The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Saints pair told they can move on
Keith Watson and Michael Coulson look to be on their way out of St Johnstone, writes Eric Nicolson.
The pair have both suffered an injuryplagued first season at McDiarmid Park and manager Tommy Wright does not now see them in his first team plans.
Watson has been particularly unlucky, as he picked up an injury before the league season had started, at which point Richard Foster was signed as cover.
Coulson has never really shone when given a chance, but will also rue a disrupted first few months of his time in Perth after arriving from York City.
“I have told Michael Coulson and Keith Watson they can find new clubs,” said Wright.
“Keith has been hampered by injury, although he’s well on the mend now.
“It’s never nice but you have to make those decisions and I think it’s in the best interests of the club and for them.
“Both players need to be playing and they have not had the amount of games they would have liked or we would have liked.”
“Financially as well, I need to free up some money to help the chairman,” added Wright.
“It’s always a difficult thing to do but we think it’s in everyone’s interests if they move on.”
One player who isn’t moving on is Alan Mannus.
The Northern Ireland international has signed his new one-year deal and will battle it out again for the goalkeeper’s jersey with Zander Clark.
“We are delighted to get Alan signed up again for another year,” said Wright.
“We spoke to him a few weeks back and he made it clear he didn’t want to leave because he enjoys it here.
“He hasn’t asked for any guarantees so it will be the same next season, both keepers start on a level footing and we’ll see what happens.
“There will be a battle for the No 1 spot but that’s a great thing for the team. Whoever is playing best will be in the side, it’s as simple as that.
“Alan started the season just past but lost his place and then won it back from Zander when he got injured.
“The pair of them get on really well and they help each other, drive the other one on.
“It’s a great thing to have because I believe we have two international keepers on the books.
“Alan has obviously played for Northern Ireland and is in the squads, and I’ve said before that I think Zander is someone who could play for Scotland.”