Alan makes himself a Main feature of the Saints in SPL

May 22 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

RECORD breaker Alan Main yesterday booked his place on board the SPL bandwagon.

The keeper has signed a 12-month contract extension.

And having already passed the late Drew Rutherford’s all-time appearance record, the highly regarded goalie, who turns 42 in December, could make his 350th start on the SPL stage.

Main is now nudging into testimonial territory, having initially signed for the Perth club in 1995, when Paul Sturrock paid £150,000 to lure him from Tannadice. He went on to Livingston and Gretna before securing a return ticket.

Main said: “Getting back to the SPL is something to look forward to, especially at my tender age!

“I’m pleased to get another year under my belt. There were times when I thought it might be my last but it was a memorable season for me personally, beating the appearance record, helping create a new unbeaten run and, of course, winning the title. Hopefully we can continue the success next season.

“Getting into the SPL has given me an added kick and playing at that level again is the target. I want to give it a real go.

“I think we’ll have a bigger squad and I suspect the manager will bring in another keeper so there will be real competition for places.”

Manager Derek McInnes is delighted that the veteran has agreed to extend his stay at McDiarmid, after a successful season which saw Main notch-up 15 shut-outs.

That was the best goalkeeping record since his 20 clean sheets in 1996/97.

McInnes said: “Alan is obviously vastly experienced and he was very influential in our defensive solidity in winning the title.

“I’m delighted he has agreed to stay on.

“He may be a veteran but he continues to impress in training and on the pitch.”

McInnes is eager to bring in another goalkeeper to compete with Main and Euan McLean - and one man on his radar is Gallacher at Dunfermline.

The 29-year-old former Scotland international has two years left on a lucrative contract with the Pars.

But the cash-strapped Fifers are ready to unload him.

Their desire for a transfer fee could scupper a move to Perth and Gallacher’s wages may also prove a stumbling block.

Like Main and McLean, he began his career at Dundee United and had a spell south of the border with Norwich.

Saints are also being linked with Alan Mannus, Linfield’s Northern Ireland international. But a move for the Irishman looks unlikely.