Tifos straight from the ART

On eve of the final, dedicated North Bank group get set to unveil their most ambitious display yet for Hampden

- COLIN PATERSON

Lovingly created and forged with a strong sense of identity and belonging.

St Mirren fans nail their colours to the mast when it comes to unveiling the tifo displays which are as inspiring as they are amazing.

Josh Magennis leads the North Bank group of dedicated Buddies who bring these magnificent shows to life before games.

Thousands of pounds have been spent over the years on displays which capture the attention of punter and TV camera alike.

And tomorrow will see the latest display unveiled as the Buddies face Celtic in the final of the Premier Sports Cup at Hampden.

"There's quite a few of us in the group," dad-of-two Josh told the Express. "The North Bank group has been going for nine years now.

"The tifo culture has grown arms and legs over the last few years and a lot of clubs are starting to support it.

"For example, it used to be a hassle going to away games and just getting things into grounds - even simple banners.

"But there is a good understanding and working relationship nowadays.

"At Falkirk, they gave us permission to go into the ground an hour before everyone else to set up an away tifo. Even last season, that was simply unheard of.

Creations Josh Magennis

"When we first started off, we were pulling things off in one session at the ground for £100 or £200. People put their hands in their own pockets to get it off the ground."