St Mirren’s last League Cup final hero Isma Goncalves reveals Jim Goodwin’s crucial role in 2013 triumph

When Isma Goncalves arrived at St Mirren in 2013, Jim Goodwin was the club captain.

After one training session, he knew he was looking at a future manager of the club.

The 29-year-old Guinea-Bissau striker was immediately impressed with Goodwin, and they both helped the Buddies win the League Cup that season.

Goncalves himself made an instant impact in Paisley, scoring in the semi-final win over Celtic – the first time in three years they had hit the net against the Hoops.

He netted again against Hearts as the Buddies took the silverware back to Paisley for the first time in the club’s history, only the fourth trophy to enter the cabinet in 143 years.

After their dramatic win over Rangers in the Betfred Cup in midweek, Goodwin is on course to add to that, with Livingston to be negotiated for a place in the Final against either Hibs or St Johnstone.

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Now playing for Chennaiyin in India, Goncalves keeps an eye on the Saints and Goodwin’s progress.

He told The Sunday Post: “St Mirren’s results are still something I look out for, so I was delighted to see the great victory they had against Rangers on Wednesday night.

“To beat Steven Gerrard’s team was a special achievement as they had been unbeaten all season. It was a brilliant effort from the St Mirren players.

“I was delighted for Jim. To see him doing so well does not surprise me.

“When I joined St Mirren seven years ago, Jim took me aside and told me what was expected of me.

“He was the captain, and he wanted to let me know what playing for St Mirren and being in the dressing room was all about.

“He wanted to let me know about the high standards they set, and what needed to be done. It was a great education for me.

“My fitness was a little bit low when I arrived, but Jim made sure I was doing the correct work with the guys and he always encouraged me. He gave me confidence.

“He set the standard on the pitch.

“I could see after one training session that this guy was more than a captain. He was a leader, he was a manager in the making.

“He was always coaching on the pitch, and that was great for the team. He knew the game, and how to get a message across.

“So for him to have gone on and done so well after just three years or so as a manager is very good.

“He deserves huge credit, and I’m not surprised he has found his way to St Mirren in his current role.

“He will want to deliver as much success as possible.

“To keep the club in the Premiership will always be the priority, of course, but doing well in cup competitions is also a target.

“They now have a good chance to repeat the success of 2013.

“The competition looks very open, and first they have to try to defeat Livingston. That will not be easy, but it is a strong possibility.

“It would then be on to the Final, and you are only 90 minutes away from achieving something incredible.

“I wish them well – and I think they can do it.”

© SNS Group / Craig Williamson

Goncalves fondly recalls his time in Paisley, and smiled: “The night before the League Cup semi-final, coach Austin MacPhee took me to a wedding anniversary celebration for his parents. It was a nice evening.

“It wasn’t the way I expected it to be the night before a huge match, but it was better than me being alone.

“Austin took care of me, and we also spoke about the football and what we needed to do against Celtic.

“To then score against them was unbelievable. Wow, I remember it well.

“Then to beat Hearts in the Final and score again? What can I say?

“The scenes at the end with our supporters were amazing. They deserved that special day.

“People think it was a major shock that we won, but we had a really good team.

“When you think we had John McGinn, Gary Teale, Kenny MacLean, Paul McGowan and Steven Thompson, it shouldn’t have been that big a surprise.

“John is doing brilliantly well for Aston Villa in the Premier League, and Kenny is one of the best players in the Championship for Norwich City.

“They are now both starring for Scotland, and I hope Kenny recovers from his injury and gets into the Euro Finals squad.

“At St Mirren, the boys had a good grounding and a good education as footballers, and as young men.

“Manager Danny Lennon and his staff always had us prepared, and that was important.

“Our league form just wasn’t as consistent as we’d have liked.

“But nothing can take away from the Cup Final in March, 2013.

“ It was my first trophy and the memories will always be with me.

“I’d love to see the team doing it again. For sure, I will be watching on from India.”

Goncalves – who also had a spell with Hearts – is now playing for former Tynecastle gaffer, Csaba Laszlo.

He said: “I have been given an exciting opportunity to be a part of the Indian Super League.

“We have some great players and top managers out here, and the game in India is improving all the time.

“It’s about raising the standards every day, and everybody is trying their best.

“I have a little injury just now, but I will be OK in a week or two. I’m looking forward to getting started.

“Chennaiyin got to the Final last year when Owen Coyle was the manager. We are looking to achieve more success. But it takes time.

“However, anything can be achieved. We must be positive.

“I only need to look at my time at St Mirren, when we achieved success when we were the underdogs.

“Football is about dreams and chasing them to become a reality.

“Every player must do that every day of their career.”