I enjoyed the celebrations but it's still important to reflect on what you have achieved

Lasley relief as toughest year brings Buds reward

- BY SCOTT MCDERMOTT

EVERYWHERE else in the ground, it was chaotic.

Inside, St Mirren's players and coaching staff celebrated wildly. The music was blaring and beers were flowing.

Outside, fans stayed for as long as they could, chanting for another glimpse of their top-six heroes.

But deep in the bowels of the SMISA Stadium, Keith Lasley sat quietly in his office just taking it all in.

With his family beside him, he took a moment to soak it all up.

And reflect on what he and the Paisley club had accomplished by finishing in the Premiership's top half for the third year in a row.

Later on, he partied like the rest of them.

Anyone familiar with Lasley will know he wasn't going to let that chance pass him by.

But after a remarkable campaign that involved European football and having to sack THREE first-team players, it was important that after the 3-2 win over Ross County he took a deep breath and evaluated the achievement.

When asked how the CEO celebrates something like that, Lasley told MailSport: "The CEO has a lie down in a dark room, that's what the CEO does.

"In all seriousness, when we scored that third goal the feeling in the stadium, to do it on our own terms it was something else.

"And seeing the stadium full and jumping like that is what gives me satisfaction.

"When you've worked hard at something, you do it for moments like that at the end.

"Did I join in with the celebrations? Oh aye, I joined in. I like to join in.

"But then there was a lull. In the moment you obviously celebrate like mad.

"Probably for an hour you go to see the manager, the staff, the board everyone connected to the club.