Ex-Saint Jackson recalls time in Perth

Jun 10 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

STRIKER Andy Jackson yesterday reflected on his seven-year Perth career after clinching a deal with First Division Morton.

Greenock manager and ex-Saint Allan Moore had been keeping tabs on the former Republic of Ireland U21 centre since the turn of the year.

Having failed to secure the 23-year-old during the transfer window he was at the head of the queue when Jackson was released by St Johnstone boss Derek McInnes despite getting a five-game run at the end of the SPL season.

With a series of injuries and illnesses cursing a promising career, family man Jackson admitted it was time for a fresh start.

And he plans to use the example of former McDiarmid attacker Stephen Dobie to get his career back on track.

Jackson has watched Dobie scale the heights of the Premiership after being shipped out by an exasperated Owen Coyle. Via Dumbarton and Queen of the South, he has reached the English top flight with Swansea after scoring in the play-off final win over Reading at Wembley and is now a candidate for Scotland honours.

Jackson said: “Obviously the injuries made it hard at times for me at Saints but as a whole I enjoyed my time there under John Connolly, Owen Coyle and the gaffer, Derek McInnes.

“The club stood by me through my injuries. There are no hard feelings. Maybe the time is right to move on.

“I’m dropping down a Division going to Morton but I look at what Dobs has achieved since he left Saints and that will spur me on.

“He is an obvious role model and the first person I thought of when I decided to drop down a division.

“He was always an unbelievable talent but Dobs knew himself that he had a weight issue at a time when Jason Scotland was the number one striker at Perth. But he stuck at it and he has got the rewards.

“I’m delighted to get fixed-up so quickly because there are so many players in Scotland and England out of a job and looking for clubs in the current financial climate.

“Allan Moore was interested in me in January and when I spoke to him recently he outlined his ambitious plans for Morton.

“There were a few other clubs interested but I liked what he had to say.

“Now I’m just looking forward to play football regularly again.

“I got a taste of it in the last few weeks of the season and loved every minute.”

Jackson, who scored 15 times in more than 70 appearances, made his Perth debut against Queen of the South in 2004 and Irish family links saw the Republic cap him at U18, U19 and U21 level.

But he was tagged Scotland’s unluckiest footballer as serious Achilles and knee operations threw development plans off schedule, and a recurring bowel complaint demanded emergency hospital treatment after he collapsed on the park at Stirling.

“I’ve had a few lows during the last few years,” he admitted. “The illnesses were a real worry at the time but the biggest setback was coming back from nine months out with an Achilles injury only to do my knee in pre-season and prepare myself for another seven months out. That was tough to handle.

“But I am fitter and stronger than ever now. It was great seeing out the season in the first team and I will miss the people and the place. But now I am up for a fresh challenge at Morton.”

Manager Derek McInnes , who continues to be linked with every vacant post south of the border as a matter of routine – the latest is Cardiff City – is tipping Jackson to make a big impression in the First Division.

He said: “Jacko had his problems with injury during his time at Perth but he showed great strength of character to bounce back and he will score goals for Morton. He goes with all our best wishes.”

The holidaying Perth boss is continuing to seek fresh talent, with a central defender, wide midfielder and striker topping the priority list.

Brechin City attacker and Perth target Rory McAllister has attracted a stunning offer from lowly Peterhead, which would allow also him to complete his plumbing apprenticeship.

He is weighing-up his options. Meanwhile former Perth favourite Steven Milne, who left for Ross County in mid-season, is heading back to former club Dundee.

Short term recruit Jordan Robertson has signed for Scunthorpe United and released keeper Graeme Smith looks bound for St Mirren.