St Johnstone set for parade through Perth

May 12 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

ST JOHNSTONE management and players will lap-up the adulation of fans tonight during an open top bus parade through the Fair City, culminating in a civic reception and balcony bow at the foot of the High Street.

But decision day is looming for several championship winners.

PA Sport understands that new deals are being offered to veteran keeper and record appearance holder Alan Main, midfielder and fans favourite Paul Sheerin, striker Derek Holmes and defender Graham Gartland, who arrived on a short-term contract after savouring a title and Champions League experience with Drogheda in Ireland.

Perth manager Derek McInes is hoping they’ll extend their stay at McDiarmid Park and he’s seeking swift answers from the players as he maps out his plans for the SPL.

He’s also keen to tie-up full-back Gary Irvine, who has picked-up the final PA Sport/George Wimpey player of the month award. A contract was tabled last week to keep the ex-Celt at Perth.

But, in addition to releasing club captain Kevin James, McInnes has decided against dealing in short-term recruit Graham Barrett, the one-time Arsenal striker who left Falkirk during the transfer window, and local youngster Steven Doris, who was marked down for a farewell appearance in last night’s re-arranged game with Airdrie United.

From the successful title-winning U17 squad, skipper Martyn Shields and Ryan Sullivan are being offered new contracts.

But Shaun McCallion (midfield), Gordon Norrie (striker) and Jordan Quinn (midfield) will be released.

Freak rainfall in the west of Scotland washed out Saturday’s final match with Airdrie, and the Lanarkshire club found themselves confined to the play-offs when Ross County won at Morton. They face Peterhead on Thursday.

Initially, the clubs agreed to field U17s in last night’s hastily re-arranged fixture but a clutch of first-team players were lined-up to play alongside the kids when the first of the play-offs were put back 24 hours.

There were top team debuts at Airdrie for teenagers Johnny Lindsay (left-back), Mark Durnan (centre-back) and Stephen Reynolds, the prolific striker who was linked with interest from Manchester Untied earlier in the year. Stevie May, Ryan Sullivan and keeper Alexander Clark were also in the travelling party.

First team squad regulars who were listed included Steven Anderson, Gartland, Sheerin, Collin Samuel, Stevie Milne, Kevin Moon and keeper Euan McLean.

THE Irn-Bru open top bus leaves McDiarmid Park at 7.15pm tonight bound for the city centre and a civic reception (see page 11 for approximate timings).

Derek McInnes said: “Winning the title is a fantastic achievement for the club and we are proud to be taking the trophy on a tour of the city.

“The fans have been fantastic this season and we want to thank them for all their support. We are looking forward to next season already.”

Martin Steele, senior brand manager for Irn-Bru, commented: “It has been a fantastic season and St. Johnstone have worked hard to win the First Division.

“We are delighted to be celebrating with the team onboard the bus. This is a special opportunity for St Johnstone fans to celebrate an amazing achievement and I would encourage as many people as possible to come along.

“On behalf of Irn-Bru, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Saints well for next season.”