One of Perth’s most prominent businessmen has used his own honorary civic reception to criticise the local authority.
Former St Johnstone chairman Geoff Brown slammed Perth and Kinross Council for failing to support the club over the years, despite it being a major employer in the area.
Taking to the floor after Provost John Hulbert thanked him for his “tremendous” commitment to his hometown, Mr Brown questioned why it had taken 25 years for any real recognition.
He called for greater collaboration between the two, explaining that his “biggest regret” was failing to secure a positive working relationship with the council.
The provost noted that the team’s prominent position in the Scottish Premier League had aided Perth’s successful city status bid.
However he attracted further criticism when he wrongly described the Champions League as the “Championship League” and compared St Johnstone to Perth Racecourse.
One attendee told The Courier: “It was fairly awkward.
“The provost had been told to expect Geoff’s comments but still managed to make some glaring errors in his speech.
“Geoff made his point succinctly it wasn’t a rant but it raised a few eyebrows.
“He particularly didn’t like the comparison between McDiarmid and the racecourse. The latter employs far fewer staff.”‘Unfortunate situation’Mr Brown, who stepped down last year, turned the club’s fortunes around on taking over the reins in 1986 and was instrumental in the building of McDiarmid Park the first purpose-built all-seater stadium in the UK.
Dr Hulbert was unavailable for comment but council leader Ian Miller rebutted the claims.
Mr Miller, a St Johnstone fan, said he was disappointed that Mr Brown felt in such a way and said any “perceived” lack of support had been “unintentional”.
He said: “I totally refute that we are not supportive to the club. It is a very important part of our community,” he added.
“The success of St Johnstone was a very significant element in the bid for city status to have a top-performing team is a huge plus for any city.
“I think this is an unfortunate situation that has come about due to a perceived lack of support, which is tied up with a number of other issues.”‘No ill feeling’He added: “On a personal level I have a huge respect for Geoff. He did an amazing job bringing the club up from the lower leagues and keeping it going strong over the years.
“And the fact he was given this recognition on Friday night proves that many others also hold him in high regard.”
On a suggestion no elected members took an interest in the sport, Mr Miller said: “I’m a big Saints fan and though I can’t attend regularly any more, I always look for the score.
“It is important to note that there is no ill feeling following Geoff’s speech.
“He is more than entitled to his opinion and we have taken his points on board.
“I hope the newly elected council continued to work with the club in the future.”
Concluding his keynote address, Dr Hulbert said: “Geoff, on behalf of the whole council, and indeed of all of Perth, I wish you well in your retirement.
“Furthermore, I want to toast the future of St Johnstone Football Club as it embarks on a new era, hopefully a new golden period of success, which will bring credit on the city of Perth.”