A part-timer at Kilmarnock, centre-half Ken Armstrong was recommended to Lawrie McMenemy by his manager Jim Clunie who was at McMenemy’s side when the Cup was lifted in 1976.

Lawrie described his acquisition as “an outstanding prospect”

with the fee reported to be as little as £25,000, although Kilmarnock claimed it to be nearer £60,000. Whatever, it was value for money because Ken settled into an immediate defensive partnership with Mark Wright that conceded only two goals in the first eight games of the 1983-84 season.

Wright’s subsequent injury encouraged McMenemy’s decision to utilise the sweeper system upon his return, with Reuben Agboola given the role, which meant no place for Ken and he went on loan. After his return he featured again as Saints ended up 2^nd in the old First Division, but his manager was not convinced and sold him on at a tidy profit to Birmingham. He then signed for Walsall, but a broken ankle finished his playing career before he could kick a ball for the Saddlers. In recent years was Operations Director of Tayside NHS while living in West Lothian, but after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he sadly passed away in July 2022, aged 63.