Tommy delighted with new backroom staff

Tommy Wright has expressed his delight at getting his re-shaped staffing structure in place for the new season.

We revealed this morning that Alex Cleland has been promoted to the role of Assistant Manager following the departure of Callum Davidson with former player Alan Maybury returning to Saints to step into Alex’s boots to coach the younger professionals at the club.

Added to last week’s news that Paul Mathers is remaining at McDiarmid Park in an expanded role as Head of Goalkeeping, it has led to Tommy relishing his new backroom set-up.

The manager says of Alex’s promotion: “The period between when Callum first said he might have an opportunity to go down south and him making the decision to take that chance gave me time to think about a potential replacement but in all honesty it didn’t require much thought.

“Alex was the obvious choice and was actually consider for the Assistant’s position back when I appointed Callum. In the interim period he’s done a great job, not just with the Under 20s but in helping Callum and I with first team preparation. He’s been very much part of the success we have achieved and so he’s earned and deserves this chance and I’m looking forward to working with him.

Turning his attention to Alan Maybury, Tommy says “I’ve known Alan for some time and of course he used to be a player here and while that’s not always vital it is nice if you bring someone in who knows the club and has a feel for it.

“I’ve met him down at the Oriam a few times and had good chats and I’ve always liked his views on the game. The other staff know him, he has vast experience and so it really is the perfect fit.

“Alan will have a similar but slightly changed role to the one just vacated by Alex. We’ll have Under 18 games this season and it also looks like we’ll be in the Reserve League and they will be the focus of Alan’s attention. However, as those commitments allow, he will help Alex and I with first team match preparation.

“I’m delighted with these moves and it has given me a great management team ahead of the new campaign.”

The final part of that management team is Paul Mathers who turned down the chance to move elsewhere to agree an expanded role at McDiarmid Park as Head of Goalkeeping.

“I’m delighted Paul is staying with us” says the Saints gaffer.

“He’s been invaluable to the professional goalkeepers at the club in recent seasons and he will now expand that role to include the Youth Academy so will have top to bottom control of goalkeepers at the club.”