BATTLE TO BE SAINTS NO.1 Mannus extends stay but others are told they can leave
Mannus (left) and Clark are both signed up for next season The battle for the number one jersey at St Johnstone is again going to be keenly contested next season.
Northern Irish internationalist Alan Mannus yesterday extended his stay with the club by penning a new one year deal.
Both Mannus and Zander Clark have played a key role in helping the Perth side secure a fourth place finish in the Scottish Premiership, and European football.
Manager Tommy Wright, who has always said he has two number one keepers, told the PA: “We are delighted to get Alan signed up again for another year.
“We spoke to him a few weeks back and he made it clear he didn’t want to leave because he enjoys it here.
“He hasn’t asked for any guarantees so it will be the same next season, both keepers start on a level footing and we’ll see what happens.
“There will be a battle for the number one spot but that’s a great thing for the team.
“Whoever is playing best will be in the side, it’s as simple as that.
“Alan started the season just past but lost his place and then won it back from Zander when he got injured.
“The pair of them get on really well and they help each other, they drive the other one on.
“It’s a great thing to have because I believe we have two international keepers on the books.
“Alan has obviously played for Northern Ireland and is in the squads, and I’ve said before that I think Zander is someone who could play for Scotland.”
Wright also confirmed that midfielder Michael Coulson and defender Keith Watson are not in the club’s plans moving forward.
Both players made the move to McDiarmid Park last year but the Perth boss said: “I have told Michael Coulson and Keith Watson they can find new clubs.
“Keith has been hampered by injury, although he’s well on the mend now.
“It’s never nice but you have to make those decisions and I think it’s in the best interests of the club and for them.
“Both players need to be playing and they have not had the amount of games they would have liked or we would have liked.
“Financially as well, I need to free up some money to help the chairman.
“It’s always a difficult thing to do but we think it’s in everyone’s interests if they move on.”
It’s been another season of success for Saints and Wright added:“I look back on the season with a lot of satisfaction.
“I’m really pleased for the players and the supporters should be pleased with what the players have achieved.
“There might be clubs with bigger supports, there might be clubs with bigger finances, but no club has a bigger heart than St Johnstone.”
Meanwhile, St Johnstone held their end of season awards night on Sunday.
Defender Joe Shaughnessy and departing midfielder Danny Swanson took home the bulk of the prizes.
Players will now be given a three week break before returning to prepare for European football.