Stand up for the Champions!

First Published May 2004

Pitch invasion
The fans invade the pitch after the final whistle.

On a day that made grown men cry – for all the right reasons – Caley Thistle made history by winning the First Division championship, less than ten years after the club was formed.

After beating Clyde at Broadwood the previous week to gain top spot in the league, a win was needed against St. Johnstone to secure the title and the possibily of promotion, something that we could only dream about at the beginning of the season. And didn't they go and do it!!!

On a beautiful sunny afternoon at Caledonian Stadium, Caley Thistle held their nerve to beat St. Johnstone, pipping Clyde to the championship by 1 point! At one point during the league campaign, Clyde had held a 9-point lead over us at the top of the table, and the fact that we were able to claw our way back and win the league speaks volumes about the bravery and commitment of our players.

It was tense afternoon, especially once we heard that Clyde had taken the lead at Brechin within two minutes of kick-off. The lads started well and fired a barrage of shots at the Saints goal, all of which were dealt with by Craig Nelson. As time went on and no goal materialised the tension grew until midway through the half when David Bingham opened the scoring with an overhead kick that Nelson could only help into the net. We came close several times after this, but were gutted when Keigan Parker equalised from all of 20 yards with a lob that was too much for Mark Brown. There was further disappointment when Barry Wilson looked to have put us in front again, only for the stand-side linesman to put his flag up.

Half-time came, and the mood amongst the fans has been described as "sombre". However, in the second half our brave boys came out and finished off the job. If they were feeling as tense as the fans then they didn't show it!

Pressure on the Saints goal paid off when Nelson upended Bary Wilson for a penalty. Nelson was also very lucky not to have been sent off for the challenge, which got nowhere near the ball. The epitome of coolness, Barry stepped up to take the kick and slotted it home as Nelson dived the wrong way. The roar from the fans could probably have been heard in Dingwall...

Paul Ritchie settled any remaining nerves a few minutes later, when he headed home goal number three. By this time the fans on the terraces were singing "Championees!" and the party was ready to start.

The tension rose again as the match drew to a close, and although St. Johnstone didn't really look like scoring there were plenty of calls for ref Kenny Clark to blow his whistle. When the whistle was finally sounded there was an erruption of emotion. Grown men cried tears of relief and joy. Wee boys danced and sang. John Robertson himself burst into tears. And of course there was a tidal wave of fans rushing onto the park to congratulate the players and celebrate the momentous occasion, despite numerous warnings from the PA system not to!

The first Division trophy was flown in from Braemar by helicopter and its arrival at the stadium was greeted with a huge cheer, which was repeated again as Bobby Mann, then each of the rest of the team lifted it. Special loud cheers were reserved for Robbo and Parky, who have done a phenomenal job since coming to the club.

As the players paraded the trophy in a lap of honour round the pitch I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. The Fly, who was also trying to take photos at the time, couldn't help shedding some tears as the trophy was paraded and Graeme was making himself hoarse with cheering.

What a great day, what an incredible achievement!

When Caley Thistle were elected into the Scottish League ten years ago, some scoffed at the idea that a football team from the Highlands could ever be successful. They can eat their words now, as Caley Thistle have made history with this and their many other achievements. This year the club has come of age and has proved that everyone who put faith in it was right. This triumph is a tribute to them. It is a tribute to our players, who have been wonderful all season. And it is a tribute to our management team, who have done more than we would ever have dared to ask of them.

Now we have the chance to play in the Ess Pee Ell. Whether we will or not is as yet undecided. But whatever happens, we are FIRST DIVISION CHAMPIONS 2004 and nobody can ever take this brilliant achievement away from us!

Barry Wilson puts the penalty in the back of the net to give us a 2-1 lead.