Homecoming for the Burnley Boys

Jul 22 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

OWEN Coyle and Sandy Stewart return to McDiarmid Park tomorrow for the first time since their departure for Burnley last season.

And their successors are expecting Perth fans to give them a rousing reception.

But Derek McInnes and Tony Docherty are also seeking a result and performance to take their new-look Saints into Saturday’s Challenge Cup tie away to promoted Ross County.

Stewart, with McInnes as skipper, engineered last season’s memorable Challenge Cup final victory over Dunfermline.

McInnes has already put his own stamp on the Perth squad since being elevated to the managerial office.

And yesterday Coyle, who followed-up a 1-1 at Queen of the South with a Partick Thistle challenge last night, was tipping his old club for a successful campaign.

He told PA Sport: “I had a great time at Perth and those memories will never leave me. The attachment to St Johnstone and the people is just so strong.

“The chairman, Geoff Brown, and managing director Stewart Duff, were brilliant with me. We moved the club a long way from where it was when we started.

“And I knew Derek would come in and do a fantastic job.

“I believe St Johnstone fans are in for an exciting season. He has signed some very good players and I’m delighted for Del. We speak on a regular basis.

“He has shown he’s his own man and I can’t speak highly enough about Derek and Doc.”

Close pals they may be, but that goes on hold tomorrow as Saints fans get their first look at the re-shaped squad.

Yesterday McInnes was off on “club business” and while the latest left-back trialist remains on board, the manager is still keen to boost his squad with the league campaign looming.

Several players have suffered injury scares in pre-season but number two Docherty said that Kevin James and Steven Anderson were both progressing, while Collin Samuel, who pulled out of the weekend warm-up before a 4-2 defeat at Inverness, and substituted Jody Morris, were in with a chance of facing Burnley.

Martin Hardie was another one protected as a precautionary measure.

With eight goals conceded against FC Timosoare and Inverness Caley Jags, the defence has to tighten-up but Docherty stressed: “Injuries have prevented us bedding-in at the back. But Kevin Rutkiewicz and Stuart McCaffrey did well in Inverness and it was good to see Stevie Milne getting two goals. Fitness is the key element right now and it was a good exercise on Saturday. Now it’s Burnley and the return of Owen and Sandy gives the game an added edge.Owen is always competitive.

“He and Sandy did a great job here and I’m sure our fans will show their appreciation.

“It’s the first time I’ll have played against Owen’s team after our time together at Falkirk and Dundee United. Usually I have to wear ear plugs because of his screeching in the dug out!

“It’s an attractive fixture against a quality Championship side and Owen has made some very good signings, including Kevin MacDonald from Dundee and Christian Kalvenes from United. And the fans will get a chance to see our new arrivals.”

*Tomorrow night’s clash with Burnley starts at 7.30pm. Season tickets are valid. Gate prices are £10 and £5.