Saints ‘right’ to concentrate on coaching continuity

Tommy Wright was correct to opt for continuity in replacing Callum Davidson when his long-time assistant was lured south by Championship side Stoke City,

The St Johnstone boss moved quickly to promote under-20s manager Alex Cleland and bring in one-time player Alan Maybury to bolster his backroom team.

And former midfielder Chris Millar believes it was the right call.

Millar, 35, who returns to Perth for his testimonial match with Aberdeen on Sunday after recently penning a deal with former club Morton, said: “From the outside looking in now, I think Eck following on from Callum and stepping up was the natural progression for the club.

“It was Derek McInnes that 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 under-18s and under-20s.

“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 to the Championship for Callum and 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.”

Maybury had been gaining coaching experience with Hearts and Wright was keen to land him.

“It’s also a good move bringing in Maybs,” said Millar, who will take a final Perth bow against the Dons.

“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.

“Maybs was in at Hearts and I know he’s doing his pro licence. He played at a high level with Leeds United in the Champions League and for the Republic of Ireland.

“His calibre speaks for itself. Maybs also had time with Saints so he knows the set-up.

“It is a great opportunity for him and a no-brainer. He will probably be helping out with the first team and it is a good appointment for the club.”

Duncan Gibb, service manager with match sponsor Graham Fire Protection, said: “As a Perthshire-based company, we are delighted to support the testimonial match for a true club legend.

“No matter which club they supported, everyone was backing Saints when they won the Scottish Cup for the first time in their history – unless you were a Dundee United fan, of course!

“Chris Millar was a fans’ favourite and an important player for St Johnstone over many years. I’m sure the supporters will turn out in force for his big game.”

Sunday’s McDiarmid Park testimonial game kicks off at 2pm.