Perthshire Advertiser

Millar hails coaching roles

- Matthew Gallagher

Millar likes the look of the Saints coaching staff for the 2018/19 season Testimonia­l man Chris Millar reckons St Johnstone have made the correct decision with their new coaching appointmen­ts for the 2018/19 Premiershi­p season.

Alex Cleland has been promoted to assistant manager following the departure of Callum Davidson to English Championsh­ip side Stoke City.

Filling Cleland’s position is Alan Maybury, who has been tasked with coaching the younger profession­als at the club as well as being involved with the first team.

Millar, who signed for Morton in June, thinks the coaching set-up at the Perth club is a strong one.

“From the outside looking in, I think Eck following on from Callum and stepping up was the natural progressio­n for the club,” he said.

“It was Derek McInnes who first brought him in so he knows the place inside out. The players all respect him and he is a fantastic coach.

“Supporters might not be aware of it but Eck has also been around the first team as well as the U18s and U20s.

“He has been a key part of the first team staff. On game days he was always there and sometimes he took training alongside Callum and the gaffer.

“It is a great move for Callum but the timing of his departure meant it was important to get the position filled quickly. I did wonder if it might impact on their pre-season preparatio­ns but promoting Eck ticks all the boxes for me.

“The transition will be nice and smooth, with the new season coming up fast. It’s also a good move bringing in Maybs.

“Eck has helped develop younger players like Chris Kane, Jason Kerr and Liam Gordon. And he will be able to provide Maybs with all the info he needs.

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