Wright wins with Whites’ well-wishes

That’s because it was former Distillery manager Tommy Wright who led the Perth club to victory, only his second trophy as a manager, adding to the 2011 CIS Cup win with the Whites.

After Saturday’s historic win, he told the ‘STAR’ that he knew the thoughts of his former Distillery colleagues were with him.

“A lot of people from back at home and from Distillery sent me messages,” he said. “People like Terry Thompson, Colin Hopkins and others contacted me and I very much appreciated that. The Grosvenor Whites Supporters Club were even over for the semi-final but unfortunately I didn’t get to meet up with them as our hotel was outside Glasgow.”

Wright took over at St Johnstone last summer after stepping up from the Assistant Manager post when Steve Lomas left to take over at Millwall.

It was a debut season that begun and ended with historic events as Tommy led the Saints past Rosenborg in the Europa League second round last summer before ending with the win at Ibrox.

Wright says Saturday’s Scottish Cup win with St Johnstone was the highlight of his career so far.

However, he also took time to reminisce about his two years in charge of the Whites.

“Without a doubt Saturday was the highlight but I’ve had a few of those.

“I was very proud of the job we did at Distillery when the club was in financial difficulties. Winning a Cup in the middle of that was brilliant and we had the great escape from relegation as well. That was very important to me but coming to Scotland and being involved in the success we’ve had in recent years and then becoming manager and winning the Cup is an honour.

“Distillery are a special club. I know they’re in the First Division but I’m glad to see that they are in a better place financially now.

“I still look out for their results along with Limavady and Ballymena. When you’ve been at a club, you have a bond with them but Distillery was very special because of the circumstances we found ourselves in shortly after taking over.”

Wright’s St Johnstone are infamous for a less than plentiful support but he says Saturday’s Cup victory has spread Cup fever throughout Perth.

He said: “The place is buzzing. “We had a parade on Sunday and went through some estate with lots of people. We thought there wouldn’t be that many when we got to the town centre but I don’t think they could have fitted any more people in.

“It was an incredible experience. We don’t get the biggest support but the Cup run has really captured the imagination of everybody.

“It was really special for us, going to the Cup final and winning it. To be the first group to win it was extra special for the players but it’s no more than what they deserve. They’ve been magnificent since we won the games in Europe at the start of the season.

“I’m proud of it but it’s not just about me.

“It’s about everybody that has contributed to it, all of my staff who have all worked really well together and the chairman and directors and everyone who has put in a lot of time and money to the club.”

Wright left Distillery in November 2011 to join Steve Lomas at St Johnstone and he doesn’t look like ending his stay at the club anytime soon.

He said: “I have another year to run on my contract so it’s up for review now.

“We’re just starting to talk about extending it and I can’t see any problems. I’m happy here and the chairman’s happy.”

After Saturday’s Cup victory, Distillery tweeted: “LDFC extend congratulations to former manager Tommy Wright on guiding St.Johnstone to Scottish Cup success.”