Familiar faces leave St Johnstone

May 2 2008 by Gordon Bannerman

WHILE new faces were coming in the door at McDiarmid Park yesterday, several players were resigned to moving on.

Long-time goalkeeper Kevin Cuthbert, who made his 142nd appearance for his home-town team on the final day of the season against Livingston, has been released along with full-back Andy Lawrie, Australian striker and cup semi-final goalscorer Daniel McBreen, defender Allan McManus, injured winger Jamie McCluskey and left-back Goran Stanic, who, as anticipated, has agreed a two-year deal with East Fife.

While Steven Doris has been offered a new 12-month contract, fellow youngsters Gordon O’Brien, Bobby Barr, Adam Monaghan, Darren Wilcox and Jonathan Fairbairn are all leaving.

Greg Cameron is returning to Dundee United after his injury plagued loan spell.

McInnes paid tribute to departing players, saying: “It is sad when people have to go after a long time at the club. But Cat had indicated he was unhappy being number two to Alan Main and I can understand that.

“It must have been tough but Alan has been terrific for us.

“He wants to be a number one elsewhere and he certainly has that capability.”

It was the first time in his managerial career that McInnes had to break the news to players and one-time dressing colleagues that they weren’t part of his long-term plans.

He said: “As a player I thought most of us had a pretty good idea about where we stood at this stage of the season.

“It was more of a struggle with the youngsters but it is something that has to be done.

“I will have a first team squad of 18 or 19 and want the youngsters pressing for first team football.”

Stanic was offered a 12-month deal but McInnes admitted that at his age the lure of a two year contract at Third Division champions East Fife was attractive.

Lawrie, signed from Falkirk, is on the road back after neck surgery while McManus could be signed up by Dundee, although Livingston are also on the case.

STRIKER Andy Jackson is out of hospital after his injury scare. A specialist got to the root of the problem this week and Derek McInnes was delighted that his 19-goal striker got the all-clear.