Kevin Rutkiewicz signs new deal with St Johnstone

Apr 25 2008 Gordon Bannerman

KEVIN Rutkiewicz yesterday signed a new two-year deal to keep him at Perth as manager Derek McInnes continues to firm-up his plans for next season.

Having already secured Martin Hardie, Peter MacDonald and Liam Craig, McInnes was delighted to welcome the former Aberdeen defender back on board.

The McDiarmid manager said: “Kevin has been great for me. He's had his injury problems and the start of the season was a bit stop-start for him as he struggled with his fitness

"But, arguably, he has been our best performer over recent months. Kevin is the right type to have at the club, a great lad to have in the dressing room. He has real leadership qualities.

“Kevin’s also quick, strong, good in the air and in the tackle and an organiser. He has a lot going for him and I can only see him getting better. I'm delighted to get him signed up because he is a guy who will play if he’s fit.''

Skipper Rutkiewicz said: “It was an easy decision for me. I wanted to stay. I like everything about the club, and everyone about the place, upstairs and downstairs.

“When the gaffer took over from Owen Coyle he asked if I wanted to stay. But at that point I felt I should concentrate on staying fit and staying in the team so I put things on hold. I believe we have the nucleus of a very good squad here and it’s great that it looks like being retained. Last season Simon Mensing and Jason Scotland were huge losses.

“It’s great to see big hitters committing themselves to the club. A lot of clubs are facing turmoil but we should have continuity over the summer.”

Now Rutkiewicz would love to see McInnes convince top target Jody Morris his long-term future lies in Perth. He said: “Jody oozes class and keeping him would be something special. I know he is keen to stay and has even been looking at houses so hopefully something can be sorted out.

“But the club also did a shrewd bit of business getting Andy Jackson on a new deal earlier in the season. He was the underdog to replace Jason but he has 19 goals to his name.

“I’m surprised he wasn’t listed for the First Division player of the year award. I thought he was a stick-on. I suspect some big clubs, maybe even the Old Firm, will be sniffing around trying to find out what it would take to shift him. Jacko is a great prospect and the right type. But I believe he would benefit from another year here after taking up where Jason left off.”

Rutkiewicz, one of the few survivors from the John Connolly spell, now has his sights trained on the title.

He said: “Despite the cup runs we have under-achieved. St Mirren, Gretna and now Hamilton have won the title because they proved consistent. Champions have to grind out results at times and that’s what we require next season.”

*Saints have reached the semi-finals of the Reserve League Cup after topping their section in the qualifiers. The game with Clyde takes place at McDiarmid Park on Sunday at 1pm. Season tickets are valid and cash admission is £3 and £1.