SATURDAY’S trip to Selkirk brought back some fond memories for East Kilbride manager Billy Stark.

Not only was he happy to see his side pick up all three points, but it got him reminiscing about his last visit to the town.

The Royal Burgh was where it all began for the former Celtic star, as he was handed his first St Mirren contract, by none other than Sir Alex Ferguson.

The legendary manager signed the young midfielder in July 1975 following an impressive trial against the Souters.

And he repaid Sir Alex by helping the Saints deliver a First Division title.

Stark told the Border Telegraph: “I have really special memories of Selkirk and it was great to come back.

“Not too long ago somebody sent me a photograph of the actual day when we lined up to face Selkirk and it brought it all back. That was about 41 years ago at the old Ettrick Park, so it’s a long, long time ago now!

“At that time I think Sir Alex had only been in management for two years, so it really was the embryonic stages.

“But he managed to get St Mirren back on track and obviously went on to have great success.

“That day in Selkirk was really special for me, because I didn’t think for one minute I could become a first team player and win the First Division Championship and all the rest of it.

“I actually signed my contract on the team bus on the way home. I think that tells you a bit of how things were at the time.”

And it turned out to be the beginning of a successful footballing career, which saw him play for Aberdeen, Celtic, Kilmarnock and Hamilton, before going on to manage Greenock Morton, St Johnstone, Queen’s Park, Scotland under 21s and, now, East Kilbride.

Stark’s 13-year coaching career has also seen him appointed assistant manager at Celtic, assistant manager at Albion Rovers and caretaker manager of Scotland, following the departure of Craig Levein.

The 60-year-old added: “I don’t have any complaints about my career. I was lucky.

“You can’t plan winning medals and cups, but I have been fortunate to be able to play with some good teams and some good players over the years.

“The faith that Sir Alex showed in me played a big, big part in my career.”