St Mirren's last match before the winter break saw Scott Tanser make his 100th appearance for the club.
The left-wing-back - who has been an ever present for Saints in the cinch Premiership this season - joined St Mirren in June 2021 following the expiry of his contract at St Johnstone and has proved to be an important part of Stephen Robinson’s side.
The 29-year-old admits it’s not been all plain sailing during his time at the Buddies, with off-field struggles as well as injury issues playing their part in a difficult year for him last season.
But self-reflection during the summer has led Scott to his happiest time in football and he’s loving being part of this Saints team.
After reaching the milestone 100th appearance, Scott told stmirren.com: “I was really proud.
100 appearances for any club is a great achievement and hopefully there will be many more. I’ll be pushing for 200 now!
"I know I made my 300th career appearance against Rangers at Ibrox in December and hopefully now I can just add more here.
"My first season was really good under Jim Goodwin and I enjoyed every minute of it. I thought I did well and settled into the club really well. I knew some players when I joined which always helps.
"I then had troubles with injuries and some troubles off the pitch as well so last season wasn’t a really good season for me personally.
I took the whole summer to reflect on that season, put all the mental stuff behind me and I’ve not looked back.
"This season has been great for me. Sometimes you need to take yourself away from the football side of things. Your health is more important than anything and that is what I got to learn."
Happiness away from football has helped translate on the pitch with Scott believing he is playing his best football of his career.
"Football was always the main thing in my life but now for me it’s family first and you need time for yourself to reflect and be happy.
I had real struggles and I wasn’t enjoying it last season but as soon as I came back in the summer I was as happy as I’ve ever been.
"I’m happier away from the pitch now and I’m happier coming in to training. I can’t wait to come in every day and see the lads. We have a great group of people in and around the club. Not just the players and coaching staff but everyone at the club. That goes for people like Mags who works at the training ground. Everyone is together and everyone is included."
It’s the best changing room I’ve been in. I’ve been in some changing rooms where there are divides and some groups that form here and there, but there’s nothing like that here. When a new player comes in they are made to feel welcome because everyone embraces them and makes them feel comfortable.
"I felt that way when I joined also. I had been at St Johnstone for four or five years and felt comfortable there and when I left it was a new challenge. There’s always a worry about how you are going to settle in. But straight away I hit the ground running and that’s down to everyone at the club helping you doing that."
"I always said the double cup winning season at St Johnstone was my best in terms of playing, but now I feel like I’m back to the player I was when I was younger. Obviously, I’m not young now, I’m kicking on a bit!
"I’m playing with freedom, playing with confidence and that’s something I always wanted to be doing. I’m so hard on myself and I could get so deep into that. With a lot of self-reflection I feel confident and free.
The gaffer has been great with me," he continued.
"He’s given me a lot of responsibility this season being an older player and I think that’s helped as I’ve never really had that responsibility of guiding younger players. I’ve got to have a voice now and I enjoy that.
"It’s definitely brought out a more confident side of me because I was quiet. Everyone knows I’m quiet away from football and just keep myself to myself.
"On the pitch, I’ve realised you can’t be quiet and the more responsibility you have, the players respect you and the fans are great. They keep singing my song which everyone loves. It’s really nice."
'Oh Scotty Tanser runs down the wing for me' can be heard most weeks at The SMiSA Stadium and Scott admitted it's not just the Saints support who enjoy the song.
Zach [Hemming] is singing it all the time," he laughed.
"Even when fans are singing it during the games I get it in my head as well. It makes you play better. The first season I came here the fans took to me because they saw the type of player I was.
I’ve been a football fan myself and all you want is 100% from a player and if that’s what they give you then you are happy with it. That’s what I try to give every single week."
Scott was talking to stmirren.com as our winter training camp in Pinatar was reaching its end.
The week in Spain has been brilliant.
"It’s always good to get away and work hard. You also get the benefits of the better weather and it gives everyone that push to work harder.
"It’s good for everyone bonding as well even though we are a strong bunch. I really think this week has really brought everyone together."
Saints return to action on Saturday following the winter break with Queen of the South the visitors in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup.
Scott says he's keen on finishing the season strongly after a good first half of the season.
"I think we started the season really well," he said.
"Performances aren’t always going to be at a top level but it’s about how you bounce back from these games. I think to be fifth coming the halfway point at the season is great for the club.
We know as a group what we are trying to achieve, and we are on track to do that.
"I just want to keep playing the best that I can and pitch in with a few goals and assists to help the team."
