Former Ranger's defender drafted in as new Saints coach

Jun 30 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

SAINTS boss Derek McInnes yesterday added depth to his coaching team for the SPL campaign by drafting in former Rangers colleague Alec Cleland.

The Perth squad regrouped for the start of pre-season training and the former Ibrox, Dundee United and Everton defender was among the new faces.

Cleland, who fell victim to cost cutting at Inverness Caley Thistle after their exit from the top flight, has been appointed youth coach, leaving Paul Sheerin to concentrate on his playing duties this term.

McInnes, who officially welcomed new recruits Dave Mackay, Murray Davidson and Kenny Deuchar to the Crieff Road stadium, said: “I’ve known Alec since our days together at Rangers and watched his career develop after his playing days.

“He did well at Inverness and his U19 squad made the last four of the Scottish Cup. Alec will be a real asset as we try to bring more of our own players to join the likes of Kevin Moon and Andy Jackson in the first team squad.

“He is based in Dunblane and it’s great to have him on board for the start of pre-season, with our trip to Warwick looming next week.

“Alec will work with the players Paul Sheerin brought on last season. Peanut did a great job but his focus has to be on playing now that we are entering the SPL.”

Cleland was a youth coach at Livingston and filled-in on three separate occasions as a caretaker manager at the volatile Almondvale club.

“He enjoyed a spell as assistant at East Stirling before heading for the Highlands in January last year.

Two other former Livingston men are on board at Perth, with Mackay and Davidson recently sealing a £50,000 package deal to escape the crisis hit West Lothian club. Mackay admitted he won’t shed any tears for an Italian consortium which faces the spectre of falling into administration.

The defender revealed previous Perth manager Owen Coyle tried to sign him on several occasions.

And after all the speculation linking McInnes with the posts at Watford and West Brom he was relieved to find the manager who signed him in place for pre-season.

“Owen wanted to bring me here when I left Oxford but the drop in wages would have been far too big at the time.

“I thought a move to Livi in the SPL was the best bet. Big mistake!

“Later when Owen tried again the clubs couldn’t agree a fee for me. So it’s great to finally be here.

“I’m glad the gaffer is still here. After signing a few weeks ago, I’ve seen all the stories about interest from other clubs. It wouldn’t have been nice to come in and find a different manager here.

“But it’s no surprise he has been linked with jobs because he did so well in winning the league in his first full season. The club’s profile has been raised down south by Owen Coyle’s success with Burnley.”

Mackay made it clear he doesn’t expect automatic selection.

He said: “I think the manager likes the fact I am versatile. I played much of last season at left-back but right-back is my favoured option. I have played across the middle as well.

“I will have a chance in pre-season to force my way into the team but I know it won’t be easy. I’ve come to a team which won the league and don’t expect to walk into the side. There are a lot of good players here. I have to show I’m good enough.”

Mackay is a former Dundee player and teams-up again with close friend Stevie Milne at McDiarmid. But he doesn’t believe links to St Johnstone’s arch rivals will pose problems.

He said: “Winning over fans is all about performances on the park. Fans will take to you if you do the business for them.

“It’s good to meet up again with Savo. We left Dundee around the same time. We are good mates.”

With Livingston’s future on the line now, Mackay observed: “The club is a shambles. I wanted out for the last 12 months.

“By the time I left I was due six weeks wages and other money. Fortunately it all worked out in the end for me but some guys were on the verge of having cars re-possessed and missing mortgage payments. Everyone loses if they go bust.

“But now I’m here and looking forward to getting back to the Premier League. I haven’t looked forward to a season so much for years. It’s great to be back and at such a stable and well run club like Saints.”

SAINTS fans have until 5pm today to take advantage of discounted season tickets for the SPL campaign.