Scobbie takes parting shot at chairman after ‘embarrassing’ treatment by Saints

Tam Scobbie last night claimed he was forced out of St Johnstone by chairman Steve Brown amid an offer that included a 35 per cent wage cut – and thanked Dundee United for making him feel valued again.

Scobbie hit out at his “embarrassing” treatment by Brown, having starred for the Perth outfit for five years which included some of the highlights of the club’s recent history. The 29-year-old full-back, who signed a two-year deal with Ray Mckinnon’s Tangerines in their quest to seal promotion back to the Premeirship next season after narrowly missing out through thre play-offs recently, took a final parting shot at Brown, believing he was sold short with such a derisory offer of a new deal when the season had ended.

A hero of Saints’ 2014 Scottish Cup-winning team who defeated Dundee United 2-0 at Celtic Park, Scobbie still feels hurt by the manner of his painful exit and pulled no punches about who he feels was responsible for his departure.

Scobbie said: “I had great times at St Johnstone and I will look on 99 per cent of my time there being positive.

“To be involved in a Scottish Cup-winning team and qualifying for Europe regularly was amazing. But the end left a bitter taste in my mouth. I felt I was under-valued and, after speaking to Dundee United, I realised how much they wanted me in comparison.

“The manager was adamant he wanted me to stay and I spoke to him pretty much every day.

“I feel like I was forced out of the club by the chairman.

“Ifeltiwasapartof a successful side and the manager was desperate to keep me. So to be offered a 35 per cent wage cut was a slap in the face. It would be for anyone in any job. That sent a message the chairman didn’t fancy me.

“The manager kept reassuring me it would be sorted as he wanted me here. I even went back and said I’d take a 15 per cent cut as I wanted to stay.”

Scobbie, pictured, who enjoyed a strong relationship with Saints manager Tommy Wright, added: “I think the manager should have the final say. “Tommy Wright has done wonders for St Johnstone. If I was a chairman with a manager like him who had brought so much success I would be jumping through hoops to make sure he gets what he wants.

“He wasn’t asking for a lot. Just a new deal for me and a couple of new players.

“He knows what he is doing, but for some reason the chairman has decided to get involved.

“The contract talks were an embarrassment. How can you offer a guy who has given you so much so little?”

Scobbie is now focusing fully on helping United try to regain top-flight status in the new season and said: “I’m over the moon to be here. They were adamant they wanted me and the deal was done within 48 hours of speaking to them.

“I just felt this was the right place to go and hopefully I can help them back into the Premiership where they belong.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Stewart Murdoch was celebrating after signing a new two-year deal at Tannadice.

He said : “I’m delighted to finally get it signed. It had been discussed for a few weeks and now I can just look ahead to next season.

“I’ve enjoyed my first year here and we are going to be having a good crack at promotion next season again. The manager has shown a lot of faith in me. Now I just need to repay him after giving me a two-year deal.

“When I was injured last season and the team were in such a good winning run , it was difficult for me. But I’m feeling good again and just want to get playing . The club have made some good moves already this summers, That shows we mean business and if we can keep this up we’ll have a right good chance .”