10 Things about St Johnstone

William Hill Scottish Cup holders St Johnstone begin the defence of their trophy against Ross County at McDiarmid Park on Saturday.

Tommy Wright guided Saints to Scottish Cup success for the first time in their history when they beat Dundee United 2-0 at Celtic Park in May.

Here are 10 things you might, or might not, know about the Perth club:
 
1 St Johnstone are so-called as their home city of Perth was colloquially known as 'St John's Toun' in the Middle Ages. The name came about as the church at the centre of the parish was dedicated to St John the Baptist. The Lamb of God, which is a religious symbol associated with John the Baptist, remains a part of the St Johnstone club crest.
 
2 The club was formed in 1884 by members of a local cricket club, who wanted to play a sport during the winter.
 
3 St Johnstone competed as Perth St Johnstone in the 1971-72 UEFA Cup. The name change worked as the Saints defeated German giants Hamburg 4-2 on aggregate to progress to the second round. That round also brought success as Hungarian side Vasas SC were defeated 2-1 on aggregate but Zeljeznicar of Yugoslavia ended the European adventure.
 
4 Two St Johnstone bosses have gone on to become Scotland managers with great effect. Bobby Brown led the Scots to their 1967 success over world champions England at Wembley and Willie Ormond took Scotland to the World Cup Finals in 1974.
 
5 Former Chairman Geoff Brown oversaw a massive transformation in the club's fortunes during his time in charge from 1986 to 2011. The club moved from near the foot of the Scottish Football League to become a Premiership side and also moved from Muirton Park to the modern McDiarmid Park.
 
6 The last ever goal at Muirton Park was scored by John Sludden. The one-time Perth striker netted for Ayr in a 1-0 success in April 1989.
 
7 The first game at McDiarmid Park in 1989/90 was a happier affair - Saints beat Clydebank 2-1 with Harry Curran and Don McVicar scoring the first home goals.
 
8 Sandy Stewart stepped up from his assistant manager role when Owen Coyle left for Burnley in November 2007 to take the Perth men against Dunfermline in the Challenge Cup Final. The move worked as Saints won 3-2, with Stewart leaving within a few days to join Coyle in Lancashire. Derek McInnes then took over as manager at McDiarmid Park.

9 Canadian Nick Dasovic picked up the most international appearances as a St Johnstone player, earning 26 caps during his time in Perth.
 
10 The club's record appearance holder is goalkeeper Alan Main, who made nearly 400 appearances in two spells between the sticks. Main retired after a 24-year career in May 2010.

Craig Stewart