Real cold comforts for the Saints

Aug 12 2008 By Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

DEREK McInnes admits some of his regime changes have come as a shock to the system.

Slowly but surely he has been introducing his own philosophies to McDiarmid Park since taking command in mid-stream from close friend Owen Coyle.

Harnessing the latest computer technology and video analysis, and even tweaking the customary working week, is all designed to enhance St Johnstone’s prospects of a return to the SPL after a frustrating six-year exile.

Meticulously methodical McInnes – who has recently toasted his 37th birthday – has been delighted that the players, new and old, have bought into it.

But he admits there’s one innovation which might not have been universally welcomed.

McInnes revealed that players now have to endure ice-cold baths after every game and strenuous work-out.

He admitted: “It might not be too popular come December and January!

“But like everything else Tony Docherty and I are introducing, it’s designed to get the best out of the players as individuals and as a unit.

“It was mandatory when I was at West Brom and I continued with it as a player at St Johnstone, along with some of the older boys. I always felt the benefit of it.

“We have been tweaking a few things here and there.

“It is now accepted as part and parcel of our training.

“It’s designed to enhance recovery and it’s also part of our attempts to reduce the injury toll.

“We are working hard on the preventative side and hopefully it will all help over the course of a season.”

Keeper Euan McLean, who now has a fight on his hands to retain the number one shirt, with Alan Main making the bench against Morton after recovering from shoulder surgery, said: “The ice baths are an absolute nightmare!”

McLean left Dundee United in search of regular first team football and he reckons Main is the man to advance his career – even if they are caught up in a tug o’ war for the shirt.

“Alan is an absolute legend. There’s no other word for it. I know I have big gloves to fill.

“But the gaffer wanted me to come and push him for a place and that’s what I’m doing.

“He is coaching me and also pushing himself hard to play. He’s the best I’ve worked with. Alan is highly rated.

“That’s why he’s in at Rangers coaching their youths.

“Alan is fully fit now and I’m sure the gaffer will play whoever is doing well. That’s the way it should be.

“It was disappointing to lose that late goal at Morton.

The defenders in front of me were superb again and it was just as sore for them to take.

“I really only had one big save to make. It was the sort that the manager says well done if you go on to win the match.

“As it turned out, it didn’t warrant a mention.

“I had three years in the bench at Tannadice and I don’t fancy that again.

“But I came to St Johnstone because it’s a big club and I feel it’s going far. I feel I’ve a chance to be part of all that.”