TEAM SPIRIT IS KEY TO SEASON
Veteran Craig says togetherness is crucial
Liam Craig reckons St Johnstone’s pre-season trip provides the perfect platform to build team togetherness ahead of a long season.
The Perth side jetted over to Belfast on Sunday for a week-long training camp which has already included a 1-1 draw with Glentoran.
Saints are now shaping up for their second friendly of the trip, with Linfield the hosts on Saturday afternoon at Windsor Park.
Experienced midfielder Craig has been put through his pre-season paces more than most and looks forward to spending time away with his team-mates.
“I think this is my 17th pre-season and I’m not getting any younger,” Craig said. “It has changed a lot since my first one at Ipswich.
“Boys look after themselves a lot more in the summer. As I’ve got older, I’ve started to do that.
“Pre-season is always difficult and it tests you mentally and physically. But it’s great to get back in.
“Five weeks is plenty of time for us to recover and look forward to what is going to be another tough season. The boys are excited to be back in.
“We have quite a young squad, the fixtures are out and we have the week in Belfast. It’s good to get away for building togetherness and spirit, particularly for the new boys coming in.
“Every season I’ve been here the togetherness and spirit within the team goes a long way to having a successful year.”
Hard work in pre-season last year paid off for Saints, Craig believes.
“You know the first couple of weeks, especially, are going to be difficult,” he explained to the Perthshire Advertiser.
“But the way we finished last season just shows how important pre-season is. The work at this time gives you a good foundation.
“We’ve proved over the course of the last few years that we’re capable Craig was involved against Glentoran on Wednesday and is looking forward to the season ahead
of competing in this league. We were disappointed to lose a couple of big characters at the end of last season.
“But still you walk into the dressing room and there is a lot of experience and ability.”
Craig has plans to move into the coaching world after using the break to complete his UEFA A licence. But he returned ready to continue playing his part on the pitch.
The 32-year-old made more than 40 appearances last season as well as helping out Alan Maybury with the club’s reserve team. He wants to continue building on his coaching experience but feels there is still plenty left in the legs.
“That’s me passed my A licence now so I’m delighted with that,” Craig told the PA. “It’s been a really productive summer for me.
“Working with Alistair Stevenson and the academy, then stepping up and helping Alan Maybury with the reserves, has been invaluable.
“While I want to play as long as I can, I think I’m in the right place to learn off the management team.
“I have good people around me to help develop my coaching and I’ve been given the opportunity within the club.
“Hopefully this coming season will be the same while still playing an important part on the field.
“You want to play every week but you are never sure how much you will play.
“When I went into the central role last season, it coincided with us having a good run. I was enjoying football and that is the most important thing. I played a lot of games and have looked after myself over the summer.
“I’ll use my experience to try and help the younger players whether I’m playing or not. I give back as much as I can.”
*Saints’ Premiership match at home to Livingston on Saturday, August 10 will now kick off at 2pm. This is to avoid a clash with a major cycle event which is due to pass the stadium between 2.30 and 3pm that day.