Steven MacLean described Murray Davidson as a “warrior” as the veteran midfielder gets set to say his goodbyes to St Johnstone.
Reports claim the 35-year-old, currently injured, has decided to call time on his career at the end of the season.
Davidson, who earned himself a testimonial at the Perth club, was signed in the summer of 2009 from Livingston along with Dave Mackay, and has since become a fan favourite.
Injury deprived him of a Scottish Cup winners’ medal in 2014 but he was part of the St Johnstone team who won the trophy in 2021.
Ahead of the final cinch Premiership game of the season on Sunday, when Livingston visit McDiarmid Park, interim boss MacLean was asked about Davidson’s impact at the club.
He said: “Where do I start? Him and Dave Mackay got brought into the club on a double deal and it is probably the best bit of business the club have ever done.
“He has been my team-mate, I have coached him – unfortunately I have not managed him yet, that would have been tough I suppose – but what a guy.
“The best word I could use to describe Murray is that he’s a warrior.
“He has been a warrior for this football club and a great servant to it.
“He will be missed, as a friend as well. Yes, it will be emotional on Sunday for him and everyone at the club.”
MacLean took over from Callum Davidson in April and ensured Saints’ Premiership status with a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, following it up with a 3-3 draw at Ross County on Wednesday night.
Reports claim he is to be offered the manager’s job but the former St Johnstone striker said: “It is the same situation. I am just looking forward to Livingston.
“There has been no talks this week contrary to reports.
“The chairman and I said we would sit down and speak after the game and we will, when there is a conversation to be had, we will have that conversation.
“No change in my situation. Unfortunately I can’t give you any information. I am looking forward to Livingston and what will be will be.”
Paddy Madden hat-trick seals League Two title for Stockport
Paddy Madden’s first-half hat-trick crowned Stockport champions of League Two with a 5-2 win despite a brief second-half comeback from Notts County.
Despite Macaulay Langstaff going close for the Magpies early on, the visitors took the lead before the half-hour mark as Aden Baldwin’s slip allowed Madden to finish, grabbing his second from the penalty spot after a handball was given against Dan Crowley.
Madden went on to complete a second hat-trick in four games five minutes before the interval, his effort deflecting off Baldwin and over Luca Ashby-Hammond.
Dave Challinor’s side continued their rampant form into the second half as Antoni Sarcevic curled an effort into the bottom corner.
Langstaff sparked the home side’s revival, finishing low into the corner, and Crowley scored two minutes later with a fine finish from the edge of the box.
Louie Barry hit the post from another spot-kick awarded to the visitors after Kyle Cameron tripped Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, but Ethan Pye’s header secured Stockport their first Football League division title since 1967.
Mansfield clinch promotion with win over Accrington
Mansfield finally achieved their promotion dream as a 2-1 home win over Accrington sent them up to League One for the first time since 2002.
The Stags took a second-minute lead when George Maris received the ball back from Stephen Quinn at a short corner and launched a dangerous ball into the six-yard box which found the net off Stanley midfielder Tommy Leigh at the near post.
Hiram Boateng then forced a good save from Stanley goalkeeper Radek Vitek low to his right after Davis Keillor-Dunn had helped on a Tom Nichols pass after nine minutes.
Shaun Whalley headed Stanley’s best chance of the half straight at Christy Pym from seven yards from a 20th-minute corner in a rare raid forward.
Maris, at full stretch, was just unable to turn a low Lucas Akins cross into a gaping net at the far post after 32 minutes and Keillor-Dunn fired inches over the far angle from 20 yards on 51 minutes.
But the killer second goal came on 63 minutes to seal a decisive third win in eight days.
Keillor-Dunn found Quinn at the near post from the left and, although Vitek saved his first shot, the Irish veteran tucked away the loose ball from close range.
Five minutes from time Leigh pulled one back for Stanley as he controlled and volleyed at goal from 14 yards and the ball deflected past Pym.
Halifax and Ebbsfleet draw a blank
Play-off hopefuls Halifax were held to a goalless draw by lowly Ebbsfleet in the Vanarama National League.
Halifax dominated the match, which was played at Accrington’s Wham Stadium due to The Shay pitch being unplayable, but could not find a way through.
Max Wright hit the side-netting and Jamie Cooke shot narrowly wide in the first half.
After the break Ebbsfleet goalkeeper Mark Cousins made saves from Cooke and Luke Summerfield to secure a point for the visitors.
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