Contract talks ‘on hold at the minute’ says St Johnstone manager

ST JOHNSTONE have put on hold talks over new contracts and new signings as coronavirus uncertainty grips Scottish football.

Perth boss Tommy Wright pointed out that the club doesn’t have any other option, with no end to the lockdown in sight.

However, he is confident that when he does get the green light, Saints will be ready to move to secure current players on extended deals and recruit transfer targets.

“The club are aware of the players we would like to keep,” said Wright.

“Players and agents will probably have to understand that there is so much uncertainty to be sorted out with this season.

“We don’t know t he financial i mpact of this season. Clubs, in general, might need to reassess their budgets for next season.

“I think t here is an understanding within the game that everything is on hold at the minute. But it doesn’t change my opinion in terms of the players we want and who we are targeting.

“I’m sure we’ll be given the go ahead to make offers and get the players that we want.”

Meanwhile, Saints are kings of consistency in the Scottish Premiership, a new study has revealed.

The Perth men boast the lowest squad turnover of any top-flight club, fielding just 67 different players since January 2015.

Only Celtic and Aberdeen (77) come close to matching Wright’s side according to the new study by the CIES Football Observatory in Switzerland, which has analysed domestic matches until December 31 2019.

St Mirren have t he highest turnover i n the top-flight with 117 players used.

Hearts (109) and Rangers (108) make up the top three.

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright.