St Johnstone's boss is not moved

Jun 30 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

DEREK McINNES on Monday insisted speculation linking him with interest from Watford and West Brom had not diverted his attention from plotting St Johnstone’s strategy for the SPL.

Watford were scared off by the price placed on his head by chairman Geoff Brown while the Baggies have favoured Preston’s Alan Irvine after whittling down their three-man shortlist.

But McInnes, who will clinch an extended contract soon, has been chasing up potential transfer targets, with three new faces on his wish list. A loan deal is also a route being explored.

The arrival of youth coach Alec Cleland sends out another strong signal to anxious fans that McInnes is staying.

Saints have missed out on several players, including Leigh Griffiths, who left Livi for a hefty deal at Dundee, Richie Foran, who is set to sign a new deal at Inverness, and Paul Gallacher, the Dunfermline keeper bound for St Mirren.

But McInnes won’t let financial doubts created by the Setanta collapse prevent him from pursuing players.

“It was nice to be linked with a former club like West Brom because I have so many good memories of my time there. Maybe that was always going to happen but it was flattering.

“But all the speculation hasn’t stopped me trying do my job here. As I said last week, I see my immediate future here with St Johnstone and I’m in no hurry to leave.

“Possibly West Brom appointing a manager will reassure the fans here. But my chairman has indicated there is a new contract for me here and I’m keen to get that sorted out.

“But it is more important to continue identifying players who can strengthen us for the season ahead and make us a more rounded squad. That is what I am trying to do before we head for Warwick on Monday. Ideally I will get two in before then.

“I’d like new players to train together and work with each other through pre-season. I’m pleased to have three new men here but I’m looking for a few more additions.

“There are one or two we haven’t managed to bring here but as a club we have constraints and work within a budget.

“But it’s great to have the players back in after the summer break. Day one is all about weigh-ins and basic fitness tests.”