Running on empty
Solitary Saint Murray pounds streets of Perth
MURRAY DAVIDSON should have been looking forward to the launch of his testimonial year. But he admits plans have had to go on hold.
St Johnstone fans are eager to honour the popular midfielder who arrived in a bargain £50,000 deal from Livingston along with former skipper Dave Mackay.
But the testimonial launch has fallen victim to the battle to contain COVID-19.
Davidson, who has been clocking up the miles through deserted Perth city streets, said: “To be honest, it’s not the most important thing at the moment.
“I’m proud to have done 10 years here and it’s excellent the club are recognising that. But we will just need to wait and see.
At the moment there obviously won’t be anything happening.
“I remember the day myself and Dave signed. It feels like yesterday. Time flies but I’ve had some brilliant memories. I’ve loved my time, still love it and hopefully I can continue that.”
Davidson, who has played more than 300 games for Saints since his arrival in 2009, was sidelined by a broken arm before the season halted.
But he would have been back in action by now.
He added: “The arm has felt good since I got the cast off. I was doing some running at training the day before the Hibs game.
“I’ve been running most days to keep on top of the fitness. I’ve been sticking to all the guidelines and have been clearing off out the way of anyone.
“That can be tough because sometimes it feels like you are just running for the sake of it.
“I’m not the type of person who likes sitting in the house so it’s good on that front to get out and take in some of the nice scenery.
“Mentally it’s hard to do it on your own every day. But it’s something you need to do.
“When you’re running on your own you don’t have anyone to push you or keep you going when it gets tough.
“I’ve been logging into my running apps and have been in touch with our sports scientist most days. I feel fit enough.
“It sounds daft but when you’re running five or six days you need to try and enjoy it.
“It’s not just St Johnstone. Everyone is doing their own thing. If you don’t you obviously lose fitness so the benefits are there. We’re all just waiting on word on what’s going to happen.
“You miss the boys, the dressing room and you miss playing football more than anything.
“I spoke to a few people about Perth before we went into the lockdown and they were saying they were missing it too.
“But we need to look at the bigger picture and obviously people’s health comes first.”