Old Firm, Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibernian.
Now that his bold prediction has come true, Fitzy said he never doubted for a minute that his boyhood team would achieve this milestone.
Speaking to the Paisley Daily Express, the former Love Street favourite said: “It truly has been an incredible season for St Mirren.
“The club have been knocking on the door for the last few seasons – especially during that covid season when it was just goal difference that stopped them.
“I do think that if we had the fans in the stadium in that run then we would have got top six and, ultimately, Europe.
“But I am just so glad that Stephen has done it this year as he really has got the best out of the squad.”
The Paisley side clinched top six on the last day before the split thanks to a wee bit of help from ex-gaffer Jim Goodwin.
Despite falling to a 2-0 defeat to Kilmarnock, Saints held on after Livingston lost by the same scoreline to Dundee United, who went on to be relegated. While they didn’t manage to qualify for Europe, Fitzpatrick says that will be the next goal for the team as they look to become regulars in the top half.
And he reckons Saints should set make third place a realistic target for the future.
He added: “I feel absolutely fantastic seeing the club in the top six, and for the players, as they deserve it.
“Back when I was at the club, we had a seven-year plan and getting top six was one of them — now the next goal will be to get Europe and then push up higher in the table.
“I do truly believe that we can finish higher up in the future and we could maybe get third. But if it wasn’t for the backing of the fans then we don’t compete at our best.
“They kept us going through the dark times so it is them who are the ones that deserve it the most.”
Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
