Coyle says his side deserve something to show for their efforts

He said:"Football is played over 90 minutes and I applaud Gretna for scoring late in the game, cruel as it was to us.

"But that's football with its highs and lows.

"I realise the word 'proud' is often over-used but tonight I have nothing but pride in this squad's achievements.

Interview: St Johnstone manager Owen Coyle

Despite winning their own game 4-3 at Hamilton, Saints were denied promotion to the SPL when James Grady scored an injury-time winner against Ross County to hand Gretna the First Division title by a single point.

Coyle continued: "It was a big ask to begin with - Hamilton had only lost one game all season and we came here and scored four goals.

"Some of the players were a bit nervy in the second half.

"When our game finished there were still five minutes to play at Dingwall and we were aware the score was still 2-2.

"It was a very anxious wait in the dressing room, then came that sinking feeling."

In a season of near misses, St Johnstone also reached the semi-finals of the CIS and Scottish Cups only to fall at the penultimate hurdle on both occasions."

And Coyle concluded: "The players deserve something tangible for their efforts."