Football Season Guide

St Johnstone

In


Shaun Rooney (def) Inverness CT; Danny McNamara (def) Millwall; Isaac Olaofe (att) Milwall.

Out


Danny Swanson (mid) free; Steven Anderson (def) Forfar Athletic; David McMillan (att) free; Ross Callachan (mid) Hamilton; Drey Wright (mid) Hibernian.

St Johnstone suffered a real 'Jekyll and Hyde' season last time out. They lost their opening game 7-0 and failed to take their first win until the end of October. But new signings, including former Inverness defender Jamie McCart, helped stabilise the side. Zander Clarke's performances in goal were key and his form for the coming season will be vital. Struggled for scoring consistency during the last campaign with only Hendry offering a good conversion rate. New striker Olaofe could offer much needed pace but has a lack of senior experience. Long serving manager Tommy Wright departed over the close season. New coach Callum Davidson is in his first season as a number 1. But he has used his contacts to bring in promising loan signings from England and is tactically astute. While additions have been minimal so far, further players can be expected to arrive on loan from England in the coming weeks. The Saints will look to carry through their form from last season. But they may need time to consolidate under their new boss. A strong start and consistent squad will be vital to a good campaign, while the club will also hope for better progression in cup competitions.

Target


Top six. Pushing onto European qualification spots is not impossible. But St Johnstone need to focus on consolidating after managerial change.