ST JOHNSTONE and Partick Thistle led tributes on Thursday to Sammy Johnston, who’s died aged 58.
The former winger, older brother of ex-Scotland star Allan Johnston and uncle of current squad member Max Johnston, passed away after battling a brain tumour.
Johnston was a key member of Alex Totten’s successful Saints side of 1989-90, helping them win the First Division before leaving for spells with Ayr United, Partick, Glenavon and Coleraine among others.
In a statement Saints said: “It is with a heavy heart that we record the passing of former player Sammy Johnston.
“A special talent at a hugely significant time for the club, the thoughts of everyone at McDiarmid Park are with Sammy’s family and close friends.”
Partick director Allan McGraw said: “I remember Sammy being part of the team that won us promotion in 1992 and going on to do well in The Premier League.
“We were informed a couple of weeks ago that he was ill but it is was still a shock to hear that he had passed.
“I would like to offer condolences to his family on behalf of everyone at Partick Thistle.”
Saints supporters online were also keen to reflect on a player who brought them so much joy.
One fan said: “I’ll never forget him cantering through the middle of the park with the ball seemingly glued to his foot, or when he cheerfully gave an awe struck seven-year-old me an autograph. Rest well, Sammy.”
Another added: “Was a special player for the Saints. That goal he scored at Ayr in front of the fans is etched in my memory forever.
“Through the worst period in the club’s history and then getting us out of it again.”
A third commented: “So sad. Like many on here, Sammy was a real hero to me when I first started supporting the Saints. So many memories. A true great from that era.”
Sammy’s younger brother Allan started his career with Hearts and famously scored a hat-trick at Ibrox against Rangers before moving to French club Rennes.
He then joined Sunderland the following year and won the First Division with the Black Cats in 1998-99.
He also earned 18 caps with Scotland and had various spells at other clubs, including over 100 appearances for Kilmarnock during a five-year spell at Rugby Park.
Johnston finished his career at Queen of the South where he would have a stint as boss, winning the Scottish Second Division earning him the PFA manager of the year award in 2013.
He also had spells at Kilmarnock and Dunfermline before returning to Palmerston in 2019.
His son Max currently plays for Sturm Graz and has broke into the Scotland squad, earning two caps under boss Steve Clarke.
The 21-year-old helped the Austrian club retain their Bundesliga title last season.
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