Saints defender seizes top prize

May 23 2008 by Gordon Bannerman

A HAMPDEN man of the match performance secured the PA Sport/George Wimpey player of the year accolade for captain Kevin Rutkiewicz.

The defender, who recently agreed to extend his stay in Perth, narrowly edged out 19-goal striker Andy Jackson with a series of stand-out displays over the second half of the season.

He follows-on from midfield dynamo Martin Hardie as the PA's Star Saint.

Rutkiewicz was back on song last season, having recovered from a career threatening ankle injury.

And after another guitar-toting Perth Concert Hall appearance for Rock the Catwalk and a solo set scheduled for May 31 in the Fair City, the popular player admitted news of the PA accolade was music to his ears after protracted injury woes. He admits the only thing that would top it off would be an invite to support Elton John at his summer gig at McDiarmid Park!

He said: "I've really enjoyed playing live music and it would be brilliant if I got an offer to support Sir Elton. Maybe I should have had that written into the recent contract. I'm sure I'm ready for a stadium gig and where better than McDiarmid Park?"

Rutkiewicz (28) is already eyeing-up next season and he’s impressed that manager Derek McInnes has got most of his squad in place, with Euan McLean, Collin Samuel, Jody Morris, Chris Millar and Gavin Swankie recruited before the holiday break.

“The manager had obviously done his homework and he didn’t waste any time. He has brought in new faces to add to the nucleus of the squad. I’m sure he has another two or three players in mind. We’ll have real strength in depth,” said one of the few survivors of ex-manager John Connolly’s recruitment drive.

“We are in good shape - the best since I arrived here - and everything is there for us to go on and win the league next season. With Martin Hardie and Kevin James back fully fit that will be like two new signings.

“But we have to hit the ground running and that’s where we should benefit from having most of the squad in place for pre-season training. We should let the other First Division clubs worry about us.”

Looking back on last season, Rutkiewicz admitted it was disappointing to see the title challenge fizzle out, although another cup semi-final with Old Firm opposition gave fans and players a real buzz.

“You have to get points on board in the first quarter. That has cost us dearly in recent seasons.”

Rutkiewicz took over the armband when club captain Kevin James was sidelined by injury and it has been a source of pride to the ex-Aberdeen player.

“I was just delighted coming back from a long-term injury. It was the end of a long dark tunnel from a personal point of view. But from the moment I arrived at McDiarmid Park my target was to get back to the SPL.

“It is frustrating not playing SPL football, especially having sampled it at Aberdeen. The big cup ties over the last two seasons have given everyone a taste of it and we have proved we can compete. It’s also good to know teams which beat us to the title, with the exception of Gretna, are still up there.

“We have played some nice football but it’s vital we grind out wins next season. We have to dig a wee bit deeper as a team to turn potential draws into victories.”

*Rutkiewicz swaps the boots for the guitar again on May 31 and the New Yorker in Perth is the setting for a 40-minute solo set.