Saints aim for the SPL

Jul 25 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THERE’S a mood of anticipation, even expectation, on the eve of a new St Johnstone season.

And that was confirmed with a healthy 2216 turn-out for the appetiser provided by Owen Coyle’s Burnley in midweek.

Bookies might have installed local rivals Dundee as title favourites but Perth fans are convinced manager Derek McInnes can end their six-year exile from the SPL.

With the defence of the Challenge Cup first-up, the manager allowed himself to look ahead to the league campaign, which will enjoy priority status.

He said: “I hope there is a sense of expectation among the supporters and I hope the players feel the same way about the season ahead.

“I won’t say we are the best because half a dozen teams will fancy their chances - but winning the title and getting St Johnstone back to the Premier League is what we are all here for.

“I’m at ease with those demands. I know if we don’t get promoted then I’m not doing my job. I’m getting the backing from the chairman, Geoff Brown, and if we can keep the really important players fit I believe we have a very good chance of making it a memorable season for the club and the fans after coming close in recent years.”

McInnes is delighted with the quality of his squad, having secured the bulk of his summer signing targets to join personnel he rates highly. And he’s relishing his first managerial role.

“It’s certainly different from being a player but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

“I’m desperate to repay the faith shown in me by the chairman. Quite clearly, I wasn’t the favourite to follow on from Owen when he left for Burnley with Sandy Stewart.

“So I would love to be able to shake the chairman’s hand and congratulate him on promotion and a job well done. That is certainly the goal.

“St Johnstone came very close under Owen and I believe we would have coped with the demands of the SPL. The hard bit is getting there, without a shadow of a doubt.

“But we have good people throughout the football club and we are all pulling together in one direction to make St Johnstone an SPL club again.”

“We have trimmed the squad slightly but I believe we are stronger player for player, certainly on paper. Now we have to show it out on the park.”

SEE PA Sport next week as Derek McInnes continues the countdown to the Irn-Bru First Division opener with Livingston at Perth on August 2. Next Friday’s PA will also feature a pull-out colour spread of the St Johnstone 2008/09 squad, with fixture list.

SAINTS travel to Stenhousemuir and their astroturf pitch on August 5 in the first round of the rebranded Co-operative Insurance Cup. Kick-off 7.30pm.

SAINTS take part in the Luncarty Tournament this weekend along with holders North End, Kinnoull and the hosts. Tommy Campbell takes charge of a young team with games on Saturday and Sunday at Brownlands. The latest batch of promising Perth kids are 16 and 17.