St Johnstone boss McInnes warns players pre-season run is meaningless

Jul 19 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

DEREK McINNES yesterday warned his players that their successful pre-season campaign counts for nothing as they prepare for this weekend’s SPL opener against Aberdeen.

Although he declared himself pleased with his side’s three convincing wins and two score draws during the short close-season, the Saints boss insisted there is no guarantee the run of form will continue.

McInnes, who hopes to add a further two players to his squad ahead of Saturday’s match, said: “Any pre-season games, regardless of whether you win, lose or draw, aren’t really an indication of what you’re going to get for the season ahead.

“I don’t think we can look too far into those results. I’m glad pre-season is over. I, along with supporters and the players, just want to get started into the real stuff now and I’m confident we’re ready for the campaign ahead.

“In terms of the objectives of what we set out to do, we’ve got to be pleased.

“The players’ approach has been first class. They are competitive, fit enough and ready for the first game of the season.

“And if we can bring in one or two more, there is a lot to be optimistic about.”

Saints ensured they remained undefeated in their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw with Ayr United on Saturday afternoon.

Chris Millar fired the Fair City club ahead after converting a Kevin Moon pass before Mark Roberts levelled from the penalty spot before half-time.

The result follows wins against Arbroath, University College Dublin and Dundee. The team also drew 1-1 with Drogheda during their Irish tour.

Despite securing eighth position for the past two seasons, McInnes has demanded his players steer clear of relegation before setting their sights on a top-half finish.

He continued: “It is easy to say we are aiming for the top six but ideally we are looking to improve on the season before.

“But we’ve got a battle first and foremost to make sure we stay in the SPL and I don’t make any apologies for that.

“I know the budgets and restraints we have to work within and our first target is to try and get to safety.

“We’ve set a target privately for the players to reach. If we can reach that as quickly as possible, we can look at our other objectives from there.”

Revealing the future of trialist strikers Danijel Subotic and Marcus Haber, who both featured against Ayr, would become clearer over the next couple of days, McInnes admitted he was “disappointed” several targets haven’t materialised into signings.

“I know the type of players I want to bring in and I know what the team needs but if we can do that remains to be seen.

“The season starting earlier than it does in England makes it a bit more difficult at times.

“But I realise the squad is thin in numbers and we do need to get people in.”

Determined to kick-off the new season with a Pittodrie victory, McInnes and assistant Tony Docherty will take in Aberdeen’s friendly encounter with Villareal tonight in preparation.

And with Murray Davidson doubtful with a thigh strain, McInnes knows St Johnstone face a tough match.

He added: “Aberdeen traditionally tend to start seasons very well and we have our work cut out to make sure that isn’t the case.

“For us to have finished above Aberdeen in the past two seasons is a testament to how hard everybody has worked at the club. In terms of club and budget size they have been way above us.”