Deuchar’s back to settle a score

Jun 5 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

KENNY Deuchar yesterday returned to McDiarmid Park and set his sights on proving he can grab goals at the top level.

The striker was frustrated by getting only limited game time during a short spell at Hamilton Accies, after returning from a lucrative stint in the USA with Real Salt Lake.

But he’s signed a 12-month contract and St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes is confident the target man will emulate the success which marked a loan spell at Perth, when Deuchar helped Saints clinch the Challenge Cup against Dunfermline.

Speaking from Florida, McInnes said: “I’m delighted to get Kenny back. He made a huge impression at the club first time round and hopefully he will do so again.

“Kenny knows the club and the players well and that is a plus for us. We have kept in touch since his first spell here and we tried to get him before.

“We wanted him back after his spell in the States but he wanted to test himself in the SPL. It didn’t work out as well as he’d have liked at Accies, for whatever reason. But he has the hunger to succeed in the SPL. We have got a player who has something to prove and there’s a few of us in the same boat.

“We have players who were deemed not good enough at previous clubs or who are making their way in the game. We have all got a point to prove next season and Kenny is no different.

“He showed our fans before that he’s a creator and a scorer.

“It’s important to have this type of player around the club, especially with Derek Holmes moving on.

Deuchar, who is a qualified doctor, scored 10 goals in 14 appearances for Saints in the autumn of 2007. At Hamilton, who favour a lone striker set-up, he made just three SPL starts.

Recuperating striker Andy Jackson welcomed the news that the Doc was back on board.

He said: “I’m concentrating on being ready for pre-season but this is a real boost. It would be great playing alongside anyone here but Kenny certainly helped my game develop in my first full season.”

Meanwhile McInnes admits his squad plans will be influenced by the outcome of the Setanta deal crisis gripping the SPL.

It looks set to wreck plans to lure Dunfermline keeper Paul Gallacher to Perth.

McInnes said: “We have a prudent and sensible chairman in Geoff Brown and we will cut our cloth accordingly.

“We are still working on targets and I am still optimistic of adding to a very good squad.”

SAINTS fans are being invited to list their top five McDiarmid favourites.

And the club will invite the elite group, and other stars from the McDiarmid era, to the FanFest being held in conjunction with Radio Tay on July 26.

It’s part of the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations.

Fans should write with their top five list to McDiarmid Park, Crieff Road, Perth or email enquiries@perthsaints.co.uk

Season ticket holders will enjoy free admission to the FanFest and adult tickets are £10 and U16s are £5. Money raised goes to Cash for Kids.