The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Ando welcomes defensive options
With Brad McKay coming in from Aberdeen and Joe Shaughnessy plucked from Aberdeen, long-serving St Johnstone defender Steven Anderson admits he can’t take his first team spot for granted.
The competition is made all the more intense with last week’s news that veteran Frazer Wright has extended his Perth career by another season.
“It’s going to be difficult to get into the team and stay there because we have a real strong group of defenders at the club now,” said Anderson.
“Brad and Joe have come in so that will add a lot of competition and Frazer Wright is staying on as well.
“The lads are delighted big Fraz has decided to sign on again because he’s a big player for us and a big influence in the dressing-room.
“He was brilliant last season and looking at him you wouldn’t think he is the age he is.
“His body is in remarkable shape and he’s still at his very best.
“I have learned a lot from him over the years and in my opinion Frazer’s got another couple of years left in him.”
Goals proved hard to come by last term but Anderson believes the arrival of John Sutton from Motherwell will boost the Perth side’s goal threat.
“John is a proper goalscorer and someone we’ve played against over the years. I’ve always found him awkward to play against because he’s big, strong and holds the ball up well.
“He’s scored goals wherever he’s been and he’ll add something different to our team for next season. John’s definitely a player we’ve always admired here so it’s great to have him playing for us now.
“He’s a fit boy and the kind of character who will slot in nicely at our club. The manager does his homework on people and he doesn’t like bringing folk in who don’t buy into the place.
“But John puts a shift in up front and that’s what we look for here.
“John will be a good signing this season.The fact other clubs wanted him but he’s chosen to come here shows how well the club has done in recent years. In the past we would have missed out on players like him but he’s come here because he wants to be part of our team.”