Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Raymond happy for Ando to stay
RAYMOND Stewart most cer tainly believes in continuity.
The former Dundee United, West Ham United, St Johnstone and Scotland defender spent 12 years with the Hammers.
And he’s delighted to see Steven Anderson signing on for two more years at St Johnstone.
That will take Ando up to an astonishing 16 years with the club he joined after being let go by Dundee United.
“I believe in continuity,” said Raymond.
“It’s great for the player himself and, for players coming into a club, it’s nice for them to have someone around them who has been at the club for a long time.
“Having somebody like that who knows the place, knows how it works, can be a big help to other players who have come into the surroundings.
“I like Ando. He’s a good, stalwart defender.
“He encourages young players and helps them to develop. He’s a good player, a good leader – and a good servant.”
Steven scored Saints’ first goal i n their 2-0 Scottish Cup Final win over Dundee United at Celtic Park in 2014.
And, since arriving at the club, he has not only won the Scottish Cup but also the Challenge Cup and Scottish First Division.
He i s one of several Saints players to have been given a testimonial.
Keeper Mark Hurst has signed a one-year extension but another goalie, Ben McKenzie, has been released.