A Perth teen says leading his school to a historic football success helped him bag a job at a real estate firm.
Jack Milne, 19, captained Perth High School to only their second-ever Senior Boys Shield in May last year.
The Fair City side beat Holyrood Secondary School on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Hampden Park.
Jack had the option to attend university full-time but opted for an apprenticeship with Savills, where he has worked in Perth as a renewable energy surveyor since August 2023.
Hampden win ‘great to put on CV’
The former Oakbank Primary School pupil says victory on the football pitch played a pivotal role in the successful start to his working career.
“It definitely helped my confidence and to get the job,” Jack said.
“Being the captain and having the run to Hampden was quite something to put on your CV.
“Not a lot of people get to do it so it does stand out.
“It requires leadership and confidence, which you use in the world of work.”
Jack Milne spoke about senior shield run in Savills interview
Even more tangible is that Jack utilised his footballing exploits in the interview for the Savills job.
“As part of the process we had to do a five-minute talk on an achievement we were proud of,” he recalled.
“I had one ready-made.
“At that point we had won the semi-finals so I was able to talk for five minutes on our cup run so far and how we were going to play at Hampden.
“It was a good talking point to have.”
Jack’s four-year apprenticeship includes studying for a degree at Edinburgh Napier University, so he will not miss out on higher education.
“My job is to appraise, survey and find sites for renewable energy projects,” he said.
“It has been really interesting to learn everything about that.”
Memories of Perth High School success
Jack has played football for Letham, Scone and Bridge of Earn.
The midfielder/centre-back has so far been unable to play for his new side, Jeanfield Swifts, after suffering a ligament injury in his right ankle in August.
But nothing can take away the unforgettable memories of Perth High’s historic shield run last year.
These include the fifth round at Bishopbriggs where, without a coach, the boys had to problem-solve after the dismissal of Connell Clarke. Perth won 3-1.
And there is also the sound of music. Whenever Jack hears Jenna by Dylan John Thomas he is reminded of the team’s celebration song that was blasted out after all of Perth High’s shield games.
Surely the greatest recollection, though, will be the moment Connor Scott fired home the decisive spot-kick at Hampden Park to spark delirious celebrations from the travelling Perth contingent.
Perth were unblemished in the shootout, scoring all five of their kicks as they ran out 5-4 winners.
“As a team I don’t think we have ever lost a penalty shootout,” Jack said.
“Maybe it came from us being underdogs.
“Throughout the rounds we had confidence because no one really believed in us.
“There was no expectation on us.”
School coach says historic shield victory remains ‘source of pride’
It is not just the players who have basked in the glow of Perth High’s shield success.
School PE teacher and team coach Ross Robinson says the historic victory remains a “real source of pride”.
“It was such a huge thing for the city of Perth – even six months on it’s something I find myself talking about all the time,” he added.
“I can’t believe how often I’ll mention to somebody that I work at Perth High and the first thing they say is something about the football success.
“It has definitely had a positive impact on my life, so I can only imagine the confidence boost it has given our players who left school and went out into the world as Scottish champions.
“A lot of them have been making the effort to keep in touch, attending our games this year to support the boys and to keep me updated on their football and career progression.
“It’s great to hear that they are out in the world being successful.”
Conversation