Season 1980-81

1980-81 started with the Drybrough Cup and after defeating Falkirk and Ayr United, Saints met Aberdeen in the final at Hampden. Unfortunately the Dons ran out 2-1 winners.

On the back of the great season the year before, Saints were to compete in European competition for the first time during season 1980-81, winning their first match 2-1 against Elfsborg in Sweden. The return leg saw a dour 0-0 draw at Love Street but was good enough to see Saints through.

The second round saw a head to head with the French giants St Etienne. Another 0-0 draw at Love Street was welcomed more than the Elfsborg result, but a 0-2 reverse in France ended the first venture into Europe.
November 1980 saw another change of manager when Jim Clunie was sacked following a 2-1 victory over Celtic at Parkhead, which saw full back Alex Beckett net the winner in the final minutes with a great shot from outside the box. Clunie's replacement was physiotherapist Rikki McFarlane.

League form never quite matched that of the previous season with a 4th place finish come May.