Eddie Thompson once memorably argued that supporters are the glue that holds football together.
In a brilliant acknowledgment of the importance to the game of the men, women and children in the stands, the late Dundee United chairman declared: “You can change your wife, your house, your car, but you can never change your team. Chairmen come and go, boards come and go but the fans remain. They are the one true constant.”
Eddie knew what he was talking about because he always regarded himself as a United fan first and owner of the club second.
While managers and players arrive and depart, those who buy season tickets or pay at the gate usually remain committed to the cause regardless.
There are, however, a merry band of people inside clubs who can also claim to be true constants.
I speak of the unsung heroes, the employees you meet who make you wonder: “What would that place be like without them?”
Football in Courier country is well blessed with such characters.
For example, there is club secretary Laura Hayes at Dundee, a woman who has seen it all at Dens Park.
She is woven into the fabric of the place and boasts a forensic knowledge of all things dark blue.
Across the road at United there is Spence Anderson, the company secretary.
He is, as the Americans would say, the go-to guy for so much at Tannadice.
This is his 23rd year with the Tangerines and he also has the honour of being an associate director.
St Johnstone have their own version in the form of Paul Smith.
This is the man who went well above and beyond the call of duty to sort out the visa chaos that befell the club when they were paired with FC Minsk of Belarus in the Europa League, working all the hours.
He has also been the club’s programme editor, club shop manager, archivist, conference and events organiser, and commercial manager. Phew.
Others worth a mention are John Christison (Arbroath), David McGregor (Forfar) and Bob Mullen (now retired from Raith Rovers). The list could be longer.
None of these people would ever dream of singing their own praises and would probably cringe at the thought of being mentioned here. They would also be quick to point out the input of others and that’s fair enough. However, surely there is no harm in shining just a little light on those who do more than just their jobs when they walk through the front door.