Fran Franczak: Community coaching, early days at Letham and family's happy tears after St Johnstone debut

Katarzyna Franczak remembers opening the car door at McDiarmid Park.

Young sons Franio and Filip were sitting in the back seat more than a little apprehensive about walking over to the entry gate of the astroturf pitch opposite the main stadium.

The family had moved to Perth from Poland 11 years ago and this was to be their first experience of Saturday morning community coaching at St Johnstone.

“My husband used to play and it was our dream to put the boys through the football,” explains mother Katarzyna.

“When we came here, it was quite difficult for us without English language.

“We remember, the first time we dropped the boys off, they were so afraid. We opened the door from the car and told them to go and train.”

After some persuasion, Franio and Filip - who were born in Limanowa but lived in Laskowa - would eventually decide to wander over with boots tied tightly to join in the fun.

As it turned out, they were naturals and their footballing ability clear for all to see in passing, tackling, shooting or whatever drill put before them.

Fast forward to present day and both are on the books of Saints. Franio - known by most as Fran - made his Premiership debut on Saturday at the age of 16 years and 38 days.

With 75 minutes on the clock, proudly perched in the stand at Easter Road were Katarzyna, father Grzegorz, siblings and friends as he entered the action against Hibs.

“He made us cry on Saturday,” Katarzyna smiled. “It was amazing for our family.

“We did not know if he was going on or not. It was the same with the Rangers game.

“It was an amazing time. We were so excited to see him on the pitch.

“Unfortunately the team lost but I think it was quite a good 20 minutes for him - and for us also. He was a little afraid at