Wright feels ‘black cloud’ has lifted

A “big black cloud” had gathered over McDiarmid Park, St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright admitted.

But the Perth boss believes his team’s second half performance against Livingston has blown it away, writes Eric Nicolson.

A wretched Betfred Cup campaign, the collapse of the Stevie May transfer, a thrashing on the opening day of the league season at Celtic Park and then going into the half-time break two goals down to Livi were about as far away from an ideal start for Saints as you could imagine.

Wright, though, is hopeful that the fightback point that followed his short and sharp team talk has changed the mood.

“We didn’t set out to play like we did against Livingston, it just happened,” he reflected.

“There has been a big black cloud over the club this summer and a lot of negativity.

“I think the players have sensed that and it has affected performances because you can’t enjoy it.

“But in that second half against Livingston we capitalised on a mistake they made, the players got a spark and the crowd got behind them.

“You could see the black cloud being lifted.”

“We have a good squad of players, yes we need one or two more in and that will happen,” added Wright.

“The lads know they haven’t performed but they finished seventh in the league last season and they can only get better.

“We need to start games better and that will let us play with more freedom.”

There is still no sign of a new striker but the news on Wright’s injured players is cause for further optimism as Saints prepare for their weekend trip to Easter Road.

“I believe in the players we have here and Drey Wright has been back training with us, which has given everyone a lift,” Wright reported.

“He’s looked really good, although he won’t be ready for the competitive stuff until his consultant says he’s ready.

“David Wotherspoon will be back next week too and Liam Gordon is available, so the injury list is clearing.

“This is a far younger squad than we’ve ever had before and sometimes the young lads need help.

“So when we add to the squad – which will happen – then I’ll be happy with what we’ve got.”

It has been reported that Saints are interested in Hibs striker Oli Shaw. Wright gave his response to that and to speculation that they had been keen to bring in Rangers winger Josh McPake on loan.

“We have been linked with a lot of strikers but I’m not going to speak about who we would like,” he said. “The chairman knows who we want and he’s working hard to make it happen.

“You get linked with all sorts of players at this time of year, I even saw us linked with the lad McPake from Rangers.

“That one just summed it up because I’ve got wingers coming out of my ears and that’s the last position I’m looking to fill.

“He’s a good player but if anyone looks at that one logically they’d see it wasn’t one for us.”

● A Saints academy team (2003-04 birthdays) are playing a Manchester United side at McDiarmid Park at 7.30 tonight on the main pitch.

Admission is by way of donations to Saints’ youth academy.

Mason Greenwood and Angel Gomes have played in previous games in Perth for United.