DAVIDSON IRKED AT FAILURE TO AGREE 24-HOUR DERBY DELAY

ST JOHNSTONE manager Callum Davidson believes the frozen-off Tayside derby could have been put on hold for 24 hours rather than rearranged for tomorrow night. The Perth club have called for an SPFL probe into why Saturday’s meeting with Dundee United was postponed just 90 minutes before kick-off. Saints will now head to Tannadice tomorrow evening — with a 6.30pm start — although Davidson feels there could have been scope to get the game played sooner. ‘We’re obviously really disappointed,’ said the Saints boss, reflecting on Saturday’s call-off. ‘We were desperate to play the game. ‘By all accounts the pitch was terrible and there was no way the game was going to be on. It was rock solid. ‘It would have been better if it had just been called off earlier and we could have moved it to Sunday. ‘We wanted it played as early as possible. With no fans, it’s easier to rearrange games when they are called off. ‘It will be on Tuesday night and we’ll look forward to that now. Hopefully there will be enough of a thaw between now and then for the frozen bits to improve.’ Davidson welcomed defender Liam Gordon’s decision to pen a new 12-month deal and revealed midfielder David Wotherspoon could be next to extend his stay. He is also hoping to convince wing-back Scott Tanser, who has been linked with Sunderland and Barnsley, that his future lies with Saints. ‘I’m quite optimistic,’ said Davidson. ‘David’s one isn’t too far away to get across the line. Scott’s is slightly different but hopefully we can get something sorted out there as well.’