Saints give thanksfor ‘incredible’ support
Midfield maestro Murray says it will be a buzz to work with new gaffer
Murray Davidson insists St Johnstone’s old guard will still need to prove themselves to their new manager – despite knowing him so well.
Former assistant boss and player Callum Davidson was last week unveiled as the man to guide the Perth club forward for the next three years.
He worked with many of the current squad during his previous spell at McDiarmid Park and will need no introduction when training resumes this week.
Players pitched up at the Perth stadium for the first time since March yesterday in order to go through coronavirus testing.
Long-serving midfielder Davidson, who recently penned a new one-year deal, is set to work harder than ever to impress in the coming weeks.
“It doesn’t matter if you know somebody or not,” Murray said.
“Everyone will be wanting to impress him.
“You always find that training goes up a couple of levels with a new manager, but it will be buzzing anyway because we’ve been off for so long.
“The new manager coming in will give that an extra boost. I think the first few days will be hectic.
“Callum automatically demands hard work and he wants training at a high tempo.
“The one thing I know he will demand is intensity on the training pitch. But I’m sure he will make it enjoyable at the same time.”
Davidson (32) reckons the continuity, which worked well with Tommy Wright’s appointment, will again serve Saints nicely.
“I’d heard a few whispers and people saying Callum was the frontrunner,” he said. “Personally I thought if he wanted the job he would have a good chance of getting it.
“It’s a process that has worked well in the past, appointing people who know the club. He knows a lot of the players and we obviously know him.
“Never since I signed for the club 11 years ago has there been massive changes on the playing or managerial side. The continuity is a good thing.
“I don’t see there being any problems and I think his appointment can only be positive.
“It is always different when you’re an assistant manager compared to a manager. So he will have his own ideas.
“When he was assistant with us, he was very highly thought of and everyone I’ve spoken to is delighted that he has got the job.
“I played with Callum and have seen him in the position of assistant. He wants to win.
“I don’t care what anyone says about playing nice football, at the end of the day you want to win games.
“He is very determined and you need that in football.”
Perth players are now preparing for an August league start with training set to recommence in small pods this week.
“There is a buzz to be back,” Davidson said. “You obviously miss football you miss everything about it and the routine that comes with it.
“It’s good that we’ve had a date to go back.”
St Johnstone’s Youth Development Fund has now surpassed the £10,000 mark as kind-hearted individuals and businesses pitch in to help the next generation.
The Perth club launched the fund in April of this year – amid the coronavirus outbreak – in order to help with the development of future stars.
Saints have now sent out a message of thanks, hailing the support “incredible” after thousands were raised through auctions, one-off donations and standing orders.
“Through the Youth Development Fund, you are helping by investing in the future of our club,” a Saints spokesperson said this week.
“In recent years, we’ve seen a number of Academy graduates go on to become first-team players at McDiarmid Park.
“Stevie May, Zander Clark, Chris Kane, Ali McCann and skipper Jason Kerr all came through the ranks at the club and featured heavily in the first-team last season.
“Head of youth development Alistair Stevenson and his coaches continue to develop the players of tomorrow.
“And with your support through the Youth Development Fund, we are optimistic about bringing even more academy prospects through to firstteam-level.”
If you would like to show your support by way of a donation, email DevelopmentFund@ perthsaints.co.uk
Meanwhile, former St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright was this week the bookmakers’ favourite to take over at Dundee United.
He was yesterday listed at 2/1, ahead of the likes of Craig Levein, Derek Adams and Stuart McCall.
Wright spent seven memorable years in the hotseat at McDiarmid Park – Scottish Cup win included – but left his position at the beginning of May.
With Robbie Neilson leaving Tannadice over the weekend to join Hearts, the Northern Irishman emerged as a frontrunner.