Saint takes no pleasure from Jackie’s plight
MICHAEL COULSON could be forgiven for holding a grudge against York City and Jackie McNamara.
But the St Johnstone star has nothing but sympathy for his former club and manager over their plummet into non-league chaos.
Coulson signed a precontract agreement with Saints whilst at York last season, and was puzzled when the Minstermen released a bizarre statement questioning his commitment to their cause.
The winger could not prevent City’s relegation from League Two before his move north.
And after a dreadful start to life in the National League triggered the end of McNamara’s reign, Coulson revealed his sadness over his old club’s plight – and his belief that his old boss will get his career back on track.
“It’s really sad to see what has happened at York,” said the 28-year-old.
“The supporters there deserve more and hopefully they appoint the right manager to take them forward.
“Maybe the fans thought the manager would be changed after being relegated but, fair play to the chairman, he gave Jackie an opportunity to put things right.
“He didn’t fire him straight away and backed him with a lot of players coming in over the summer.
“There are only a couple of players left that I played with last season. It’s a new squad and it’s just not worked out.
“Jackie didn’t have much time to get it right because of what happened last season. He needed to get off to a good start and that didn’t happen.
“Once you have had a team relegated it’s hard to appease the fans. He was under a lot of pressure and just didn’t get the results he needed.
“It’s sad to see someone losing their job. I got on well with Jackie. We didn’t fall out when I signed a precontract to come here.
“We were truthful with each other. I saw this is an opportunity to progress and I think he probably saw that as well.
“I’m gutted for him but I’m sure he’ll bounce back.”
The red-hot form of Danny Swanson has meant Coulson has had to be patient since swapping Bootham Crescent for McDiarmid Park.
That is something the wide-man has no complaints about, but he intends to seize his opportunity whenever it comes.
“It’s difficult getting into the team and staying there because of the quality in the squad,” he said. “Danny has been on fire.
“So I just have to be patient and do myself justice when I get another chance.”