United first for Saints
Kerr is relishing Tayside derby
Determined Jason Kerr wants no repeat of last season’s Premiership start as excitement intensifies ahead of football’s return.
Perth players opened up with an embarrassing 7-0 hammering at the hands of Celtic and were bottom of the standings as Christmas approached.
The fixtures for the new campaign were unveiled yesterday and Saints will journey down the A90 for an opening day Tayside derby fixture at rivals Dundee United.
Captain Kerr would not have minded squaring off against defending champions Celtic to put things right, but is relishing the trip to Tannadice.
“We can’t really start as bad as we did last season,” Kerr told the PA. “Everyone will be motivated to start the season well.
“We’ve not played Dundee United in a while so that is going to be different. They did really well in the Championship.
“You saw how well Lawrence Shankland did for them. I’ve been watching him over a few seasons and he is a really good goalscorer.
“We’ll need to keep him under wraps. It will be a hard game and they will be full of confidence from their promotion.
“We will prepare as we normally would. It’s still three points up for grabs and we need to approach the game as we would any other.
“We played really well as a team towards the end of the season and now we need to start like that.
“For me, it is good to now have that bit of experience as captain. It was difficult at the start of last season because of how badly we were doing.
“But I feel I’ve got that experience now and I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes.”
The likelihood is that Perth fans will not be able to attend fixtures in the early part of the season due to the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent safety measures.
But Kerr is hopeful the club’s loyal support will continue to renew season tickets and follow the matches online.
“It’s a good first fixture for us, but we’ll be disappointed that the fans are not going to be there,” he said.
“I imagine it would’ve been a sellout because St Johnstone fans love playing against Dundee
United. It’s really important for the fans to follow us.
“I know they’ll be disappointed not being able to get to stadiums.
“But renewing season tickets and watching the games online will be really appreciated. We know they will be watching.”
For now, training continues under new boss Callum Davidson ahead of the big August kick off.
“Training has been tough having been away from it for three months,” said Kerr.
“It’s been a high tempo, just the way I like it.
“I played under the new gaffer when he was assistant manager in my first year. He just wants me to be myself and I know it’s going to be good working under him.
“We’ve all gelled again already and Shaun Rooney has settled in well.”
Fans can renew their season tickets as of now, while the general sale begins on July 15.
For assistance, call 01738 459090 or email ticketsales@perthsaints.co.uk