TOP SIX IS THE PERFECT FITZ

Tony has last laugh as bold claim comes true

- BEN RAMAGE

TONY FITZPATRICK is used to dealing with detractors.

For years the St Mirren legend has stayed positive while his beloved Buddies faced challenges on and off the park, particularly in the last decade.

The former captain, manager and chief executive was openly ridiculed by large sections of the football fraternity when he stated Saints should and would be a top-six side, especially when they were struggling at the lower end of the Championship.

But the Buddies hero had the last laugh five days ago when the club secured their first top-half finish since the split was brought in at the turn of the century.

In fact, it secures their best league finish since 1985.

And after finally breaking their duck, Fitzpatrick firmly believes St Mirren's history-makers can now make top-six finishes a regular occurrence after clearing the mental hurdle in their way.