The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Saints’ swoop for Coulson ‘done by the book’
St Johnstone have done absolutely nothing wrong in their acquisition of York City midfielder Michael Coulson, Perth boss Tommy Wright insisted last night.
The League Two club, who are staring relegation from the Football League in the face, issued a statement in the wake of Saints reaching a pre-contract agreement with Coulson that was critical of the announcement.
According to Wright, though, St Johnstone “have done everything by the book”.
The Perth boss added: “We have conducted everything above board from day one, as this club always does.
“We approached York and told them officially we planned to speak to Michael.”
“They acknowledged that and the player also made them aware we were in talks,” said Wright.
“Pre-contracts are never easy but they are part and parcel of modern football. Nine times out of 10 news leaks out and that benefits nobody.
“It might be to our disadvantage at times that we contact clubs to tell them when we wish to speak to a player. Not everyone goes through that procedure with the parent club.
“We agreed with Michael earlier this week and he came up to see us on Wednesday.
“I am sure they are disappointed to lose a good player but we have kept them fully informed.”
Wright revealed that Coulson was one of the January transfer targets that got away.
“We tried to get Michael in the window but that didn’t happen,” he said.
“We have been monitoring him for a few months and we think he will do well in this league. He is looking forward to coming up to Scotland.
“Michael can play left and right and behind a main striker. He will chip in with goals so we are pleased to get him for next season.”
The York statement read: “York City Football Club is surprised and disappointed to learn that Michael Coulson has signed a pre-contract with St Johnstone.
“The club is particularly disconcerted with the timing of this announcement.
“The club hopes that Michael Coulson is still committed to his current employer and is focused on York City’s fight for Football League survival.”
Second-bottom York are seven points away from safety in League Two.