Del plunders Dundee for new recruits

May 17 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

DEREK McInnes has begun the process of re-constructing his St Johnstone squad for an assault on the top six next season.

And he looked down the Carse of Gowrie to plunder new talent just days after the campaign drew to a close in Paisley.

The Perth manager tied-up midfielder David Robertson from Tayside rivals Dundee United on a two-year deal yesterday, fending off interest from SPL rivals.

And while long-time target Craig Forsyth, the young Dundee winger, looks set to opt for a switch to Crystal Palace in the Championship, he is closing in on Dundee striker Sean Higgins.

Robertson turned down more lucrative terms to extend his stay at Tannadice, where he was in line for a testimonial had he put pen to paper on a new deal.

And with the lure of working with McInnes and assistant Tony Docherty a key factor in his decision to make the move to Perth, the former Scotland U21 cap admitted he was relieved to learn that they had rejected overtures from League One side Brentford.

“Doc was my youth coach for a few years at United before he left for St Johnstone while the gaffer was my first captain,” he said.

“It was a concern when I read Brentford were in for the manager. I knew he could have been away before I even got here. But I spoke to the manager before I signed and he told me straight away he was turning the Brentford job down.

“His reputation is growing all the time. It will be good for Saints if that continues. If you are recognised as a good and successful coach you are bound to attract interest from other clubs.

“It shows he is doing a good job for St Johnstone, and so are the players. Now I want to be part of taking the club on to another level. The top six has to be the aim.

“When I spoke to Del and Doc they were incredibly enthusiastic. They have a good squad and are looking at some quality signings over the summer. I am looking forward to the new season.”

Robertson revealed that his dad, Dougie, had played with a youthful McInnes in their Morton days.

“I had that connection from way back with the manager. I played with Steven Anderson when he was bootboy to Derek McInnes and I was looking after Mark Kerr. I also know a few of the Perth boys because I am close pals with ex-keeper Euan McLean,” said the midfielder, who first broke into the United team five years ago.

Robertson might have been tempted to linger at Tannadice, with midfielders Craig Conway, Prince Buaben and Morgaro Gomis leaving in what promises to be a summer of upheaval.

He said: “I joined United at 14 so it was a wrench to leave. I was there eight years as a professional. That is a long time to be at any club.

“It was an emotional day in the dressing room for a few of the boys in Sunday’s game against Hearts.

“United wanted to keep me and there was talk of a testimonial. But I am only 24! Of course I thought long and hard about it and I spoke to a few people I trust.

“Staying at United had a big pull and I had a couple of other offers on the table from so-called bigger clubs. It was great working with Peter Houston and his backroom team. But I felt it was time for a change of scenery and this move feels right.

“We had a night out after the final game with players and their wives. But there are a lot of guys leaving and that had a part to play in my decision. Now I want to kick-on with St Johnstone.

“Derek McInnes and Tony Docherty have placed a lot of faith in me and I want to repay it.”

Yesterday, McInnes said: “We have known David for a long-time and he will bring a goal threat to the team from midfield.

“He has a knack of finding space around the box. He has a great engine and he is a good finisher, with a fine work ethic. David is a very hungry player and his professionalism is spot-on.

“I know he had other SPL offers so it is great to get him here.”

McInnes revealed Saints had offered highly regarded Dundee winger Forsyth (21) a deal and were prepared to pay a fee under the U24 rule.

But he added: “Craig asked if he could wait until the end of the season for a decision and we respected that. He was happy with our terms but there are a lot of clubs showing an interest so we could lose out.”