Glasgow Times

Davidson insists only target is still survival

- DARREN JOHNSTONE

ST JOHNSTONE manager Callum Davidson is still focused on Premiershi­p survival as he brushed off suggestion­s he might feel vindicated by their recent run of form.

This time last year Saints were about to embark on a 10- match run of defeats which saw Davidson’s stock among some Saints fans plummet from the heights of the previous double cup- winning season.

Both Davidson and the Perth side survived with their status intact thanks to an upturn in form and a play- off victory over Inverness.

The former Scotland defender has further rebuilt the squad after losing some of his Hampden heroes and an easing in his injury list, as well as some tactical tweaks, have helped them record three consecutiv­e wins, the latest a 2- 1 triumph over Rangers.

When asked whether he felt vindicated after some were questionin­g his position last season, Davidson kept the focus on the job in hand.

“I don’t know anybody that was calling for my head,” Davidson laughed. “It must have been on social media, which I don’t read.

“It doesn’t really bother me, either way. All I can say is we knew behind the scenes what was going on at the club. We believed in what we were doing.

“It was a big, big achievemen­t to get from where we were in the middle of December last year to survive.

“The supporters here have always backed the players on the pitch. It’s something we thank them for and it’s nice for them just now to get some victories, especially the Rangers game because we hadn’t won against them here since 2010.

“It’s great for the support to see that, to see there is progressio­n because this year I have probably got a whole new team in.

“I know it’s an old cliche but we stay in the league first and foremost.”

 ?? ?? St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson is buoyed by results
St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson is buoyed by results

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