Anderson signs new deal at Saints as Killie captain Smith departs

Experienced St Johnstone defender Steven Anderson has signed a new two-year deal at Mcdiarmid Park.

The 32-year-old has been at the club since 2004, making more than 400 appearances, and was previously captain.

Anderson had already triggered a one-year extension to his current deal, but manager Tommy Wright has opted to lengthen the contract, while Scott Tanser and Mark Hurst have also signed one-year deals and Ben Mackenzie has been released.

Saints have already lost the experience of Steven Maclean, Alan Mannus and Chris Millar this summer, and Wright felt it was important to keep hold of Anderson. “He’s been a huge player for St Johnstone over the years,” he said. “As one of our senior players and given the age of the squad, it was important for me to make sure we held on to him.

“I think he came in for a bit of unfair criticism at the start of the season but I think that’s just because of the high standards he’s set over the years since he’s been at the club – I thought he had a good season and finished strongly. Joe (Shaughnessy) – even though he’s experienced – is still young, and with Jason Kerr, Liam Gordon, Aaron Comrie and Scott Tanser all in defence it’s vital to have that experience in there which is what we all know Steven brings.”

Kilmarnock, meanwhile, announced the departure of club captain Steven Smith.

The former Rangers and Norwich defender did not feature under Steve Clarke after making the last of his four appearances during an injury-hit season in September.

The 32-year-old played 60 times in total during three seasons at Rugby Park.

Striker Alex Samizadeh and goalkeeper Leo Fasan have also departed after making seven appearances between them while Brad Spencer moves on having failed to break into the first team.