A Scots expat has penned a ballad for fans of St Johnstone FC — and hopes it will become a regular fixture in the terraces of McDiarmid Park.
Highlander Neil Grant made the track from scratch for the Perth side following the success of a song he made especially for Ross County in 2015.
The Gothenburg-based musician is primarily a drummer but sings, plays the bagpipes and takes on both rhythm and bass guitar duties on the St Johnstone FC anthem.
The 40-year-old, a former member of Scots heavy metal group Raar, said he hopes it will echo throughout the Saints’ homeground at matches much like its successful Ross County counterpart.
Mr Grant, originally from Culbokie in the Black Isle, said: “I am actually a Hearts fan — that is my first team but I was brought up in the Highlands. I have kind of got a soft spot for St Johnstone. They are often quite underestimated but have got a great manager.
“It starts off just me and my phone. I start off by singing the melodies into my phone and trying to have that football chant mentality, just getting a tribal rhythm of sorts. Then I go out to my home studio in the garage.
“I have been playing music for a good 20 years, mainly heavy metal style, but I though I’d try and combine my love of Scottish football with music.
“It is a fine challenge. It is a different musical style. You have got to think about the listener. I have really got to think of something catchy.”
Mr Grant works as a regulations affairs manager for a Gothenburg science firm but said music has always been his passion.
He said he had to research St Johnstone’s heritage before putting pen to paper for the song’s lyrics.
“I researched the club itself and its history. Not only that, I looked at Perth’s history as well,” he added.
“I don’t find it difficult. In a strange kind of way I can feel love for just about every Scottish club. I don’t think it is difficult to put yourself into the mind frame of a fan.
“The realistic goal is to be similar to what’s happened at Ross County — they play the song at every home match or at half-time.
“Just to be a regular feature during match day, that is the realistic goal.
“After a year or two fans will have heard it so much they might end up occasionally singing.”
Mr Grant is now working on two other football ballads: one for Hamilton Accies and another for Cowdenbeath FC.
A St Johnstone FC spokesman said they had been made aware of the song and are in contact with Mr Grant.
