Farewell to Saints legend MacLean

Steven MacLean will leave St Johnstone a legend, according to Perth boss Tommy Wright.

But even legends aren’t irreplaceable.

The veteran forward has secured a two-year deal with Hearts that Saints couldn’t match and will move on in the summer with the appreciation of his team-mates, supporters and Wright himself for the part he has played in the golden era of the McDiarmid Park club.

Now it is Wright’s job to make sure that they cope with the loss of another of their Scottish Cup-winning heroes.

“Hearts contacted us to keep us informed about speaking to Steven so I am resigned to the fact he’ll be going there,” he said.

“We can’t compete with what they’ll be able to offer wages-wise and also a two-year deal.

“I am delighted for him, he doesn’t owe me anything and he doesn’t owe the club anything either.

“He has played the most here than he has at any other club and will quite rightly be regarded as a legend at St Johnstone.

“Macca doesn’t look upon it like that.

“The way he thinks is he’s just done his job but he’s been key to the success we’ve had.

“He’s been in the top six with us, played and scored in Europe and obviously the biggest goal of all was in the Scottish Cup final.

“It has probably surpassed anything he thought of when he signed.

“But time moves on for everyone and it’s unfortunate that it’s coming to an end.

“He has four games left to play for us and we will get plenty out of him before he leaves.”

Wright added: “Macca will leave a void but while he is a strong character in the dressing-room we do have other ones.”