Saints in class of their own

Jun 27 2008 by Andrew Welsh

MANAGER Derek McInnes is banking on a studious approach earning St Johnstone top marks this season.

Saints will set off this morning for a week-long training camp based between Wolverhampton University and McInnes’s former club West Bromwich Albion.

Yesterday, as his players took part in a double training session at McDiarmid Park to signal the close season’s end, the Perth gaffer said he believes following a carefully formulated routine in the Midlands can help set his new-look squad up for glory.

With three daily training sessions on the agenda, McInnes said the fixture-free trip away would be more focused on group work than traditional annual build-ups.

Saints will be based at a hotel five minutes from their training ground after finding the uni’s halls of residence were fully booked with Italian students.

“It’s vital that the players work hard throughout pre-season, get the right rest, eat the right food and have a togetherness about them,” McInnes told PA Sport.

“It’s just good to be getting away with the boys and getting to know each other. We won’t be going out and hopefully they’ll be too tired to even think about that.

“There’ll be a run and training in the morning, we’ll have a couple of hours sleep in the afternoon and then we’ll train from five to seven in the evening.

“We’re there to work, there’s no two ways about it.

“We won’t have time for anything else apart from rest.”

McInnes said he was pleased with the overall condition of his players on their return yesterday, with some squad members having recently undergone tests at Dundee University as part of a twice weekly fitness programme.

Stressing that he will operate a firm but fair approach with his south-bound pool, McInnes said he hopes the experience of sampling Premiership facilities at WBA’s Hawthorns ground will keep spirits high.

“We’re lucky we’ve already got a really good dressing room,” he said.

“It’s credit to Owen Coyle that a lot of his signings were the type who like a bubbly atmosphere and I’m the same.

“There’s a good spirit among the boys and plenty who’ll keep a smile on everyone’s faces.

“But it’s an even happier dressing room if you’re winning week in, week out, and that’s what we’re trying to instil.

“I’m sure we’ll all enjoy the trip. It’s not all about the seriousness of working hard and I’m sure we’ll get that bond off the pitch.”

With veteran goalkeeper Alan Main a doubt for the start of the campaign after undergoing shoulder surgery, Saints have taken on former Aberdeen shot-stopper Greg Kelly (21) on a temporary basis.

And the manager said he will be given a chance to impress in forthcoming friendlies.

“We need another keeper to make our training work and cover us for pre-season games,” said McInnes.

“Greg is delighted that he’s coming in to help us through the period and if we can help him by putting him in the shop window then it’s all to the good.”

Main, who McInnes still hopes can be fit in time for the big kick-off, is also travelling south today, along with former Dundee United goalie and recent signing Euan McLean.

“Alan can still do a bit of work, though obviously handling is out,” said the boss.

“Plus, I rely heavily on him to make sure the keepers are worked properly.

“I want him to build a good relationship with Euan.”

Besides Kelly, other new faces joining the party include an unnamed trialist left-back with Spanish Second Division experience - ironically recommended to Saints by the man whose boots he could end up filling, the departed Goran Stanic.

And McInnes said the Midlands sojourn would be ideal for seeing if those he is assessing can slot into his plans.

“The season starts now as far as I’m concerned and the preparation is vital,” he added. “That’s why we did so much work at the end of last season to try and get our squad in place.

“There might still be one or two players who become available in the next few weeks who we would have liked, but I would rather be ahead of the game.

“I’m really happy with the way the squad is shaping up.”