A St Johnstone fanatic enjoyed a double celebration when he became a father for the first time just hours after his idols lifted the Betfred Cup.
Gary Mitchell had watched the game with partner Louise Graham well aware that she could give birth at any minute.
He breathed a sigh of relief when the final passed without their daughter putting in an appearance.
But later that night, Louise went into labour and gave birth to Charlotte ‘Lottie’ May Mitchell shortly after 6am on Monday, March 1.
“It was obviously all the excitement of the game,” Gary told the Perthshire Advertiser.
“We had a Zoom call with some of my family and friends during the game, which was just brilliant.
“We had a wee celebratory, non-alcoholic beer and Louise took it easy and rested up.
“She went into labour at about 2am and Lottie was born at 6.16am.”
Gary (34), a mechanical fitter, is originally from Perth while 35-year-old chartered accountant Louise is from Fife originally.
The pair now stay in Edinburgh but Gary remains a massive Saints fan.
And although Louise - whose dad used to play for Raith Rovers - shot down his idea to name Lottie after a Saints legend, there is a lucky connection.
“After the game I said if we had a boy, we’d call him Shaun Rooney... and if it was a girl, we’d call her Shaun Rooney,” he laughed.
“May is actually a family name on Louise’s side so that works for Stevie May as well. We can say it’s for both reasons.
“Louise isn’t a football fan but she was saying on Sunday she had never been so excited for a football game.
“She got really into it.”
After an incredible 24 hours, Gary reckons it was two joyous events he will never forget.
“It was just such a great weekend. I never expected her to make an appearance. One day we win a League Cup and the next I get a baby.
“I’ll get away with saying the League Cup was the highlight of the weekend, because technically Lottie was born in a new week,” he joked.
