From the cup double to despair, it has been quite a two years for Davidson
Callum Davidson will head into the new Premiership campaign as the division’s longest-serving manager – a fact he admits he finds it tough to get his head around.
Appointed St Johnstone boss two years ago following a stint as assistant to Tommy Wright, the Scot has outlasted all of his counterparts of the time.
Some have been sacked, some have moved on to take up other positions. But the common theme has been one of nearconstant change.
“You consider everything that has happened in the Scottish game over those two years, and you would have to say there has been no time for anyone to get comfortable,” admitted Davidson.
“If you take St Johnstone as an example, there have been some real ups and downs along the way.
“Winning the two cups in 2020-21 was magnificent. But
then last year we obviously had our struggles in the league, and had to really battle to avoid relegation.
“I could have lost my job when we were down at the bottom of the league, and I have to thank our board for showing the belief in me, and having the patience to give us the opportunity to sort the situation out.
“We always knew we had the strength in the squad to stay in the division, but taking it to the play-offs tested the nerves of everyone concerned.
“I do feel fortunate in that regard because there are numerous other examples where others have opted for change in the hope of getting an immediate lift from it.”
Davidson is clear in his mind as to the reasons why things went wrong last year, likewise about how Saints can avoid a repeat in the 2022-23 campaign.
“I think when a club the size of ours enjoys the success we did in winning the cups, you know what is coming next,” he said.
“Scouts are going to take a hard look at you, and try to assess exactly what you have
done to achieve that success.
“Specifically, they are going to pinpoint the individuals, who could be recruited out of your group to go and do a job for whoever pays their wages.
“So that means you can expect multiple offers coming in for your best players.
“Helping develop young footballers to the point they can move up to the next level is part of your business.
“At the same time, the plan would be to lose ones of your choosing, at a time of your choosing.
“Losing both our captain, Jason Kerr, and one of our most influential midfielders, Ali Mccann, on deadline day was very difficult to deal with.
“If it had just been one of them, then you think OK. But both was very tough.
“Throw in a couple of injuries to other key players, such as David Wotherspoon, and suddenly the solid base which helped you do so well is not there any more.
“Momentum is a very important factor in all sports, and it works both ways. Lose
a few games, and confidence becomes dented and it becomes all the harder to turn things around.
“At that point, it starts to become about character, not just of players but of everyone at the club.
“Happily we showed we had what it takes to achieve our goal.”
The summer break is a chance for all clubs to regroup, and July finds 46-year-old Davidson in upbeat mood about Saints’ prospects.
“The model we work to is about developing players, whether the kids we have brought through our own system, or ones we have picked up from other clubs,” he said.
“That process takes time. They need to be encouraged, and they need to grow into their roles in the side.
“With the young ones we have coming through, combined with the experience we have added through the recruitment of experienced older players such as Andy Considine, Jamie Murphy and Drey Wright, I think we are in good shape.”