St Johnstone Wright’s challenge

I thought I had stumbled into a glaziers show on Saturday. “What a window”, “some window” or “brilliant window” started every conversation.

There is no doubt the new signings and performances have re-energised the support. There was a bigger than normal following at Hamilton. It is to be hoped the efforts of the manager and chairman in the “windae” are rewarded with an increase in home crowds.

Tommy Wright’s strength has been to make the best out of his squads. He now has depth in the creativity available to him. He will enjoy the challenge. The change in style is still a work in progress with the team continuing to be disciplined in defending but so much quicker and creative going forward. If one missed chance summed up Alan Stubbs’ ill-fated tenure, it was Alfie Jones’ sitter in the 4-1 drubbing at Tynecastle. The air shot came late in a game that Hearts dominated from the start and proved one of the final moments of the manager’s three-month spell in Paisley.

Though many fans will continue to question his appointment in the first place, the board will take flak over the timing of his departure. A new man will have the difficult task of galvanising a squad that is threadbare in both morale and confidence. Jim Goodwin turned down the job following the departure of Jack Ross, but suggested he would be interested in role “one day in the future”. Many Saints will be hoping that day will come earlier than planned.

Daniel Morrow