St Johnstone's Sheer's in for the long haul

May 6 2008

PAUL SHEERIN has his sights set on joining the Saints 100 club.

The St Johnstone midfielder has clinched a 12-month contract extension which includes responsibility for coaching and developing the Perth U17s.

But yesterday he made it clear that first-team football remains a priority. And he wants to celebrate a century of career goals early next term.

"I'm delighted to be staying. There is always an element of doubt when you're at the ned of a contract.

"We have a relatively new manager with new ideas and I'm that wee bit older," said Sheerin (33).

"But this is an exciting time for the club and I want to be part of it.

"Derek McInnes knows where he wants to go and so do the players. It will be my fifth season here and we want back to the SPL.

"New signings Gavin Swankie and Chris Millar are excellent players and Jody Morris could be back.

"There will be real competition, but that's nothing new for me.

"I want to go into management one day and this is a great chance to gain experience. I will enjoy helping youngsters develop. I'm passionate about that.

"But I believe I have a couple of years left in me as a player. I'll be striving to play every week.

"I've never shied away from competition.

"I have made 167 starts in four seasons and that's not a bad record. I hope it continues."

Sheerin admits he was baffled by the initial scepticism from some quarters which met the appointment of McInnes in succession to Owen Coyle.

That quickly evaporated as the ambitious manager showed his mettle.

"I think there was even some cynicism when he was a player and that was hard to believe.

"He has been a thorough professional throughout his career and the chairman knew his experience at different clubs would be an asset.

"He is trying to implement ideas and not just in football terms. It extends to lifestyle as well. That's also something he scrutinises."

Sheerin secured a career-best 12 spotkicks last term but has endured a wait since November 2006 for a goal from open play.

"We got a lot of penalties after just two the previous season.

"But after missing two in a row I was so relieved to score against Rangers in the penalty shoot-out.

"I was swithering by Tony Docherty put me under pressure by listing me in the five. I've never been so relieved to score."

Now Sheerin is desperate to ease the pain of losing out on the title to Gretna last year and the only antidote is belated promotion to the SPL.

"We have to be more consistent and cut down on the draws. Teams getting off to a good start have proved hard to catch. So we have to start strongly and build on it.

"This squad is well equipped for the Premier League but we have found it difficult to get out of the First Division.

"We have to put that right."