The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Defensive shake-up an option for Saints boss
Callum Davidson won’t be a slave to a three-at-the-back formation in his third season as St Johnstone manager.
The Perth boss, who made that defensive system the norm in his first two campaigns in charge at McDiarmid Park, is building a squad with an eye on adaptability.
And the recruitment of Andy Considine and Drey Wright will increase the prospect of switching to a flat back four over the coming months.
“People say I like wingbacks and a back three, but that was because of the players we had,” said Davidson.
“I do like a back four as well, so this season we might change it a bit more.
“I’ve got players who might be better suited to playing a four now, so that might allow me to get an extra body forward.
“It’s about being versatile and having the ability to change things in games.
“I want us to be able to adapt it and change it quicker during matches, so it’s easier to react to things.
“With the two players we’ve signed already and the ones we are looking to bring in, that’s what we’re aiming to do.”
Davidson is conscious of the know-how that was lost from the Saints dressing room at the end of last season.
And adding a seasoned veteran like Considine to it has helped address that early in the transfer window.
“Andy brings great experience and leadership to the squad, which I felt was important having lost Liam Craig, Craig Bryson and Jacob Butterfield,” said Davidson.
“These guys had experience on the pitch and were good to have at the club.
“So I wanted to replace that and Andy was ideal for that. He just wants to play games. He’s got a real hunger for it and I love that.”
There was talk of Considine transitioning into a coaching role at Pittodrie before his Aberdeen contract extension was taken off the table. But Davidson wants the former Scotland international to focus solely on how he can contribute to the Saints first team on the pitch.
“Andy is here in a purely playing capacity,” he said.
“He’s still got a lot to give and defenders can play on longer these days.
“We’ve lost players so it’s important to get good ones in, adding that quality we have been looking for.
“We have taken a few risks with our signings before, bringing in players from outside the league, so it’s good to get someone who knows what it’s all about and is ready to go from day one. It’s important to have a nucleus of the squad who know what is required in the Premiership.
“The two players we have brought in so far give us a good base, so we’re now working hard to get the goalkeeper and some attacking players into the building.”
Meanwhile, St Johnstone forward Eetu Vertainen could be set for a return to Linfield. The Finnish forward was loaned to the Belfast club for the second half of last season and helped them secure the Irish Premier League title.
Vertainen was in and out of David Healy’s side because of injury but scored four goals in one game in March. Before that he had failed to find the net with Saints, though, after waiting until the end of November for his first start under Davidson.
The former under-21 international would have a Champions League
first-round clash against the New Saints of Wales to look forward to with Linfield.
At McDiarmid Park, Davidson is looking to add fresh attacking options to his squad, who return for pre-season today and fly out for a training camp in Spain this weekend.
Courier Sport understands if a second loan stint with Linfield appeals to Vertainen, Saints won’t block a move.