Sheer delight at title

May 15 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Sheer delight at title

FANS favourite Paul Sheerin last night indicated he’s ready to sign-up for the SPL campaign.

While Alan Main has still to agree terms and Derek Holmes has decided to leave, the midfielder made it clear he will extend his stay at McDiarmid.

Sheerin – 35 in August – has settled in the Fair City with his family and he said: “We’ve had a chat and there are just a few things to be sorted out.

“I’ll definitely be staying. There was never any doubt in my mind. The only question was whether I’d be offered a new deal for the SPL.

“The gaffer, Derek McInnes, has given me an opportunity to do some coaching with the U17s and that has been great for me.

“I’ve been here five years. I remember Kevin Rutkiewicz assuring me we’d be back up into the SPL pretty quickly! It’s taken longer than either of us expected but we’ve made it.”

When Sheerin signs, he’ll be counting down to a 200th start for the Perth club.

His CV includes Southampton, Inverness, Ayr and Aberdeen.

But he stressed: “I still want to play at the highest level. Age doesn’t come into it.

“Working with the youngsters has actually helped my fitness,” said Sheerin, whose kids grabbed the U17 title. I thoroughly enjoyed last season. We were top of the pile and it was great dealing with the pressure of staying there.

“This was the first title of my career. The lads were happy for me and I’d like to think that’s because they appreciated the work I put in.”

The old master believes Saints are well-equipped to handle the demands of the SPL.

He noted: “It’s unfair to single people out but guys like Gary Irvine, Kevin Moon and Chris Millar will be ready and Liam Craig has played plenty games for Falkirk at the level. We can definitely handle it.”

FORMER Saints boss Owen Coyle is one game away from taking Burnley into the Premiership. Having seen off Reading he now takes his side to Wembley to face Sheffield United.

STEVEN Anderson is undergoing surgery on his ankle that went on hold during the title run-in. Jody Morris is seeing a specialist regarding a wrist injury and Stevie Milne is having a check on his knee.