Goal threat and competition has improved side, says Maybury

Oct 14 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

SAINTS fullback Alan Maybury believes boss Derek McInnes has pulled off a masterstroke with his summer signings.

Attributing the Perth side’s impressive start to the season to the improved goal threat provided by new boys Cillian Sheridan and Fran Sandaza, the 33-year-old Irishman isn’t surprised McInnes is being linked to clubs south of the border.

St Johnstone’s number 12, who along with fellow defender Dave Mackay will sit a final assessment for his coaching badges next month, told the PA: “I think last season we couldn’t get the goals and at times just didn’t look like scoring.

“But now, certainly the way the lads have started, we know that we are always a threat.

“It makes it easier knowing that if we do our job then we have a chance of winning the game.

“Or if we go a goal down there is a lot more belief that we will get goals back.

“It has made a huge difference and has lifted the whole place.”

And, according to Maybury, Saints’ haul of new players, which also includes David Robertson, Frazer Wright, Sean Higgins and Callum Davidson, has improved the side’s performance.

He went on: “There is better strength and depth this season and that keeps everyone on their toes.

“You know if you’re not performing, then there is someone of a good standard waiting to come in and take your place.”

Addressing speculation tipping McInnes to move to managerless Bristol City, he continued: “Obviously, the manager has done really well here and has his eye on going to England eventually.

“He’s got everything and has been brilliant.

“I just think that Scottish managers have that drive to succeed, the organisation and planning.

“It seems to work for them whether they are up here or down in England.

“I’d say Scottish managers, on the whole, are held on higher ground at the minute and that’s why he has been linked to jobs.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s encounter with bottom of the league Inverness Caledonian Thistle, the former Hearts man, admitted he is hoping to keep his place in the team.

Maybury, who has featured in seven SPL matches and two league cup clashes so far this season, added: “It’s good to get a run in the side.

“I knew at the start of the season it was going to be a bit similar to last season.

“I’d be filling in holes and when everyone was fit, I might not be in the starting eleven.

“I felt that when I’ve come in, I’ve done well and the team has done well.

“Hopefully that keeps ticking along and we continue to pick up points,” added Maybury.

“It has taken Inverness a bit time to get going, but by all accounts they have been playing well without picking up the results.

“It’s going to be difficult and we know we’re going to be in for a tough game.”