Temple Of Saints - Archive News From The Oracle
December 31st- Saints reserves
beat the Dons 3-0 this afternoon in a rearranged match after the
Forfarshire cup-tie against Brechin was called off. McQ and Jenko played
although Luggy has said that there is no guarantee they'll get their
places back on Saturday at Dunfermline.
December 30th- Gary Farquhar is
to go under the surgeons knife in order to remove a cyst on his cartilage.
Attila will not be fit for Saturdays match but John McQuilland and Jenko
are both free from suspension.
December 29th- Usual plaudits in
the papers consisting of more debate about the flaws of Celtic rather than
the well-deserved win for Saints. Delightful tidbits such as "Ulsterman"
and "Rangers-Daft" to describe Georgio. Reports of Phizzy and
Davison being watched by several clubs although no firm offers have been
received yet.
Meanwhile on the injury front both Georgio and Thomas Andersson will be
fit for Saturdays trip to Fife.
December 28th- As expected
following the gubbing of Celtic yesterday theres several rumours of
transfer moves involving Saints players. The Waily Retard reports Forest
watching Callum yesterday and a £1m bid expected in the next 2
weeks, whilst Scotsport says that Leeds are planning a bid for Phizzy and
Davison.
In tribute to the new Anthem a soundclip can be found
here
December 27th- The Xmas pressies
keep on coming as Saints beat Celtic,
in front of a capacity crowd and the near-mythical STV cameras. All this
without the new star striker who remains floored by a stomach complaint.
Nicknames have changed again with Outlet now also to be known as Monty
following his removal of clothing party-piece on the teams Xmas night out.
In other fixtures Dunfermlines Andy Smith is red-carded against Hearts
ruling him out of next Saturdays match against us.
December 26th- Saints beat
Dundee Utd reserves in front of a reasonable crowd 1-0 thanks to a Legend
volley. New striker Thomas Andersson (or Mr T as he's been christened) has
a low-key game and missed an easy chance. He's also rated doubtful for
tomorrows sell-out match v Celtic thanks to a stomach complaint (he spent
Xmas with Magnus Skoldmark of the Scumdee Utd so God knows what germs hes
picked up). However Callum Davison and Phizzy both trained on Christmas
Day in a 90-minute North Inch session and are available for the visit of
Celtic.
Loan star alan Kernaghan has finally been given the free transfer by Man
City and Saints have signed him till the end of the season. The paperwork
has all been processed and the Irishman will play on Saturday. Sturrock is
quoted as saying its "the perfect Christmas present - Alan is very
popular with fans and players alike."
Stuart McCluskey was involved in a bad car crash last week although the
Scotland U-21 cap walked away from a write-off he was told by police he
was very lucky following the accident at Blackford. He is also quoted in
Fridays "PA" as saying he isnt content with reserve matches.
With Kernaghan and Weir forming the backbone of Saints defence and Danny
the obvious 3rd choice the pressure is on McCluskey.
Fines for dissent bookings for Saints players have been increased heavily
by Luggy in an effort to clamp down on what some see as a lack of
discipline in the Perth ranks (although most of us think of it as the
Great Conspiracy of 1998 !!!).
December 23rd- Thomas Andersson
signed for the boys last night in a deal until the end of the season. The
29-yr old Swede has arranged for a year off work to try his footballing
luck in Scotland and is spending Xmas in Perth alone (awwww!!) whilst his
girlfriend and 7wk old son are in Sweden. Now thats what I call
dedication. Luggy has lined him up to play against Dundee Utd in a reserve
match tonight and will decide after that whether he starts on Saturday,
but the prospects look good.
Sturrock has reiterated that the Kernaghan deal hinges on a free transfer
but with Man City chairman Francis Lee still on holiday no decision has
been made by the Maine Rd club.
One player not joining Saints is French midfielder Frank Escalon who has
left Berwick Rangers and moved to Ross County.
Callum and Phizzy were hoping to train today but if not Sturrock has
already ruled them out of the Celtic clash on Saturday. Better news for
Attila with the player 100% better after treatment in Austria.
December 22nd- Daily Star
reports that Celtic were watching Danny Griffin on Saturday - well with
the performance he turned in there is no danger of a bid soon. Saints have
also opened signing talks with Man City in a bid to secure Alan Kernaghans
services.
Also expected in today for signing talks is Swede Thomas Anderssen who
according to the Courier was recommended to Saints by Birmingham City
reserve coach Ian Bowyer who only turned down the player a few weeks ago
because his style was similar to their current forwards. Sturrock also had
Anderssen watched before the start of last season and even though the
player scored a hat-trick no further progress was made.
December 21st- Token Hunday
Mason rumour has Attila wanted by Saarbrucken. Well we won't miss him
anyway.
December 20th- A gutsy
performance at Tannadice fails to
secure any points as Saints go down 2-1. Another dire referee doesn't help
and Jenko is red-carded and 5 Saints players booked.
The game also sees what could be Alan Kernaghans last performance in a
Saints jersey with the big Irishman heading back to Man City at the end of
his loan period. Saints are still slightly hopeful of a permanent deal.
December 18th- Latest on the
Great Striker Search is that Thomas Andersson will fly in on Sunday to
sign for Saints until the end of the season. The Swede is apparently
willing to give up spending Xmas with his girlfriend and baby son to
ensure that hes fully fit for Saints.
On the injury front Callum will definitely miss the trip to Tannadice
which no doubt meant the Outlet starting at left-back. Luggy has a
shortlist of 5 for the vacant right-back berth with Andy Whiteford and
Danny the favourites.
December
17th- Swedish club Vasteras' striker Thomas Andersson (right) is
flying to Perth for signing talks according to the Sun. The striker, who
was top scorer for his club last season had a trial with Birmingham City
last week where he scored twice in 2 games. From what I can gather from
Vasteras' WWW sites he's 6ft+ 29 and has scored 57 goals in 121 matched
for the Swedish club.
Alan Main's Scotland call-up chances look better with the news of
Scotlands planned 'B' international v Denmark next March. Here's hoping Pa
Broon decides to look at the best keeper in Scotland for a change.
Alan Kernaghan has had talks with Man. City boss Frank Clark but no
permanent move has been finalised yet.
Last night's reserve match v Killie finished 0-0. Both Danny and Andy
Whiteford managed to get on the park. The injury situation isn't any
better with Callums hamstring pull not yet fully checked and Attila's back
problems causing Luggy real worry.
December 16th- Luggy has denied
that Jenko is to be offloaded.
Injuries are causing problems for Saints defence with McQ suspended for
the Tannadice match, Davison suffering from a hamstring pull and Danny a
recurrence of his pelvic injury. Sturrock plans to experiment with the
defensive possibilities in tonights match against Killie reserves.
December 15th- Latest on the
transfer front has the Sun saying that Luggy is willing to listen to
offers for Jenko in the region of £100,000 in the hope of gaining a
transfer fee before the players contract is up in the summer. Meanwhile
the Retard forecasts the visit of Big Fat Ron to McD to watch Phizzy and
Callum ahead of a potential £2m bid from Sheff Wed for the pair.
December 14th- Report in the
Hunday Mason has Saints and Ross County looking at Berwicks French
midfielder Frank Escalon. Also Hibs are apparently clearing our 12 of
their professionals so expect a possible revival of the Lavety deal.
December 13th- Tommy Wright has
signed a deal until the end of the season and came on as sub for Callum
Davison in the 1-1 draw at home to
Kilmarnock. He looks a lot better than Jenko and seems keen enough.
Luggy has said little about the performance but is disappointed with the
home form this season. Maybe a more attacking formation would improve
things.
Saints also featured on the telly with BBC Scotlands "Whats the
Score" debate on the future of Scottish Football including Dasovic
and Dino in the studio panels. Excellent interviews.
December 12th- Tommy Wright
could be set to sign a deal to the end of the season with Saints. However
he is quoted in the Sun as saying that he's "always been a Celtic man
and will find it hard to get used to wearing a blue shirt". Great
just the sort of dedicated player we need. Any contract signings have had
to be rescheduled though since both El Luggino and Blackley have been off
sick.
As for the team news Jenko might make the squad on Saturday. Attila and
Farquhar will definitely miss out though.
December 11th- Saints reserves
lost 2-0 in Perth to Aberdeen last night. Danny played at left back and
had a good game. With the midfield struggling though, Tommy Wright had a
fairly quiet game although he is said to be fast. Sturrock plans to hold
talks with the player.
Attila and Jenko are both back in full training but don't expect to see
them on Saturday.
Paul Sturrock is quoted in the media as saying he will not be rushed into
any panic buys. Let's hope not anyway.
December 10th- The deal for
Barry Lavety is off as the player has decided to stay at Easter Rd, with
the excuse being that Hibs owed him money. Hibs have denied this.
To commemorate the Great Striker Search of 97 the Prospect
page is up and running. Related to this Karlstrand has been bumping his
gums about the collapsed deal and responded to Sturrocks criticisms with ""I
don't give a damn what the old man says - the reason I didn't move to
Scotland is that they don't pay enough money. He's just annoyed because I
rejected the club.". The words "sour" and "grapes"
spring to mind. Still he's got to protect the new Frolunda contract now
hasn't he?
Tommy Wright, ex-Leeds, Bradford and Oldham is set to play for the
reserves tonight against the Dons. Also in the line-up is Danny Griffin
who is being played at right-back with the aim of getting the player used
to the position again. He'll be needed in the games against Dundee Utd and
Celtic as John McQuillans booking at Pittodrie has earned him a 2-match
suspension. I suppose the only real surprise is that it's taken so long
for the suspension to appear as McQ seems to be booked every week."I
don't give a damn what the old man says - the reason I didn't move to
Scotland is that they don't pay enough money. He's just annoyed because I
rejected the club."
December 9th- Saints are
extending the search for a striker after the Hibs junkie deal hit a "technical
hitch" over a financial matter concerning Lavety and Hibs. The deal
is not off but there is no guarantee the player will sign for the weekend.
A rumour doing the rounds just now is a deal involving Steve Tosh and cash
going to Broadwood in exchange for Paddy Connolly although this hjas to be
taken with a large pinch of sodium chloride given the ex-Arabs reluctance
to leave the dizzy heights of Airdrie for Saints.
Luggy, in an uncharacteristic show of anger, has hit out at the "unprofessional"
conduct of Karlstrand as the deal has finally been marked dead.
On the team front Attila and Jenko are well on the wayto fitness. Luggy
is also upping the training schedule of Kane, Phizzy and Outlet (or Allan
Preston to the uninitiated) to get them back to full fitness.
Saints are also planning for the winter weather with a repeat of last
years hiring of a balloon to protect the pitch for the Xmas and New Year
games.
December 8th- With Karlstrand
not in Scotland yet, Saints have pulled the plug on the deal having been
given the runaround since August. Still no doubt the fans will remember
him in their own way - lets just hope we meet Frolunda in the Champions
League !!!
Barry Lavety is still is signing talks and a decision is expected this
week as to a possible move to Perth. Another trialist, Tommy Wright from
Oldham is due in Perth this week. He's a 31-yr old winger so any move must
be seen as short-term.
Media coverage is full of Father Dougals performance on Saturday and the
deal to keep him at McDiarmid still seems on.
December 7th- Not much more on
the transfer front although Lavety was left out of the Hibs team today at
Ibrox so he may be in signing talks still. Luggys repeated to Karlstrand
to get his arse over to Scotland by Monday or the deal is off. Luggy is
quoted as saying "Barry Lavety would be a useful acquisition, but I
will only sign players who are 100% willing to do a job for St Johnstone."
which sounds to me like his patience with Extasy-Man is wearing thin.
Alan Kernaghan is willing to take a 50% cut in his wages to make his loan
to Saints permanent but it all now depends on whether Man City request a
large fee to release him from his contract 6 months early.
December 6th-The
Legend Returns as Roddy comes off the bench to get a well-deserved
late equaliser for Saints at Pittodrie.
No further signings but Karlstrand has to sign by Monday or the deal is
off and a fee was apparently agreed with Hibs on Thursday night for
Lavety, with the player needing to think the deal over - looks like hes
being a greedy we shite again IMHO.
December
5th- More transfer speculation as Saints are reported to have bid
£200,000 for Hibs striker Barry Lavety (right). Courier says that
the deal is done and only personal terms have to be agreed (which if I
remember correctly was what stopped him signing for Saints when at St.
Mirren). More credibility is given to the deal with the Evening News and
Hibs not issuing an outright denial. Lavety was also seen at McDiarmid
this afternoon where signing talks are believed to be taking place. Luggy
is reported in the Scotsman as having left 4 bids with various Scottish
clubs having checked every Premier club in the search for a striker.
As for Karlstrand he is supposed to be in Perth this weekend for signing
talks but will fly back to Sweden tomorrow for his Mums birthday - even
better than that is the news that he intends to take her home some Dundee
cake as a present. Now we could just put this down to his Scandanavian
naivete but he's not exactly trying to endear himself to the Saints
support (with the possible exception of Scumdee-lover Dave Low). Meanwhile
Geoff Brown is prepared to seek UEFAs help in getting an apology from
Vastra Frolundas manager over the "blackmail" comments the
Record delighted in publishing this week.
More trialists are on the way with 2 Zimbabweans due next week. Hopefully
they wont do a Reggie Perrin and vanish as Chamu seemed to do.
A proposed £1m move by Sheff. Utd for Phizzy has collapsed after
Saints tried to add on sell-on clauses to the deal.
As for the team news Callum Davison seems set to retain the no. 3 jersey
and Jenko is still not fit as is Attila who's gone back to Austria for
treatment on his sciatica. Expect the team to be the same as Ibrox with
the possible exception of a new striker up front (as if we believe that'll
happen!!!)
December 4th- Report in the Sun
says that Saints are preparing a £250,000 bid for ex-Scumdee and
current Jambo striker Jim Hamilton who's currently out of favour at
Tynecastle. Having failed to get Paddy Connolly and apparently Karlstrand
Luggy hopes to line up a striker for the weekend. Having said that the
Jambos have apparently stated that he's not for sale.
Saints could be set to lose Callum Davison with chairman Geoff saying
that we probably couldn't afford to turn down the money if the rumours of
£1m+ bids are true.
Alan Kernaghan might still become a permanent Saintee as Man City
apparently want £300,000 to release him but may be willing to let
him go on a free to reduce their wage bill. The player himself is keen to
stay in Perth but will have to take a wage cut as Luggy refuses to break
the clubs wage structure to keep him.
December 3rd- Saints are looking
at the possibility of signing on-loan defender Alan Kernaghan. The big
stumbling block could be the players wages but his loan deal, which
expires after the Arabs game on the 20th, has proved successful for both
Saints and the player.
Meanwhile the epic saga of the Karlstrand signing has made the back page
of the Sun with the latest stall tactic from the player being that he
doesnt want to leave Ted the Rottweiler behind. In addition Vastra
Frolundas manager has launched a scathing attack on Saints handling of the
deal accusing Saints of attempting to poach the player. In response Luggy
said that they'd followed FIFA guidelines in making no approach until the
player had less than 6 months of his contract to run.
The big chance to see the Hun reserves get gubbed last night didn't come
off as the game was postponed due to a frostbound pitch.
December 2nd- Attilas signed a 6
month deal to keep him at McD until the end of May. Both Phizzy and Outlet
have missed training due to the effects of knocks at Ibrox. Jenko is at
least a week away from returning (Luggy stock catchphrase no 44b), so
expect Preston to be up front at the Sheep-Pit.
As for Saviour Luggy has spoken to his agent and said that if he's not in
Scotland and signed by the weekend then the deal is off. Either way the
managers credibility with the fans is suffering from dragging this out.
December 1st- Latest on
Karlstrand is that he expects to get his passport on Wednesday and be
signed by the end of the week. Attila is set to sign a new deal until the
end of the season.
For all the music lovers, you can practice the new song lyrics
here.
Top Of News
November 30th- Sunday Mail
reports that Arsenal scout Donald Mackay was at Ibrox yesterday as the
London club closes on a £1 million bid for left-back Callum Davison.
November 29th-
Saints go down at Ibrox but put on
their best performance of the season in a 5-goal thriller, which saw us
run out moral victors over the Diving Dane who was subbed after 25 minutes
cos the big cissy is scared of comeback kid Callum Davison.
Luggy was also quoted on Radio Scotland and it looks like Attila is
staying till the end of the season. I suppose thats got nothing to do with
the fact that no-one is interested in signing him?
November 28th- Latest team news
is that Preston and Phizzy may make the side but Jenko is out. Callum
Davison will only be risked as a last resort. As for the Evil Ones, the
Great Diving Dane and Fat-Git are both available.
Neither of the Scandanavians on trial this week will be followed up as
the great new signing search continues.
November 27th- Looks like
Attilas definitely away. His contract is up on Monday and despite an
improved offer to stay until the end of the season Attila looks set to
leave with 2 Austrian and one Belgian club showing interest.
On the injury front, Phizzy restarted training today but both Jenko and
Preston are struggling which could mean an early return to first-team
action for Callum Davison. Karblee will definitely not be signing for
Saints. Oh well another one bites the dust.
November 26th- Sun reports that
Carlstrand is due to sign on Monday....yawn yawn. Karblee seems unlikely
to join Saints at they dont intend to follow up their interest.
The injury list for Saturday is building up - Preston, Jenko (groin) and
Phizzy (wrenched knee) have all been on the treatment table this week.
November 25th- Icelandic target
Sverrisson has turned Saints down due to personal terms (ie he got
promoted at work, by the company who coincidentally sponsor his current
team !?!?!?!). Saviour is 80-90% certain to join Saints and the African
trialist last night is Utd reject Abel Karblee, a Liberian who everyone
seems to think is useful. Well hes here for a start which puts him ahead
of the million other trialists this season.
Saints have made an improved offer to Dino to stay at McD but the players
contract is up next Monday and it looks fairly certain he'll be heading
off - although no-one is exactly beating the door down with offers for
him.
November 24th- Sheffield Utd
boss Nigel Spackman is rumoured to be preparing a £1m bid for Phizzy
according to the Sun.
Saints went out of the Reserve League Cup tonight on penalties after a 1-1
draw v Hamilton. Two trialists were playing for Saints, a Swede described
as "Peter Fyhr" mark 2 and an African striker who apparently
looked the part. Callum Davison managed to play half an hour which
although is a good sign the left-back is on the way back, it probably
means he'll miss the Ibrox match.
Leigh Jenkinson is suffering from a groin strain (again)!!
November 23rd- Slow news day
obviously as the Sunday Mason links Saints to another £225,000 bid
for Airdries Paddy Connolly. Personally if he cant score against Ayr (they
beat Airdrie 6-0 yesterday), then we dont need him.
November 22nd- Saints make it a
record for Hibs as they plunge to their 7th defeat in a row thanks to a
1-0 scoreline at Perth. Still some
problems as both Jenko and Phizzy are taken off with injuries.
Some better news though with left-back Callum Davison scheduled to play in
at least one and possibly both reserve matches this week as he recovers
from hernia surgery. His current target is a first team return against the
Sheep on December 5th.
November 21st- Little news in
the build-up to Saturdays game. John O'Neil returns from his one-match
suspension but Danny and Davison are certain to miss out. Some good news
with Rougier missing for the Hibees due to international commitments.
Gary Farquhar could be moving north to Caley Thistle in a £25,000
move - a depressingly low figure for a player of his ability. Sturrock has
said that no move will take place until some new faces have been brough on
board, possibly an obscure reference to the mythical Saviour. Attilas
agent has been speaking to the press regarding the players availability
which probably means he's well out of McD in a few weeks. Tomorrow could
be the last chance for the "Dino Roar".
November 20th- Attilas reported
in the Sun as still wanting to stay with Saints or another Premier League
team. Meanwhile Gazza will play against Saints - hes banned for Saturdays
match and the 4 afterwards. Who said anything about a conspiracy eh ?
November 19th- Geoff Brown has
stated that neither he nor Saints have been approached by Aberdeen
regarding Luggy - so hopefully thats all out the way. Attila has continued
training after a successful appearance for the reserves on Monday night.
Saints are still waiting on a reply from Sverrisson but intend to bring
over another 2 Scandanavians next week (a striker and centre-half). Luggy
and John Blackley were down in England taking in a game there last night.
November 18th- A 1-0 win for
Saints over Hearts in last nights reserve match saw Roddy score but also
marked the return of Attila which should put him in line for a place on
Saturday against Hibs in what could be his last game for Saints.
Latest on the signing front is that Saints have offered a contract to
Sverrisson but a sticking point may be his wages with the player having a
good job in Iceland.
Geoff Brown has hit out at criticism of the club stating that money is
available for Saints to spend on new players - a figure of £500,000
has been mentioned in the past. We're still waiting for a big signing
though.
November 17th- Sun report today
says that Saints are hoping to tie up a deal with Sverrir Sverrisson this
week. We'll see.
November 15th- Saints fall foul
to the curse of TV again as they lose 2-1
at Hearts with the second coming from the penalty spot to make it 8
for the season so far. The result puts Saints down to 6th in the table and
left me with a major hangover this morning.
Gary Bowman has moved to Ayr Utd in a 35,000 deal which hopefully will
give some of the kids a chance. Either that or use the money to keep
Kernaghan at McDiarmid.
November 14th- Nick Dasovic
looks set to have played his last game for Canada as he has decided to put
club responsibilities ahead of international recognition. Of course the
fact that Canada have been shite in most internationals has nothing to do
with it. Dasovic is available tomorrow and with the injury problems in
defence (Griffin, McCluskey, Attila, Whiteford and Weir are all doubtful),
he could partner Kernaghan in central defence.
The midfield also has its problems with John O'Neil serving a one-match
suspension tomorrow and Gary Farquhar still suffering from the flu which
has kept him out most of the week. Hopefully there will be a place for
Kieran McAnespie who surely deserves at least a place on the bench.
The Saviour saga rolls on with Saints still hoping to sign him but excuse
no. 34828 is that there is a problem with his passport. Given that the guy
was in London last week I dont see how that should be a problem. One
signing on the cards is Icelandic internationalist Sverrir Sverrisson who
impressed greatly in a closed-doors game on Wednesday leading to El
Luggino opening negotiations for the players signature. Meanwhile the 2
Swedes on trial this week will be returning home with Saints not
interested in taking things further.
November 13th- Looks like Attila
is off with the Austrian set to depart Scotland at the end of the month to
return to his homeland. Although injury has kept him out of the Saints
team for the last few games, he is still hopeful of playing in a final
match at McD,with his last chance being the Hibs match a week on Saturday.
Another player on the way back is Jim Weir with the player an outside
chance of making the Hearts game this weekend despite missing out on a
closed doors match yesterday. Also back are the two wandering
internationalists - Nick Dasovic trained yesterday and Leek Jenkinson (who
only made the subs bench against Brazil) due back today.
November
12th- Wales were beaten 3-0 by Brazil in the early hours of this
morning. No word on whether Jenko played. Scotland also went down 2-1 to
France with Alan Main not even making the bench thanks to Pa Broon
preferring an Englishman and an overweight sex maniac in the keeper
positions. Still theres always next time.
Another Scandanavian has arrived on trial at McD - 28 yr old Icelander
Sverrir Sverrisson (right) is a scoring midfielder who had been playing
with Icelandic champions IVB and has played for the Icelandic World Cup
team. Luggy is quoted as still intending to bring over further
Scandanavians on trial. I reckon that makes it about a dozen trialists
since the start of the season with only a place on the bench for Fabrice
Monakino to show for it all. Still only 19 days till Saviour Day.
November 11th- Geoff Brown is
reported in the Courier as saying he would not stop Aberdeen talking to
Luggy but that he doesn't believe that it will come to pass - let's hope
not. Sturrock himself has made no comment but has stated that Saints will
no longer talk about transfer deals or other players until a deal is
finalised - something tells me that one has been said before.
There was better news on the park last night as Saints reserves beat the
Pars 1-0 at East End Park with Keyring McAnespie getting the only goal.
Jim Weir managed to play for a while until replaced by youngster Stewart
Orr. Also present was one of the Swedish trialists who according to the
Courier report had a quiet game and hardly touched the ball. Injuries
continue to be a problem with Danny Griffin missing training yesterday
after a groin strain picked up at the weekend. Rumours also abound that
Gary Farquhar could be on his way to Caley Thistle which for my money is a
bad move by Saints with the player still not getting a chance to prove
himself in the first team.
One player missing from the Saints line-up was Leek Jenkinson who was
quoted in the PA as saying that it was a tough choice between a reserve
match in Dunfermline or joining up with the Welsh squad for a game in
Brasilia against the world champs - with his usual skill Jenko picked the
wrong option and should take part in the Welsh game at some point
(kick-off 00.30 tomorrow morning GMT).
Finally congrats to the Saints 14s side who beat Arbroath 9-0 in the Nike
Cup and now head off to Bilbao in the spring for the European finals as
Scotlands reps. Excellent news for the club and for Alastair Stevenson who
must be the best youth coach going.
November 10th- With his usual
shocking unpredictability Chic Young suggested Luggy move to Aberdeen to
take over the vacated Dons managerial post following Aitkens sacking this
morning. While its nice to see a manager recognised its strange how the
media forget that these people are under contract to their club.
Meanwhile the great striker search continues with Saints playing host to
3 Swedes this week. A 22yr old winger is hopefully going to play in the
reserve match at East End Park tonight whilst another striker and
midfielder are due for trials this week.
November 9th- Looks like
off-form Saints winger Leigh Jenkinson is off to Brasilia with the Welsh
squad following the news that Ryan Giggs has pulled out.
Luggy has promised to move into the transfer market following yesterdays
defeat saying that too many experienced players are not doing the business
with his main worry apparently our inability to score goals. Well at least
he's noticed now - its been obvious to 99% of Saints fans since day one of
the season.
Saints have slipped back to 5th in the table as Dundee Utd thrash the Dons
5-0 to overtake us.
November 8th- Saints put on a
display of inept football as we go down 2-0
to Dunfermline in the derby. John O'Neils booking doesnt help as he
looks set to miss the next 2 matches due to suspension.
November 7th- Philip Scott will
be out for at least a month after fracturing his elbow in the Motherwell
game last Saturday. Attila is also a major doubt as his sciatica continues
to cause problems. Also missing for Saturdays derby against Dunfermline
are Jim Weir and Callum Davison although Weir managed 20 minutes in the
1-0 reserve defeat against Motherwell. Jenko, Kernaghan and Georgio have
all trained this week but are still rated as doubtful.
"Leek" Jenkinsons callup to the Welsh squad for the Brazil
match next week has been confirmed. Nick Dasovic will miss the Dunfermline
game due to international duty but will be available for the trip to
Hearts next week. Alan Main has also made the squad for the Scotland game
against France next week proving to all that boss Craig Brown missed the
Motherwell game.
On the transfer front Tomas Rosenqvist has signed a new contract with
Vastra Frolunda and so will not be joining Saints. Saints received a
nominal fee for Gavin Price with Paul Sturrock stating that Price's style
didn't suit Saints and he would never press for a first team place.
On the incoming side Carlstrand is expected to sign this weekend after a
robbery in London midweek deprived him of his wallet and meant he was
unable to travel north to sign. Sturrock wants to get the deal sorted as
soon as possible but is at pains to point out that L-G is not the "great
white hope" the fans want - so that means the "Saviour"
nickname will have to go probably. Saints will have another Swedish winger
over on trial with another three Scandanavians lined up for games in
Perth, international clearances permitting.
November 1st- Saints move up to
4th in the league after a close 4-3 win over Motherwell
with Saints penalty tally rising to 7 conceded so far this season.
Gavin Price has moved on already to Stirling Albion. The player was
unlucky with injuries but never really got a chance under Sturrock
following his summer signing from Den Haag.
Even more incredulous is a report on Teletext that states that Jenko is on
standby for the Welsh squad to play Brazil by virtue of the player having
a Welsh grandparent. Words fail me.
Top Of News
October 31st- Saints have had
their home tie with Hearts scheduled for Sat Jan 10th put back to Jan 12th
so it can be shown live on Sky - expect another defeat then.
Saints injury worries have increased with Leigh Jenkinson damaged a
groin, Attila Sekerlioglu suffered a recurrence of a back complaint and
Stuart Mcluskey suffering from flu. Georgio and Phizzy are both set to
start the Motherwell match and Kernaghan will play if McCluskey is ruled
unfit. Roddy Grant is also rated doubtful with an inflamed knee although
the mythical Gavin Price is available if required (not that Luggy will
think its the right time yet).
On the transfer front Saints have apparently made moves for two players
this week but both have proved fruitless although Carlstrand is still
expected to sign for Saints next week as he makes a small diversion from a
shopping trip (!) to London with his fiancee - as if gubbing the Pars
isn't important enough. Meanwhile the club have reopened talks with Attila
whose contract is due to end on December 1st although going by the players
attitude in the last few weeks his support amongst the fans is wearing
thin.
October 30th- Saints reserves
managed to keep up the tradition of the first team by failing to score
against Celtic in last nights 3-0 reserve defeat.
Latest on the Karlstrand saga is that the striker is expected in Perth at
the start of next week to sign for Saints. Meanwhile Alan Kernaghan
completed a double training stint on Tuesday and should be fit for the two
vital clashes against Motherwell and the Pars.
October 29th- According to a
report on Soccernet
Saints may have a battle on their hands in an attempt to sign 22yr old
Vastra Frolunda striker Tomas Rosenqvist. Whilst his teammate Karlstrand
his due in Perth this week to sign a 2-year deal with Saints, Rosenqvist
(who scored 22 goals this season) has admitted he might be too young to
move abroad and may get homesick in Scotland. Hopefully the club can
overcome this especially if Karlstrand signs.
Saints reserves are due to take on Celtic tonight at 7.30 at McD - expect
some press coverage as Dive-Dive Jackson continues his comeback for the
Wegie cheats.
October 28th- Lars-Gunnar
Karlstrand is now set to sign for Saints tomorrow despite being unable to
play until the end of November due to contractual reasons - although on
past form this can be taken with a large pinch of Sodium Chloride.
Meanwhile his striking partner Tomas Rosenqvist is still expected over at
some point to look over the club but this wont happen for another week or
so due to work commitments.
Luggy has also hit back at media reports that Saints were happy to lie
down to the Celtic saying that in 20 years of being player and manager he
had "never gone into a match against the Old Firm intending to lose"........
unlike Mr A Totten. Individual players will be given pep-talks by Sturrock
this week in an effort to boost their performance with John McQuillan and
Leigh Jenkinson first on the list.
The injury situation is easing with Callum Davison starting gym work and
Alan Kernaghan back in training. Not so good news for Jim Weir however
with a trip to a specialist lined up to deal with a calf problem in the
opposite leg to his Achilles problem.
October 25th- Saints are
beaten 2-0 by Celtic as they bravely
continue their long tradition of being shite against the OF in Wegieland.
The match also saw Saints concede their 5th penalty of the season not that
I'd start the conspiracy theories.
October
24th- Saints injury worries continue with Jim Weir ruled out for
Saturday after suffering a reaction to his Achilles injury after playing
on Tuesday. Callum Davison will definitely miss out on the Parkhead trip
(I know how he feels!!!!) and both Kernaghan and Danny are rated doubtful.
Meanwhile Paul Sturrock could be set to move for ex-Millwall striker
Scott Taylor (right) who he watched play for Bolton reserves midweek
against Leicester. The 21-year old 5'10" striker is rated around 100K
and is apparently considered not robust enough for the English Premiership
!!!! Saints secretary Stewart Duff is trying to arrange for Karlstrand and
Losenqvist to travel over to sign for the Saints next week.
Saints interest in the BP Youth Cup is over as a very young Saints team
went out 3-2 to Clyde on Wednesday night (15-yr old Kiegan Farquhar scored
both Saints goals). The reserves have a match lined up against Celtic in
Perth next Wednesday.
On the international front, N Ireland manager Bryan Hamilton has been
sacked with Raith boss Jimmy Nicholl set to take over if media rumours are
to be believed - what this means for Danny and Georgios international
careers remains to be seen.
October 23rd- Luggy and Chairman
Geoff were in England last night looking at a prospective Saints player
(though theres no more details than that). The signing of Chamu Musanhu is
still a possibility with a fee of around £100,000 required for the
Zimbabwe internationals services.
October 22nd- The first hiccup
on the transfer front has appeared with the news that the 2 Swedes might
not be able to fly over for the weekend cos their boss might not give them
time off from their jobs in a Swedish refrigerator factory !!! Trust el
Luggino to keep it simple eh?
Saints reserve match v Aberdeen was postponed last night but the team did
play a closed-doors bounce match and Jim Weir came through fine. Danny
Griffin has resumed light training but after 4 1/2 weeks away he is short
of match fitness and will only be played at Parkhead if things get really
desperate.
Off the field Saints have teamed up with the Bank of Scotland in a sad
commercial venture with the launch of the St Johnstone Visa card, with
Saints benefitting from donations from Visa based on spending. As if
anyone would fall for that...now wheres the form?......
October
21st - Saints search for new strikers appears to be about to bear
fruit with the news that 2 players from Swedish First Division side Vastra
Frolunda are heading to Perth. Lars-Gunnar Karlstrand (24, far right ) and
Thomas Losenqvist (22, right) are expected to sign 2-year deals on Friday
with Saints although neither will be available to play for the club for a
month until they become free agents.
Whilst the move for Karlstrand has been on the cards for a while the
signing of his striking partner ex-U21 international Losenqvist is more of
a surprise. The pair scored 30 goals between them last season as Frolunda
won the Swedish First Division with Karlstrand snatching 8 in 16 games and
Losenqvist the remaining 22.
Alan Kernaghan is a doubt for Saturdays trip to Parkhead along with Danny
Griffin but there is some good news with captain Jim Weir being pronounced
fit.
Saints reserves take on Aberdeen tonight in a rearranged match following
the car crash a few weeks ago. Meanwhile the youth team play Clyde in
Perth tomorrow at the start of another BP Youth Cup tournament.
October 20th - As expected after
his star performance on Saturday Main is already being touted for a move -
this time to Celtic in a story rehashed by the Daily Star from the end of
August. Mind you what can you say about a paper that does a Scotsport and
can't tell the difference between Del and Roddy.
October 18th - Saints have
pulled out of the deal to sign Rangers defender Gary Bollan after the
players wage demands were deemed too high. A separate deal for striker
Stephen Boyack never went beyond the stage of an initial enquiry.
Meanwhile Saints gub Killie in a game
which marked the return of Nick Dasovic to first team action, Main quoted
as Scotlands No. 1 keeper by Bob Crampsey and hopefully the last of Attila
in the first team. It also saw the first Saints trip to the new Rugby Park
and the meeting with what must be the biggest bunch of uniformed hitlers
calling themselves polis at any ground in Scotland. Still we won so I wont
let my good mood be ruined.
October 17th - Latest on the
team for the trip to Rugby Park is that Danny is in with a slim chance of
playing as is Attila with the pair suffering from ankle and back injuries
respectively. The Sun carries an interview with Nick Dasovic and it looks
like he may play some part in the squad as well. Phizzy Scott is another
that could play but Kane and Price are unlikely to feature.
Killie boss Bobby Williamson has said that he is still hopeful of signing
Cassule but that he won't play tomorrow.
Steve Tosh is to appeal against his red card for violent conduct in
Tuesdays reserve match. He is already banned for Saturday and has been
fined by the club.
October 15th - Mixed fortunes
for the reserves last night as they went down 2-1 to Kilmarnock with Tosh
getting sent off into the bargain. Cassule scored for Killie and Phizzy
for Saints. Dasovic, Jenko and Price all played well apparently.
October 14th - More bad news for
Saints as its revealed that left-back Callum Davidson will be out for at
least a month as he undergoes an op for a hernia injury. Jim Weir is
another casualty with the likelihood of surgery on his Achilles meaning he
could be out for 3 months.
Saints have agreed a fee with TFOD for Bollan and Boyack and are awaiting
the decisions of the players themselves.
Meanwhile St. Johnstone trialist Chamu Musanhu has greatle impressed
coach Blackley and Sturrock is expected to open negotiations. Another
African striker impressed in Fridays bounce match although he is having
trials with other Scottish clubs and its not certain whether he'll play in
tonights reserve match v Killie (for whom Cassule scored 2 last night
against Morton).
Paul Kane and Nick Dasovic are still reckoned to be 2 weeks away from
first-team football with the latter under instruction to lose a stone in
weight.
October 12th - Not much news
today but ex-trialist Luis Cassule is apparently now on trial with Killie
and out to prove Luggy wrong for killing the deal. He has signed a 2-week
contract which makes him eligible for Saturdays Rugby Park clash with
Saints.
October 11th - As we expected,
Alan Main didn't make the team or the bench with Pa Broon instead
preferring to pick the Wimbledon reserve keeper over Jesus. Still I
suppose we should forgive him given that Scotlands all but qualified for
France 98 (as long as the Faroes dont screw it up for us !!!!)
October
10th - Some more information in the Record today about the
Zimbabwean trialist Chamunoda Musanhu (or Shampoo has hes been nicknamed
by the Saints players). He's 23, currently playing for FC Dynamos Harare
and has 16 caps for Zimbabwe. If he impresses enough in more trial matches
he'll be available on a free transfer. However the unnamed Frenchman and
Simon Davey who both played against Dundee will not be followed up on.
George O'Boyle has been drafted into the N Ireland squad due to injury
problems.
Meanwhile Callum Davidson is apparently the next lined up to go under the
surgeons knife as he prepares for a hernia op. According to the Sun this
has put his "dream move" to Arsenal on ice although they have
made no official enquiry and Saints have refused to put a price on the
youngsters head. Saints are still rumoured to be lining up a move for Gary
Bollan and Rangers kid Steven Boyack with the latter rated at £150,000.
With Rangers wanting £400,000 for the pair it seems unlikely a deal
is imminent.
October
9th - Plenty of news on the transfer front with Saints linked to
several players. Along with Musanhu Saints also played Welshman Simon
Davey (right) in the closed-doors match against Dundee. The player is
currently out of favour at Preston North End and £30,000 would be
enough for Saints to secure the 27-yr old midfielder. Saints were also
reported to be ready to sign ex-Arab and current Hun reject Gary Bollan.
The 24-yr old defender/midfielder is reported in todays Waily Retard as
being about to sign for Saints along with Steven Boyack a product of the
Rangers Boys Club in a £400,000 deal.
The injury situation is brightening as well as both Kane and Dasovic made
returns yesterday with the latter playing an hour of the Dundee match.
October 8th - Alan Main has
finally been called into the Scotland squad for the Latvia game as Pies
Goram finally pulled out. Saints were due to play a closed-doors match
today to give a trial to Shamu Musanhu a 25-yr old central defender /
midfielder from Zimbabwe. Sturrock is also looking towards Scandanavia to
strengthen his squad although whether or not that means a move for
long-term target Lars-Gunnar Karlstrand remains to be seen. His team
(Vastra Frolunda) are due to finish their season on the 18th October.
October 7th - News from last
nights crash it that only 5 YTS players were hurt slightly (all were
suffering from minor injuries and shock) and were discharged last night
from the PRI. Dasovic, Kane and manager Paul Sturrock were not involved as
they were travelling separatelywith the reserve team in a separate coach.
Reports say that a car crashed into the minibus carrying the Saints
players. The car driver was reported to be in a serious condition. The
reserve match against Aberdeen was called off although closed-doors
matches have been arranged for Wednesday and Friday.
Danny Griffin has pulled out of the N Ireland squad to face Portugal in
order to receive treatment for a niggling ankle injury.
October 6th - Alan Kernaghans
period at Saints might be over soon as stories circulate that Notts Forest
are planning a £300,000 bid for him. Meanwhile Callum Davidson was
watched by Arsenal scout Don Mackay on Saturday and the rumour is that the
London club are planning a £750,000 bid for the young Saint.
The Saints reserve match was cancelled when the bus carrying the Saints
reserves to the match in Aberdeen was in a crash at Coupar Angus - some
people have been taken to PRI but no-one is thought to be seriously hurt.
No doubt there might be a mention in the media tomorrow. Amongst the
players on the bus were Dasovic, Kane, Price.
Despite Luggy clamping down on trialist stories in a bid to prevent the
fans hopes being built up, the Star today reports that a Zimbabwe central
defender by the name of Shamu is coming to McD for a trial. The player has
apparently played in Germany.
October 4th - Finally Saints get
their first home win with a 1-0 win over
Aberdeen although luck plays a major part in the game. Maybe it has
to do with the new away tops finally being put on sale - well I wore mine.
Some good news on the international front as a report on Sportscene had
an interview with Scotland boss Craig Brown who seems set to call up
Saints keeper Alan Main to the Scotland squad for the Latvia match in
place of the injured Pieman Goram.
October 3rd - Saints still have
major injury worries for tomorrow with Kane, O'Boyle and Weir all missing
and Phizzy only in with a slight chance of making the side. Attila
apparently also twisted his back in training yesterday which rules him out
for a month - and with his contract running out in November its a strong
possibility we've seen the last of him in a Saints top.
October 2nd - Paul Kane and Nick
Dasovic are scheduled to return to reserve team action against Aberdeen
next week. Gavin Price who made his return against the Hibs is still short
of first-team action and according to Luggy is having problems fitting in
with Saints style of play.
October 1st - Some good news for
a change (apart from the Huns getting knocked out of Europe again !!!)
with Stuart McCluskey and Stephen Robertson both getting call-ups to the
Scotland U-21 squad for the Latvia game on October 11. Saints reserves
beat Hibs 4-1 with 2 goals from Gavin Price.
Top Of News
September 30th - Latest injury
worries has Georgio and Phizzy still struggling for Sat with calf and
hamstring injuries respectively. Luggy is still trying to sign a new face
(or several) for Saturday but is apparently getting nowhere. Meanwhile the
news from Aberdeen is that defender Gary Smith is definitely out on
Saturday.
September 27th - The reasoning
behind the secrecy on team news becomes clear as another makeshift Saints
side gets a well-deserved draw at Easter
Road with Saints fans paying 14 quid for the pleasure of seeing
Saints concede another early goal. Latest on any move for Kevin Thomas of
Hearts seems dead as the player seems set to move to QPR. Meanwhile Danny
Griffin has managed another call up for the N Ireland squad for Oct 11 -
not bad considering his mediocre (by past standards) performances in the
last few weeks.
September 26th - No more word on
team news although Luggy is criticised in the Sun today for refusing to
reveal his team on a Friday. He is also quoted in the Courier as not
expecting a new signing for Saturday despite trying all week. Given Saints
present injury situation its unlikely he'd even be able to name a team.
Alan Kernaghan is also mentioned in the Sun as saying hed like to get a
permanent deal with Saints. As for the team expect Jenko, OHalloran and
Davison to figure in the squad.
September 25th - Leigh Jenkinson
managed 45 minutes of a reserve match against Rangers yesterday - which
means he'll have an outside chance of being fit to get taken off hurt
against Hibs. Luggy was apparently at the Hearts v Arabs reserve match on
Tuesday looking a Kevin Thomas, Stephen Frail or Gary Locke of the Jambos
or Dave "Psycho" Bowman from the Tangerines. Of course he denied
looking at anyone in particular. Personally going for Thomas would be a
bad move IMHO since he turned us down once already so any further move
would no doubt be cash-related.
September 23rd - Sturrock has
announced that no news will be sent to the media regarding player injuries
in an attempt to avoid players using this as an excuse for poor
performances on the park. Meanwhile on the injury front Dasovic is aiming
for a comeback against Killie in 3 weeks time but there is no other good
news on the squad front.
September 20th - A makeshift
Saints team prove that the Law of Averages is a myth as they extend the
run against The Forces Of Darkness to
26 years and a bit without a win. Sturrock was restrained in his comments
but berated the midfield.
On the transfer front the Great Striker Search of 95/96/97/98? goes on -
Sturrock has ruled out any moves for Freestone of Boro but the Carlstrand
transfer is still apparently on the cards for the end of October.
Personally I won't be holding my breath.
September
19th - Saints have reportedly signed Alan Kernaghan from Man City
on a months loan. Hes a 6ft 2inch center back who is a former Republic of
Ireland internatinal. He is now 30 and is likely to make his debut against
TFOD tommorow. Meanwhile Jenko, Kane and Weir are likely to miss out and
Danny has only just resumed training. Expect a very different Saints side
with Teletext reporting 8 players unfit.
Meanwhile Ravanelli has gone back to Middlesboro which can only mean good
news in any potential Saints move for Chris Freestone.
September 18th - Latest news
from Boro is that Bryan Robson is reluctant to let Freestone go until he
can replace Ravanelli. Freestone is happy to stay there as long as he is
in the first team although from Middlesboro WWW sites it appears that his
chances will be limited in the future.
The Perth boss said yesterday, though, that no moves are imminent for any
of the players on view in midweek. Meanwhile, there was no change
yesterday as far as Saints' lengthy injury list is concerned. Sturrock
pointed out that it won't be clear which of those struggling - Danny
Griffin, Jim Weir, Leigh Jenkinson and Paul Kane - will have a chance of
playing against Rangers at McDiarmid Park on Saturday until tomorrow or
the morning of the match itself.
September 17th - As expected the
Cassule deal is off and the player has returned to Portugal with Saints
citing the work permit as the main reason behind the call-off. However
further transfer moves are afoot as Luggy watched Middlesboro striker
Chris Freestone score against Barnet in the Coca-Cola Cup last night. The
striker is rated at 250,000 and Luggy is apparently keen to get a deal
through by the weekend. Freestone has just turned 26 and is 5ft 11. His
appearances for 'Boro have been limited but he's scored 4 times in his
last 5 games.
September 16th - Apparently
there is now major doubt over the Cassule deal with the Sun reporting that
Saints have called it off amid problems with the Home Office and the news
that he won't be available to play on medical grounds for another 3 weeks.
The Courier merely says that the deal is in doubt.
Meanwhile the latest from the treatment table is as follows ::
DANNY - Swollen ankle. Has to wait another 48 hrs to check if
there is ligament damage.
JENKO - Has resumed training but will definitely miss the Gers
match.
WEIR - Very doubtful for Saturday. Is in light training but still
has pain from his Achilles injury even when jogging.
KANE- Back in training and has an excellent chance of making
Saturdays match.
PRICE - An outside bet for Saturday depending on the striker
situation but El Luggino wants to give him a month to recover from cracked
ribs. However in his favour is the reports that he is desperate to play.
September 15th - Latest news has
Cassule making a 2500 mile round trip back to Portugal to get a passport
to make him eligible to play for Saints on Saturday. Meanwhile Sturrock
has blasted his players for lack of effort against Hearts only singleing
out Davison for any praise. Paul Kane and Jenko are hopefully lined up to
return this Saturday although there are still doubts over Weir and Danny
Griffin.
September 13th - Poor finishing
sees Saints go down 2-1 to Hearts with
even more worrying news being the loss of Danny Griffin. Slightly better
news for Canadian midfielder Nick Dasovic who hopes to resume full
training after his hernia injury shortly and has set himself a target of 3
weeks to resume first team appearances.
September 12th - Saints injury
problems are mounting ahead of Saturdays game. A 5-2 reserve defeat from
Hearts saw Luis Cassule taken to hospital after being unconscious for 15
minutes. Worse after the clash of heads, he swallowed his tongue
(according to the Sun) and only Hearts physio Tom Logans quick thinking
saved his life. After treatement and a brain scan at hospital both Luis
and Hearts player Derek Holmes were discharged. What the effect is on his
playing tomorrow remains to be seen. On the legal side Saints are arguing
that as he has held Portugese citizenship for 14 years and is eligible for
a passport he does not need a work permit.
Agent Jim McArthur said: 'I've never encountered anything like this
before. 'He considers himself to be Portuguese and has lived there most
his life. He is entitled to a Portuguese passport, but has been travelling
on an ID card, which is like a short-term passport. 'It's good enough to
let him travel freely around Europe, but it seems it might not be enough
to let him play football in Scotland.' If the Scottish League turn him
down, the player will fly back to Portugal to apply for a full passport.
Cassule was top scorer in his league last year so we live in hope.
As for team news for tomorrow, latest is that Weir, Kane and Jenko are
all out along with Kieran McAnespie. Keith O'Halloran has not trained all
week although Roddy managed 45 minutes in the reserves and faces a fitness
test on Saturday morning. Gavin Price might be forced into action although
he is also short of match fitness.
On the fashion front, Saints away strip is still not out but is expected
in the shops some time this month.
September 11th - The Luis
Cassule deal is in the balance whilst Saints wait on a decision from the
SFA regarding his status. Despite being a Portugese citizen for 14 years
(according to the Courier), Cassule may still be classed as Angolan and
therefore require an EU work permit. This would effectively kill the deal.
Jim Weir is looking increasingly likely to miss the Hearts game (quelle
surprise) so expect a McCluskey / Griffin partnership in defence. Weir is
confident of returning for the Forces Of Darkness and Evil visit next
Saturday.
September 10th - The Cassule
signing has hit another snag with the news that Luis is Angolan meaning
more red tape to sort out. He should be available for Saturday and the
game against Hearts which is just as well since Roddy is a major doubt
leaving us with Georgio as the only fit striker. Danny Griffin should be
back as well having played in N Irelands 1-0 defeat to Albania.
September 9th - Saints have
finally signed Luis Cassule on a 2 year deal for £40,000. Meanwhile
Jim Weir is struggling to make Saturdays home match v Hearts although
Jenko still has a chance of making it. Unfortunately things are getting
worse with the news that 18yr old striker Kieran McAnespie could be out
until Xmas with a knee injury.
The Scottish League has fined John Blackley £1000 and banned him
from the dugout for a year. One law for the Old Firm eh?
Motherwell have released ex-Saints target Austrian Mario Dorner at the
end of a three month deal. So he wasnt that good after all.
Soem details of the new Premier setup are emerging with a 1-up, 1-down
proposal and no play-offs. Teams still play one another 4 times a season
so there appears to be little change there.
September 8th - St. Johnstone
have given notice of their intention to resign from the Scottish Football
League along with the other 9 Premier clubs, with the view to launching a
Scottish Premiership next season. A full press conference is planned for
tomorrow. Full details at Scotland
On-Line.
Meanwhile, Luis Cassule is back in Perth for more signing talks and
should sign this week. Saints reserve match v Hearts is now on Thursday
afternoon at Newtongrange. John Blackley was due in front of the SFA today
to be punished for his trackside activities against Celtic in the cup-tie.
He elected not to attend in person and being non-OF is no doubt going to
be clobbered.
September 6th - Relief all round
as Roddy is diagnosed as only having severe bruising, so his crap form is
due to the pox !!! Negotitations are still continuing with Leixioses for
Luis Cassule and he is expected back next week for more training although
he is apparently well short of match fitness.
Saints are also looking at bringing forward the Hearts reserve match next
week or arranging a closed-doors game to give Jenko a run out. Luggy is
also in the paper saying that players will only leave the club a "St.
Johnstone prices" and that no firm offers have been received yet.
September 5th - Latest stories
have Bolton preparing for a £1.2 million bid for Callum Davison.
Saints still haven't signed Cassule as the deal has hit "a snag"
- the player is back in Portugal just now. Sturrock is quoted as saying he
is "hopeful" of reaching an agreement after a day of discussions
yesterday. Saints won't be signing the Swedish trialist from yesterdays
match - he was more of a defender and had to come off after 50 minutes
injured.
The injury worries mount for Saints. Gavin Price is on the mend and
played yesterday and Jenko should be available for matches next week. Jim
Weir has had a plaster put on his ankle to aid his Achilles problem, which
will stay on to next Tuesday and Roddy was at hospital for a leg scan
today.
September 4th
- Saints are preparing a bid for 27-yr old Portugese striker Luis Cassule,
and with a fee of £40,000 agreed with Leixioses only personal terms
have to be sorted out. He's also claiming that he can be a new Jorge
Cadete for the Perth side - God knows what that means. He doesn't speak
any english but is still into the squad for the Jambos match on the 13th.
Meanwhile Saints planned to field the Swedish defender/midfielder today in
a closed-doors match with Raith Rovers. The other Swedish trialist, a
right-sided midfielder is not in the country yet due to club commitments.
Saints are also hopeful of tying up the deal for another striker by the
weekend - one can only assume that means Lars Gunnar Karlstrand.
September 3rd - Luis Cassule
scored twice for Saints last night in a 5-2 gubbing of the Pars in a
reserve match. The game also featured the unnamed Swedish trialist. Luggy
has also fixed up a closed-doors match v Raith Rovers for Thursday.
September 2nd - More injury
worries for Saints as it is revealed that Roddy is going to have a scan to
check if he has a hairline fracture of the leg, believed to have been
sustained in a challenge with Celtics Simon Donnelly. Sheff Utd are
reported (in the Sun) to be preparing a £1m bid for Phizzy which
could also involve striker Andy Walker coming to Perth - as if. Meanwhile,
Luis Cassule is due to turn out for the reserves against the Pars tonight
with a good performance likely to see a longer term deal being offered.
Saints are trying to arrange a closed-doors match this week to try out 2
swedish trialists, an experienced midfielder/defender and a right-sided
attacker.
Top Of News
August 30th -
Saints draw the derby with Dunfermline
in an incident packed 2-2 game. Weir missed his first game of the season
due to his Achilles trouble. Of more worry must be the number of bookings
the defence is picking up -especially with two important home games v
Hearts and Gers in the next 3 weeks. According to Soccernet, Luggy takes
the blame for the tactics in the first half failing to nullify the Pars
attack.
To save reload time, only the current months articles will be kept here -
the rest goes to the new Oracle Archive.
August 29th - French trialist
Fabrice Monakino has gone home early. He is still suffering from a thigh
strain which has limited his appearances. Saints haven't ruled out a
further trial later in the season. Meanwhile Portugese striker Luis
Cassule played up front in a 2-1 victory over Celtic last night and
scored. Sturrock was impressed and expect a signing move after Tuesdays
home reserve match. Scotland announced their squad for the Belarus match
with Main being rejected yet again in favour of the Wimbledon reserve
keeper. Still at least we have Davison and McCluskey in the U-21s.
Danny Griffin could make a return to the first team tomorrow as Weir is
still struggling with his Achilles injury. Apart from that Saints have a
full squad to pick from (with the usual exception of Jenko and Gavin Price
(cracked ribs)).
August 28th - Saints have shied
off buying Karlstrand after Frolunda wouldnt reduce their 200,000 asking
price. Sturrock has said he will wait until Karlstrand is a free agent at
the end of October. However another Swedish midfielder/defender is coming
over for a trial with Saints.
Meanwhile Luis Cassule can clinch a deal for himself tonight if he
performs well in the reserve match at Parkhead with John O'Neill due for a
run there as well. If he's signed Leixoses will collect a nominal fee from
Saints.
Injured trio Kane, Preston and Weir are all on the mend - the first two
back in training and Weir still expected to play this Saturday.
Danny Griffin has been named in the N Ireland squad for the match v
Albania on September 16th. No place for Georgio however.
August 26th - Latest on the
transfer front has Managing director Stewart Duff and Luggy flying off to
Sweden yesterday in the hope of signing Lars-Gunnar Karlstrand with a bid
of aroun £150,000 expected for the goalscorer (7 in 14 games this
season). Meanwhile new trialist Luis Cassule a 'burly' 27-yr old Portugese
striker (and Jeremy Guscott lookalike) impressed in training yesterday
with Saints hoping to get clearance to field him on Thursday night in
Glasgow against Celtic reserves. In fantasy-land the Daily Star are
standing by their report of Celtics planned £2m bid for Main,
Georgio and Scott despite denials from Jock Brown, Saints and the rest of
the world. Callum Davison is currently the subject of speculation of
£1.5m bids from Arsenal, Newcastle, Blackburn, Spurs and Bolton,
whilst Danny Griffin is a rumoured £1m target for Notts Forest.
Still at least we get to keep Weir !!!!!
On the injury front both Weir and new-father Paul Kane are nursing
knocks. Jenko has already been ruled out of Saturdays derby against the
Pars.
Saints are holding a meet the manager evening for shareholders this
Thursday. And finally
True Faith
On-Line are offering a free years subscription to the Saintee who
gave the Celtic fan a shiner at Saturdays game. Serves him right for
sitting in the hallowed seats.
August 25th - Transfer rumours
abound with Arsenal and Newcastle reporting £1 million bids for
Callum Davison. Meanwhile Celtic denied reports today that they were
preparing a bid for Main, Scott and Georgio - thats what a bit of TV
exposure does to the boys.
August 23rd -
Saints go down 2-0 to Celtic . On the
transfer front Ian Ferguson has moved on to Ayr Utd (where he
scored today !!) for £40,000 and Luis Cassule a striker is
coming over from Lexoises of Porto in Portugal for a weeks trial. Not much
info on him but he's rated at £100,000 and is interesting
Huddersfield Town - hes highly-rated according to Luggy but he wont be
pushed into any panic buys.
August 22nd - Danny Griffin
looks set to return to Saints line-up for the revenge match. Jim Weir
faces a late fitness test and O'Neill is suspended (apparently Mr Dallas
had a torrid time of it at work on Wednesday - serves him right for
working in Perth). Celts expect to have Blinker back but Peter Grant has
signed for Norwich. Caley Thistle are reported to be ready to bid £30,000
for Gary Farquhar.
Congratulations also to Geoff Brown celebrating 11 years as Saints
chairman and the longest-serving chairman in Scotland.
August 21st - Saints have been
asked for comments on Tuesday nights match by the Scottish League who will
meet on September 8th to debate John Blackleys punishment. Both he and
Roddy have already been disciplined by the club. However John O'Neill will
escape a fine (but is still banned for Saturday) since Luggy believes he
is innocent. Saints have a doubt over Jim Weir for Saturday's match since
his Achilles problem has flared up again. Saints have also told Caley
Thistle that Farquhar is not for sale. Other reports have Leeds (who had a
scout at McDiarmid on Tuesday) preparing a £750,000 bid for Phizzy
Scott.
August 20th - The aftermath of
the cup-tie is in the papers today with the majority verdict being that
Dallas was an arse to send off ONeill but that Saints discipline went at
the end. Still plenty of praise for the boys from all sources. The 97-98
Referee Awards have now been added to the
Temple. Feel free to send votes to me. Sun also mentions today that Caley
Thistle are interested in Farquhar.
Go to http://freespace.virgin.net/andy.burns/reports.htm
Andy Burns site for excellent pictures from Sky of the ONeil red card -
maybe Dallas is an arsehole after all.
Saints are apparently reviewing their policy of moving Saints fans to the
West Stand for the big games - a count check is being done to see if there
are enough season-ticket holders to justify using the East Stand.
August 19th - Saints go out the
Coca-Cola Cup to Celtic 1-0 after
extra time in an incident-packed and controversial match. Saints end the
game with 9 players following O'Neil and Grant being red-carded. We will
have to wait and see what effect this has on suspensions.
August 18th - Attilas hyping
Saints up in the papers sounding as full of confidence as last time we got
humped. Jenkos been ruled out for a month after being taken off injured
last Saturday. Altho Preston can take his place Fabrice might make the
starting line-up. Weir and O'Halloran both took knocks at the Motherwell
game but will be fit for tomorrow night.
Oh yes and the media are back on form - still
there was only 2 errors in todays Daily Record.
August 16th - Saints go top of
the league after a convincing win over
Motherwell. However the game causes some worry with winger Leigh
Jenkinson taken off with what looked like a groin injury. Saints announced
a profit of £168,000 for the 96-97 season although if it hadn't been
for the cup match at Ibrox this would have been a loss. Chairman Geoff
Brown also had a go at the locals of Perth for not supporting their team.
August 15th - Reports today
suggest that El Luggino was sufficiently impressed with Roger Nzamba
(nickname suggestions to the usual address please) in yesterdays closed
doors match v Ayr to offer him a deal. Negotiations are now under way and
the player may be signed in time for Tuesdays cup-tie. In the meantime,
Nzamba has flown back to Italy. Meanwhile Saints are biding their time
waiting until October when Lars-Gunnar Karlstrand is out of contract. On
the playing front Luggy has enlisted the services of Paul Cherry who spied
for Saints in last weeks CC tie when his new club Caledonian Thistle
narrowly lost on penalties to Motherwell.
News from the fashion world is that Saints rock idol Dasovic has
celebrated his ongoing recovery from his hernia op by growing a moustache
- hereby shall he be known as "Zappa".
Tomorrows starting eleven is still doubtful - Roddy and Dino arent fully
fit yet and Jenko has a groin strain. With McCluskey playing instead of
Griffin, only the back four looks definite. Fabrice Monakino could be in
from the start as he scored a goal midweek for the reserves( in a 2-0 win
over Motherewell with McLeish playing in their defence), with O'Neill
managing to play as well. McLeish won't be playing for Motherwell tomorrow
- the reserve outing convinced him that hes past it.
August 14th - According to the
Courier, Nzamba (or Roger Guy Nzamba) is keen to join Saints. He arrived
in time to see the last 10 minutes of the Clyde game and is impressed with
the Perth setup and players. He is due to play in a closed-doors friendly
today. Apparently Nzamba is not as quick as first thought but has still
impressed Luggy in training.
Meanwhile N Ireland striker Georg O'Boyle has put club first and elected
to play against Motherwell on Saturday and make himself available for the
Celtic cup-tie. McCluskey will take the place of Danny Griffin in the next
2 matches whilst hes on international duty. Dasovic is due to have a scan
to check his hernia injury is healing OK.
August 12th - The Coca-Cola Cup
ties against the Other Forces Of Darkness is now scheduled for Tuesday
19th (not the 20th like the Retard quoted) and will be shown live on Sky.
Celtic are receiving an allocation of 5000 tickets. Tickets for will go on
sale at the ground on Friday (6-8pm) for fans holding vouchers from the
Clyde game with the general sale starting on Saturday (10am-noon). Georgio
has said that even if he's picked for the N. Ireland squad, he might still
pull out to turn out for Saints. Gavin Price has picked up a rib knock.
The club are also working on a closed-doors match this week for Monakino
and the Gabonese trialist. He is Roger Nzamba, a mid-20s Gabonese
international. Apparently hes a very fast striker who has played for his
country in the African Nations Cup. Currently on a 1-yr contract with
Serie 'B' side Trieste, a fee of around £40,000 would be required to
secure his services.
August 11th - More possible
signings with a Gabonese striker coming over from Italy's Serie 'B' for a
weeks trial. He's already had a full pre-season workout in Italy and if we
make an offer, a fee will be involved. The current plan is to play him in
some reserve matches this week. This doesn't affect the hunt for Karlstrad
which is still going on.
August 10th - Saints are
preparing to make another bid for Airdries Paddy Connolly, increasing
their previous offer of 220,000. Given that Luggy has said several times
that they're no longer interested it sounds like the Sunday Mail was short
on news.
August 9th - Saints make the
3rd round of the Coca-Cola cup after a 3 - 0
win over 2nd Division Clyde. New signing Fabrice Monakino is on the bench.
He's signed a one-month contract after an apparent change of mind from the
Saints management. In other ties next weeks opponents Motherwell have
Brian Martin and Billy Davies red-carded as they struggle to beat Caley
Thistle. With Saints in the next round it means Danny and possibly Georgio
will miss 2 games due to international duty.
Swedish striker Lars Gunner Karlstrand reported to be keen to join Saints
after visiting Perth last weekend. 'If the clubs can arrange something I
would like to come over,' he said. 'I'm a free agent in November but St
Johnstone want me right now. I don't now if it will happen because my club
are top of the league and I'm an important player.' The powerful striker
has scored seven times in 14 games this season. Karlstrand has already
agreed personal terms with Paul Sturrock, but Saints face competition from
Bristol City.
Thanks to Chic Young and Johnathan Watson, Saints have been drawn at home
to Celtic in the 3rd round. Ties to be played on 19th or 20th August.
August 8th
- Its confirmed that the Swedish striker is Lars Gunnar Karlstrand. Saints
are following up their interest and will make an offer to the 24yr olds
club, 2nd Division side Vastra Frolunda, the amount expected to be in the
150,000 range. Fabrice Monakino won't be coming to McDiarmid tho, since
he's more of an out-and-out winger than a striker.
Team news :: Dino misses the Coca-Cola Cup tie against a full-strenght
Clyde side tomorrow with as calf knock. Paul Kane or Rhino O'Halloran will
deputise for him. O'Neil also misses out. Danny Griffin will miss the
league match v Motherwell next Saturday and the Coca-Cola Cup 3rd round
tie on the 20th due to international duties. Either Stuart McCluskey or
Andy Whiteford will take his place - both played in the midweek reserve
match and according to Blackley, one was good and the other rubbish.
August 7th - Danny Griffin has
been called up to the N Ireland squad for the international on August
20th. No place for O'Boyle in the pool though. Meanwhile Saints are still
interested in the French striker whose international clearance didn't come
through in time to play for the reservest last night (they got beat 3-0).
Blackley is hopeful to fix up a closed-doors match early next week to see
him in competitive action. The player is Fabrice
Monakino, 25 years old who has played for Cannes in the French
Premier League. He's a left-sided striker who can also play as an
out-and-out winger. Saints have also stepped up their bid to sign the
Swedish striker that was over at the weekend. Asst boss John Blackley said
that the unnamed player was over at the weekend and had a good look round.
Saints are hopeful that the Bosman ruling will force his club to sell at a
reduced fee before October.
August 6th - Saints right-back
John McQuillan has been fined heavily by Luggy for his booking for dissent
on Saturday. Quite right to IMHO. Sturrock looks willing to wait for the
Swedish striker - he's rated around £200,000 but will be available
for nothing under Bosman in October. The French striker is hopefully
playing for the reserves tonight - Saints are waiting on international
clearance. He's 25 and can play in a couple of positions up front and has
impressed Luggy in training. He's currently out of contract with a French
Premier side and has been on loan to a Belgian club. Meanwhile the
injuries are piling up with Attila sporting a calf knock and Jenko a
poisoned toe from Saturdays game.
August 5th - Saints have 2
players on trial this week - a 23-yr old Swedish striker, currently
suspended from his club) and a Canadian. Not sure if the Swede is
Calrstrand. Saints also have a mystery Frenchman training with them for
the last week. He could figure in the Utd reserve match tomorrow night.
Also the story is that scouts from several English clubs watched the game
last Saturday.
August 4th - Happy Birthday to
the Temple - yup it was one year ago today that the first pages were set
up !!. Story from True Faith to sum up Fergies game :: "Incident
after the game summed it up: Punter goes up to Fergie and asks for his
autograph. Fergie says: "I don't know what you want mine for.'.
Punter replies: "Well they all count, don't they?". Guaranteed
to make the poor boy feel worse"
August 3rd - The Saints game was
shown on STV's Scotsport - surprisingly enough no media
falsehoods. that I could spot. Sturrock was on the panel in the
studio and made mention of at least 2 players who he didnt feel were up to
Premier standard yesterday - one would probably be Fergie but as for the
other? In the New Of The World, ex-Saintee Ally McCoist has tipped Saints
to finish 8th this season ahead of Hibs and Motherwell.
August 2nd -
Saints draw 1-1 with United but with
Dunfermline going down 2-0 to Motherwell they're propping up the league.
In other news, the away version of the new strip
will not be out until the end of August. Also watch out for Saints on the
telly as STV covered the United game - 5pm on STV / Grampian on Sunday -
should be good for a few media falsehoods.
August 1st - According to
today's PA the club have only sold around 6,000 tickets for tomorrows game
- the Perth show is on the same day but it looks like apathy in Perth
again. As for the team the midfield is causing most worry - expect Attila,
Tosh and O'Halloran to be the starting line-up.
Top Of News
July 31st - Some
good news on the injury front with Phizzy Scott looking likely to be fit
for Saturdays league opener.
July 30th- Saints
in the news again with plans to build another exit from the car park to
run alongside the road to the crematorium meeting controversy in the
papers. The police and council have backed the plan with the route being
used as an exit only for a trial period. The Scotland v Belarus U-21 game
has been announced - its to be played on Friday Sept 5th at McDiarmid.
Kick-off is at 7.30 with children getting in for free.
July 29th- Saints
cruised to a 3-1 win over Caley Thistle in Alan Herchers testimonial last
night. 2 goals from Fergie and a third from Roddy gave Saints an easy win.
Les Fridge of Thistle played in goal for Saints to allow Sturrock to keep
Alan Main fit for Saturdays league opener. To commemorate winning thre 1st
Division championship last season Saints have been presented with a
crystal bowl from Perth Council (so no open-topped bus tour then?).
Personally I'd have preferred it if they'd shown their appreciation
towards the club by contributing towards the youth policy, a suggestion
mooted at the end of last season.
July 28th - Injury
worries are piling up for Saints as O'Neil is ruled out of Saturdays game.
In addition Nick Dasovic is out for 2 months and Philip Scott is rated
doubtful. Sturrock has also been highly critical of the teams attitude in
the pre-season warm-ups.
July 27th- Gerry
McMee (spit) has predicted 7th place for Saints in the upcoming season.
According to the Sunday Mail Saints are the outsiders for the League -
1000/1. John O'Neil is now rated doubtful for the Arabs game on Saturday
after aggravating his groin injury v West Ham despite only playing the
last half-hour as sub. Saints will send a full-strength team to Inverness
on Monday night for Alan Herchers testimonial.
July 26th - According to the
Daily Record Coventry boss Gordon Strachan was at McD last night looking
at Callum Davison and Danny Griffin. Theres also a rumour that a Saints
team is playing Caley Thistle for a testimonial on Monday night.
July 25th - Saints go down 0-1
to West Ham at McDiarmid. See here
for the match report. A report in the Sun newspaper had Tommy Burns and
Kenny Dalglish attending McD tonigh to run the rule over Callum Davison
with the view to a million pound bid. Well I didnt't see them. there. The
new strips are officially out tomorrow. It looks like Scott Thomson
could be leaving us at the end of his one-month contract with Sturrock
looking to sign another keeper on a temporary deal. Phizzy is already
doubtful for the opening league match and Sturrocks quoted in the Courier
as saying he is unhappy with the level of players fitness. Car park
charges are up to £2 this season - 100% rise on last year. Somehow
it makes my £25 spent on a reserved parking space for the season
worthwhile.
July 23rd - Saints end the Irish
tour with a disappointing 0-0 draw with Bray Wanderers. See
here for the match report
July 22nd - Phizzy
is ruled out the game v Bray Wanderers . He's also a major doubt for the
Hammers match on Friday night. John O'Neil has a groin strain - Luggys
blamed it all on the hard grounds the team have been playing on. Gavin
Price (we need a nickname for him) will start tonight alongside Roddy.
Paul Kanes registration hasn't come throught yet so he cant play. Ticket
details have been announced for the opening league match v Scumdee Utd.
July 20th - Saint get a
comfortable 3-0 win over UCD in the second match of the tour. See
here for the match report
July 18th - After the screw-ups
by the Old Firm this week, Saints finally bring some pride back to
Scottish fitba by gubbing Shamrock Rovers 4-1 in the first of the
pre-season games. See here for the
match report. The entire first team is on tour except for the injured
Robertson and Dasovic and Gary Farquhar who apparently suffers from a fear
of flying. Latest on the strips is that they will be out next Saturday.
July 17th - Callum Davison has
signed a 2 year extension to his contract keeping him in Perth until the
year 2000. Sturrock is quoted in the PA as saying he expects Callum to be
a full international (obviously he wont be playing for Saints by then :)).
Scott Thomson, the ex-Raith keeper has been signed on a 1-month contract
as cover for Main whilst Robertson is injured.
July 16th - Euan Donaldson has
been sold to Clyde for a "nominal fee". He was signed 2 years
ago from Stenhousemuir for 80 grand but never fulfilled his promise and
ended the season as 4th choice left-back. Since Saints play Clyde in the
Coca-Cola on August 9th expect to see him play a blinder.
July 14th - Gavin Price has
finally signed a 1 year deal. Dasovics hernia op has been confirmed -
he'll miss the start of the season.
July 13th - Gavin Prices
signature hasn't been finalised yet - expect to see this sorted out on
Monday.
July 11th - Paul Kane signed
under Bosman last night for a 1 year deal with a years option. Sturrocks
revealed that he's been signed as cover for Nick Dasovic who it looks like
will have to undergo hernia surgery and be out for 4-6 weeks. In addition,
Gavin Price (23) signed this morning from FC Den Haag for 0 or 50,000
depending on who you believe. The opening game v Dundee Utd has been made
all-ticket and there are stories that Saints are planning to install a new
all-singing all-dancing scoreboard at the start of the season.
July 10th - Andersson, Price and
ex-Don Paul Kane (32) all played in the closed-doors match and according
to the papers look set to be made some sort of offer from Saints.
July 8th - Attilas been offered
a 6 month extension to his contract to keep him at the club until the end
of next season. Thomas Andersson, a Swedis central defender (28) is over
from Obrero to train with Saints. In addition Gavin Price the ex-Brechin
striker who has spent 2 years playing with Den Haag in Holland is
available under Bosman. Sturrock was hoping to see both players in action
in a closed-doors match but this will be unlikely. Offers will be made by
the end of the week if needed. Saints photocall is scheduled to take place
on Wed 9th July. Alan Main has recovered from a bout of shingles but
Stephen Robertson is out with tendonitis on the knee. Dasovic is being
treated gently after the hernia surgery in the summer and Attila is out
with an unknown injury.
Top Of News
June 25th - Attilas been warned
about his new contract - according to the Sun his demands would make him
the highest paid player at the club and El Luggino is unwilling to break
the wage structure for one player.
June 20th - Mario Dorner has
signed a 1 year deal with Motherwell apparently cos Saints were stalling.
Season ticket sales are 2000 so far. In addition the story is that the
Caledonia Reds rugger buggers want to base themselves at McD for the next
few years and with their cash input Saints will receive around 2 million
for that period. The offices between the Ormond and West will be built as
part of this deal.
June 19th - Looks like the
Swedish stars wont be signing for us - apparently the wage demands are too
high and they'll be available under Bosman in October.
June 17th - At last Main has
finally signed a 3 year deal with the Saints. Now all we need is a
striker. Luggy has had a 3rd bid of 200,000+ for Airdries Paddy Connolly
turned down.
June 16th -Alan Main is quoted
in the Sun and Record as saying he wants to stay at Saints and is expected
to sign a new 3 year contract this week. Apparently the continental offer
on the table for him was from the Spanish 1st Div champions.
June 15th - PA is quoted as
saying that Sturrock wants a decision on a new contract from Alan Main by
the end of this week.
June 13th - Front page stuff in
the Sun today for Perths finest as Georgios estranged wife tells all about
his affair with a married shop girl. Usual scandal and all it does is
confirm the rumours going round Perth for the last 6 or 7 months.
June 11th - So much for Scott
Thomson - hes staying with Raith apparently. And Killlie are now also
after Paddy Connolly.
June 10th - Papers today report
that alan Main has turned down the new deal and that Saints are in the
hunt along with Hibs for Raith keeper Scott Thomson (30).
June 6th - Latest rumours say
that the Paddy Connolly move is 99% certain and that another Scottish
League striker could be signed (rumour is Keith Wright from the Hibs).
Mario Dorner looks unlikely since his wage demands are pretty high.
June 4th - Saints report that
season ticket sales are up 50% on last year. The players are due back for
pre-season training on June 25th.
Top Of News
May 30th - Alan Main has gone on
holiday and is still nowhere near completing a deal for a new contract.
Coca-Cola Cup has been drawn for next season - Saints play Clyde at home
on Aug 9th.
May 28th - 26yr old Austrian
striker Mario Doner has flown to Scotland to sign for Saints. He was over
on trial earlier in the year but is now out of contract. Hes played for
the Austrian Olympic team.
May 27th - Looks like Alan Main
is leaving the club - hes had one definite offer from abroad and looks set
to accept it. Replacements being named include Scott Thomson of Raith and
Theo Snelders of the Sheep and Huns. On the bright side Brian Irvine has
signed for the Scum so thats one rumour dead.
May 25th - ITV Teletext reports
that Aberdeen are interested in signing Callum Davidson.
May 23rd - Fridays "PA"
has Sturrock denying only saying he spoke to Brian Irvine. Two Swedish
strkers (Karlstrand and Mr X) are both to be approached re a possible
signing this summer. In addition, the Paddy Connolly rumour has resurfaced
and given that Airdrie lost the play-off last night a move could be on the
cards. Alan Main has still not signed a new contract and by all reports
Saints are starting to get pissed off with his delaying tactics. Yet
another new set of strips for next season - see here
for details.
May 22nd - More transfer rumours
from the soaraway Sun - latest is that Brian Irvine is a target for
Saints.
May 20th - According to todays
Sun Saints are lining up a swoop for Swedish striker Lars Gunnar
Karlstrand - top scorer with 2nd Div side Elfsborg. Steve Tosh has signed
a new 2 year deal and Danny Griffin wants to agree an extension on his
contract. Meanwhile Alan Main has still to agree terms - a 3 year deal is
on offer for him. In addition Saints youngsters Kieran McAnespie (3
years), Charlie King (1) and Gordon Brown (1) have all signed new
contracts with the club.
May 19th - Latest on the Great
Quest for New Gods is that Luggys off to Scandanavia and Blackley to
France to check out the talent (fnarr, fnarr!!). May 16th - Record
reports that ex-Brechin star Gavin Price has been freed by his Dutch club
and is interesting Hibs and Saints. John O'Neill is reported to have
signed a new 3yr contract. Mains still making noises about a continental
move.
May 15th - Season ticket prices
are out for 96-97. Details are here.
May 14th - Sun reports today
that Saints are apparently chasing Brian Irvine (32) freed by Aberdeen.
May 13th - Both Ian Ferguson and
keeper Stephen Robertson have signed new 1yr deals. Tosh and O'Neill seem
set to follow suit with the only doubt still being over Alan Main.
May 11th - John Colquhoun has
played his last game for the Saints - his short-term agreement with the
club has been ended by mutual consent.
May 9th - Roddy looks set to
re-sign a new 2 year contract. Sun reports that Main is possibly looking
to the continent for a move. But the PA has an interview with the keeper
where hes stated that hes planning to buy a house and move to Perth over
the summer. Paul Sturrock won the Bells 1st Division manager of the year
today. Rumours of the new season ticket prices have started - 195 quid is
being quoted for the East Stand.
May 7th - Reported on Radio Tay
today that the McDiarmid streaker from the party last Sat has been fined
50 quid - guy deserves a medal. Latest rumours of close-season signings
for the champs are John Robertson of Hearts and Kevin McGowne (!). I
reckon it can all be taken with a large pinch of sodium chloride !!
Rumoured to be for the chop at McDiarmid in the summer are Preston,
Stephen Robertson, Euan Donaldson and Attila.
May 3rd - The Player of the year
awards were out on Sat night -Alan Main and John O'Neil picked up the
honours with an award for Roddy as top scorer.
May 2nd - Attilas quoted in the
PA as saying that hes unwilling to sign a new contract unless theres a big
wage rise. A planned meeting with his agent was cancelled on Friday
afternoon. The official Saints history "Bristling with Possibilities"
has been published price 15 GBP. Its 300 pages of total trivia and stats
and an excellent read. Available from McDiarmid Park (3.95 GBP extra for P&P)
Top Of News
April 28th - Sun reports say
that Sheffield Wed are preparing a 750,000 bid for Phizzy - believe it
when it happens!!!!
April 26th - Roddy Grant won the
SPFA Player Of the Year award for the 1st Div last night. The club history
will be officially launched on Friday with loadsa folk at the launch.
April 25th - Attila has been
censured by the SFA after his comments after spitting on Airdries John
Davies - IMHO the guy deserves a handshake and a pint !! John McQuillan
has signed a new 3 yr contract to keep him at McD.
April 22nd - latest on the
transfer hunt according to the Sun is that Sheffield Wed have turned down
a bid by Saints for "O'Neil Donaldson" ????? A commemorative
edition of the match programme will be issued for the St. Mirren game. In
addition, Saints currently only need one more point to beat the record for
Division One.
April 20th - Sturrocks about to
start talks with the players out of contract this summer - Roddy, John
McQuillan, O'Neill, Robertson, Ferguson, Main and Tosh. Apart from Fergie
all are expected to get new contracts. Perth and Kinross District Council
are meeting on Wed to decide how to commemorate the Saints title win -
expect an open-topped bus tour.
April 19th - The SFA in their
wisdom have decided not to present the trophy to the Div One Champions
until the last home match of the season when we play St Mirren on May 3rd.
Also the Saints official history "Bristling with possibilities"
has been published price 15 smackers.
April 17th - Stuart McCluskey
and Callum Davison both got call-ups to the Scotland U-21 squad for the
match v Sweden on April 29th.
April 16th - Rumour has it that
the 1st Division trophy will not actually be at McDiarmid on Saturday
since Luggy does not want to tempt fate. Instead it will be presented to
the team at the last home game of the season. Roddy and Georgio have both
been nominated for the Players Player of the Year for the 1st Division
along with Paddy Connolly and John (spit) Davies from Airdrie.
April 14th - Attila is quoted in
the Record today as saying he will reject any contract Saints offer him in
December unless some coaching is also involved.
April 12th - Congratulations to
the Saints reserves who clinched the Reserve League East title. Nice to
get another title to go with next weeks.
Top Of News
March 31st - According to an
interview in todays Sun Attila and Dasovic will dye their hair blue and
white if Saints win the league. John Colquhoun has been signed from Hearts
- hes on a contract until the end of this season with a view to a
longer-term deal. Saints have dismissed the talk of any more bids for
Paddy Connolly (Sun mentioned 250,000 today).
March 30th - Sunday Mail say
Saints are preparing to up their bid to over 200,000 for Airdries Paddy
Connolly.
March 27th - O'Halloran as
signed for 50,000 according to Teletext - no word on contract yet. He
won't join up with the Saints players unitl next Friday. There's also
rumour of an Austrian stirker and one other player that Sturrock hopes to
sign before the deadline. Theres also a 15-yr old Japanese player beenat
McD for signing talks.
March 21st - Saints are on the
verge of signing right-sided midfielder Keith O'Halloran (22) from
Middlesboro for around 50,000. He should be signed next week. Stuart
McCluskey and Callum Davison both got call-ups to the Scotland U-21 squad.
With Danny and Georgio also in the full N. Ireland squad it means we have
4 players on international duty over Easter.
March 13th - Story in the Sun
today says that Georgio was drunk and involved in a scuffle at a charity
boxing do in Perths Salutation Hotel. Sturrock is quoted as saying any
player involved will be "dealt with".
March 12th - Rest easy, the Weir
story is apparently total bollocks. However David Mackenzie (22) from
Albion Rovers has been training in Perth this week having impressed Luggy.
If we sign him itll be around 10 grand. He was the striker who scored
against us in the Challenge Cup tie at the start of the season.
March 9th - News Of The World
reports that Mickey Weir, freed from Hibs will not be joining Partick
Thistle. Instead hes apparently off to train with Saints. Personally I
hope this is a dodgy rumour.
March 6th - Report in the Sun
today says that Saints have made a bid for ex-Dundee Utd striker Paddy
Connolly. Apparently we've offered Airdrie 150,000 and Iain Ferguson.
March 3rd - Saints along with
the Pars and Falkirk have been lonked with 29-yr old Motherwell central
defender Chris McCart - freed last week.
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February 23rd - Sunday Mail
reports that Saints and Dundee are both interested in Paul Lovering - 21yr
old Bankie.
February 16th - Danny has been
mentioned as possibly moving to Derby again this summer for £1m+.
February 11th - "Spattila
the gob" (c Sun) will be fined 2 weeks wages (approx 2 grand) as well
as any other punishment the SFA imposes although Heralds match report
doesnt mention the incident.
February 10th - Attila has
admitted to spitting on John Davies but says that its common practice on
the continent and Davies returned the compliment in the tunnel. Hes also
quoted as totally slagging off Airdrie and saying that they're only good
for a fight !! Who says hes not learning about the Scottish game. Saints
are expected to fine him heavily along with the threat of SFA
intervention.
February 9th - Article in the
Sunday mail says that Airdrie have complained that Attila spat at John
Davies in the 2-2 draw. Saints have said they'll make a statement
tomorrow.
February th - Diak Kirkuth the
German coach is coming back to Perth for a stint with Saints over their 2
week break in fixtures.
February 5th - Saints are
apparently interested along with the Pars, Hibs and Jambos in ex-Brechin
striker Gavin Price whos been in Holland for the last 2 seasons.
February 4th - Danny Griffin and
Georgio have both been called up to the N Ireland squad to face Belgium on
Feb 11th.
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