A message of thanks

Steven MacLean played over 200 games for Saints, scoring 58 goals in the process. His iconic goal in 2014 against our Tayside rivals Dundee United in the Scottish Cup final will go down in St Johnstone’s history as the goal that secured the club’s first ever piece of national silverware.

After retiring, Steven moved into the coaching team alongside Callum Davidson. During this time, he aided Davidson in the 20/21 season in which the club won a domestic double, the first side outside of Glasgow to do it since the 1980s.

Following Callum’s departure, Steven stepped in as interim manager during an extremely difficult period and turned our form around instantly. He guided the club to top-flight safety, only losing once out of the six games he took charge of, the highlight of that time being a 1-0 win away to Kilmarnock which sealed our Premiership status.

Liam Craig leaves the club with the all-time appearance record for St Johnstone making an incredible 453 appearances and scoring 61 goals. Not only that but he will go down as part of the immortal team of 20/21 who won the domestic double. Liam will also be remembered amongst Saints fans for a range of goals and celebrations over his two spells with Saints.

Liam retired at the end of the 21/22 season and joined the coaching setup at the club, taking charge of the U18s. During this time Liam oversaw the development of a talented side and led them to a League title at the end of the season. From here Liam joined the first team coaching setup when Steven MacLean took charge at the end of last season, helping MacLean and Saints secure their top-flight status yet again.

Both of these men played vital roles in what will be considered St Johnstone’s greatest ever era and both will be regarded in the Club’s history as legends forever.

St Johnstone CEO, Stan Harris, said:

“This was the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make,

“Steven and Liam are club legends and I regard both of them as friends.

“I watched and admired them over the years as players and the professionalism and dedication they have brought to their roles in coaching a management has also been exemplary.

“Nobody wants to be in a position where they have to make a decision like this.

“But the results weren’t forthcoming and the club always has to come first.

"I would like to thank them both for their service to our club and wish them well for the future."