Craig is eager for Saints to offer him new deal
Robertson reveals club have had ‘high calibre’applicants for manager’s role
Robertson is impressed by applicants
St Johnstone’s head of football operations Kirsten Robertson yesterday revealed a number of “high calibre” applicants are interested in the vacant managerial position.
The Perth club’s hierarchy has the unenviable task of finding a replacement for Tommy Wright following the Northern Irishman’s departure last Saturday morning.
Wright guided Saints for seven special years — a Scottish Cup win included — and whoever is next to take hold of the reins at McDiarmid Park will have massive shoes to fill.
But interest in the position is already strong as applicants with varying levels of experience make their pitch to carry on the success story.
With the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Scottish football amid the coronavirus outbreak, Perth fans should not expect a decision to be made anytime soon.
Robertson explained to the Perthshire Advertiser: “There has been a number of notes of interest and the club has been impressed with the high calibre of applicants so far.
“The board will take time to consider and assess any applications and notes of interest.
“There is no need for this to be a speedy process as we require clarity on the situation surrounding COVID-19 and its impact on football.
“It’s essential we take time to assess and consider all applications with due care and diligence.”
Saints have a strong track record when it comes to managerial appointments and are determined to get the right fit once again. When asked what the club is looking for in their next manager, Robertson said: “A good cultural fit and someone who respects what the club stands for.
“And someone who will continue the vision and strategy that Tommy and the board maintained and developed over the years.
“The club is in a very strong position moving forwards, the progress of the player pathway is clear for everyone to see.
“We have a strong, united team — and indeed a very dedicated staff, providing support in all areas.”
Alec Cleland has been bumped up from number two to take on the role of caretaker boss and has made it clear he wants to remain part of the club moving forward.
Cleland, Callum Davidson, Paul Sheerin and John Robertson are the latest bookmakers’ frontrunners to become next manager.
In terms of the squad, players are continuing to keep up their fitness levels from home as the club — and indeed the wider football community — wait for a possible return date.
A number of contracts are due to run out at the end of this month, including the likes of Murray Davidson, Liam Craig, Drey Wright and Chris Kane.
Robertson added: “The board and management team are examining a number of budgetary options which may determine how the contracts are progressed.
“But I think it would be fair to say that all clubs will have financial pressures which will likely reduce the overall squads which clubs have carried in previous years.”
●Turn inside to read an interview with Saints’ youth academy manager Alistair Stevenson, who discusses Tommy Wright’s departure and the legacy he left.
Liam Craig insists he’d love to remain a St Johnstone player.
The midfielder, a fans’ favourite, is second in the club’s all-time appearance list but is out of contract at the end of this month.
Uncertainty surrounds Scottish football amid the coronavirus outbreak and Craig is one of many in the managerless Perth team playing the waiting game.
“I’m still only 33 and believe I have a lot to offer in a playing capacity,” said Craig, who has also coached Saints teams at youth and reserve level.
“My contract is up at the end of May and it is something you think about. I want to play as long as I can.
“If the club want to talk to me about extending my contract, I’d be delighted.
“It will be the club’s decision for me to leave, not mine. The relationship I have with the club is brilliant and I think it has worked both ways.
“I want to stay as long as possible and hopefully that will get sorted out one way or another in the coming weeks.
“I was well on my way to 400 appearances for the club before the pandemic.”
Many of those appearances came under the leadership of Tommy Wright, a manager Craig hailed for helping to keep his footballing career on the correct path.
“Back in 2015, I couldn’t get a contract or a training session,” he said. “He gave me the chance to play in the Premiership again.
“I have the utmost respect for Tommy and I am forever indebted to him for giving me a second chance.”
Craig learned of Wright’s shock departure when the Northern Irishman called him on Saturday morning.
“I thought it’d be another catch-up call,” he said. “I was shocked, disappointed in a way, but also delighted that Tommy got to do it on his terms. It was his decision to step away from it.
“I am sure he will be delighted when he looks at the memories people have been posting and the words they have been saying.”