Wright calls for greater support

ST JOHNSTONE: Boss feels Saints deserve bigger attendances

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright has appealed for more “casual supporters” to back the club and help top up his transfer kitty.

The Perth boss was full of praise for the hardcore McDiarmid Park fan-base, which he believes contributed to Saturday’s derby victory over Dundee.

But he also pointed out that Saints’ sustained success deserves to attract bigger attendances.

“The chairman and I were disappointed with the home turnout for the derby (2,769) and we spoke about it after the game,” said Wright.

“The England-Scotland rugby was on but for whatever reason our home crowd seems to stay much the same. We have had a successful team here for the last few years and we do get a response to the various initiatives we try to get new fans along.

“We have a lot of hardcore supporters and they are appreciated by the club.”

Wright continued: “Hats off to the Fair City Unity group which tries to create a better atmosphere in the ground. But ultimately we don’t seem to get enough casual supporters along to matches.

“We’d all prefer to play in front of bigger crowds. Professional players thrive on that. The more people that come through the gates the better. It has a positive effect on the team, as we saw against Dundee.”

Minds have already turned to player recruitment for next season and Wright pointed out that getting more people through the turnstiles will strengthen his hand in the close-season.

“I do believe we need that wee bit extra quality in the team and I am aware I might have to go with one or two less in the squad next season to do that,” he said.

“We are helped by the fact we have a couple of good young players coming through, particularly defenders.

“But to increase investment in the team goes hand in hand with income. The club needs help as well. Without more fans coming to games it makes it even more challenging trying to take the club forward.

“The players here have achieved a lot over the last few seasons and we have maximised everything possible, including winning the Scottish Cup.

“A heck of a lot of clubs in Scotland look at us with envy because of our run of top-six finishes and we are on track for another one with five games left before the split. It has been tough again this season.

“Last year it was the final game before the split until we were guaranteed top six and this year we might manage to do it with games to spare.

“But I just feel our success on the pitch hasn’t been mirrored by bums on seats.”