WHEN November comes around Sandy Stewart, it seems, has plenty to remember, remember.
The latest in a long line of autumnal landmarks had the former Airdrie player and manager watching with pride during the week as the Burnley side of which he is assistant manager knocked Chelsea out of the Carling Cup in front of a stunned Stamford B
ridge crowd.
That penalty shoot-out triumph came almost two years to the day after Stewart was given a less auspicious cause to recall the 11th month of the year when he was removed as manager of his beloved Airdrie to be replaced by the present incumbent Kenny Black.
A year later, Stewart achieved the distinction of lifting the Challenge Cup trophy in his one and only game in charge of St Johnstone, an opportunity occasioned by the departure of Saints boss Owen Coyle to Burnley, where Stewart quickly followed his old pal.
The 43-year-old can also look back on two Challenge Cup winners medals garnered around this time of year during his playing days at Airdrie, so Stewart has more than a passing interest in today's events at McDiarmid Park when his old club meets Ross County in the final.
In fact, he was last night seeking a flight north in time to take his seat at the Perth venue. And, despite his dismissal from the Excelsior Stadium, Stewart will be backing the Diamonds to win the cup a record fourth time. He said: "This time of year always seems to be memorable for one reason or another and it's been no different this year.
"Winning against a side like Chelsea was an unbelievable experience for everyone concerned with Burnley. Even Premiership teams dream of going to Stamford Bridge and winning so for a Championship team to do it was brilliant. Phil Scolari and Ray Wilkins were both very complimentary after the game and admired the way we'd tried to attack whenever possible."
Burnley were back in London's West End yesterday for a league encounter with QPR, but afterwards Stewart made a beeline for the airport. He said: "I've had a lot of good times in November but this one would be the best ever if Airdrie go on and lift the Challenge Cup and I want to be there to see it. I still have lots of feelings for the club and will be delighted if they come out on top.
"I know a lot of the players and Kenny (Black] was my assistant. He sent me a text after the Chelsea game and I've sent one back wishing him all the best for the Ross County game. I'd love to see him and the Airdrie lads get their hands on the trophy."
Maybe not as much as he relished the experience a year ago when Stewart's St Johnstone fashioned a 3-2 victory over Dunfermline at Dens Park just five days after Coyle had vacated the hot seat.
He said: "There's not many managers have won a trophy in their only game in charge of a team, but I must thank Owen for that one. He left me with a good team and it was just a matter of getting them out on the park to do the business.
"Although I'd been lucky enough to win the Challenge Cup twice as a player, doing it as a manager was special."
Airdrie start slight underdogs with the bookies and that will suit a side who have traditionally been at their best when the chips are down. Black, who has no injury worries, said: "The Challenge Cup is special for teams in the lower leagues because everyone feels they have a chance. We are just one game away from lifting a piece of silverware so we are in with a shout."
Another chapter of November nostalgia may be about to be written for Stewart.
The full article contains 650 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
