Mikey played key role

Among the other departures announced this week was Michael O’halloran.

His contribution to St Johnstone should never be understated and he, too, has every right to be regarded a club legend.

O’halloran had three separate spells at the Perth club and played his part in the 2014 Scottish Cup win as well as the 2021 League Cup and Scottish Cup double.

Davidwotherspoon and Stevie May are the only others who can boast about that triple honour.

O’halloran fell out of favour in recent times but he carved out some exceptionally memorable moments.

One particularly special performance was when he tore Rangers to shreds in a 3-1 League Cup win at Ibrox in September 2015.

He netted the third goal but was a real menace all evening.

Fast forward to August 2017 and what an individual piece of brilliance to down Kilmarnock at Rugby Park with a last-gasp mazy run to bank a 2-1 win.

There was then the opening day of the 2020/21 season - at the same venue - when O’halloran again earned Saints a late triumph.

Eetu Vertainen, David Wotherspoon, Jamie Murphy, Charlie Gilmour, Bobby Dailly, Spencer Moreland and William Sandford were all not given new contracts, while Murray Davidson is retiring. Remi Matthews, Alex Mitchell, Adam Montgomery, Zak Rudden and Connor Mclennan have all returned to their parent clubs after being on loan.

And Theo Bair, the club announced, has been made available for transfer.

Manager Steven Maclean said:“i’ve had conversations with all of the lads who were out of contract and one or two of the decisions were hard ones to break.”

New CEO Stan Harris paid tribute to Wotherspoon’s incredible career at the club.

Harris said:“david has made a significant contribution to St Johnstone over a decade and fully deserves his status as a club legend.

“On and off the park, he has served us wonderfully well. He goes with the best wishes of myself and everyone on the board.”