'Valakari decides against Essel recall' - gossippublished at 08:35 1 July
08:35 1 July
St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari has decided against triggering a clause to recall Aaron Essel and the 19-year-old Ghana midfielder will remain on loan to North Texas in the Major Soccer League's third tier until October. (The Courier), external
Adam Emslie is set to knock back the chance to remain in the Scottish Premiership with promoted Livingston, having also had interest from St Johnstone, with the Aberdeen midfielder preferring a move to Ross County on a two-year contract in a transfer that includes a number of add-ons and future incentives. (Daily Record), external
Adam Emslie is wanted on a permanent transfer by Ross County, but they face competition from a host of clubs and the winger could yet remain with Aberdeen. (Press & Journal), external
Derry City have agreed to end Paul McMullan's contract six months early as the Scottish winger wants a return home and Ayr United, Raith Rovers and St Johnstone are all interested in the 29-year-old. (Daily Record), external
Webb believes recruitment mistakes behind Saints - gossippublished at 10:25 22 June
10:25 22 June
St Johnstone owner Adam Webb believes the summer planning at McDiarmid Park has been "night and day" in comparison to when he walked in the door 12 months ago, when recruitment mistakes were made. (The Courier), external
Josh Rae, the 24-year-old goalkeeper who has joined Raith Rovers permanently from St Johnstone, has revealed he rejected a move to Atletico Madrid at the age of 13. (The Courier), external
SPFL breaks attendance record for third consecutive yearpublished at 15:43 13 June
15:43 13 June
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The SPFL confirmed attendances have risen for a third consecutive season and thanked fans for their "incredible support".
Crowds across all leagues, cups and play-off matches totalled more than 5.3 million, a rise of nearly 185,000 from the 2023-24 season.
"We will be having further meetings with key stakeholders over the summer to review the most recent season and look ahead to 2025-26," the SPFL statement ends.
"We remain committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable matchday experience for players and supporters - they are the lifeblood of our game and deserve nothing less."
Wright swaps Saints for 'good fit' Dark Bluespublished at 22:47 12 June
22:47 12 June
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Image caption,
Drey Wright had two spells as a regular St Johnstone starter
Dundee have become Drey Wright's third Scottish Premiership club, with the English utility man saying Dens Park felt "a good fit for me" after leaving relegated St Johnstone.
The 30-year-old, who played in defence, midfield and the wing during his time in Perth, has signed a two-year contract.
He becomes new head coach Steven Pressley's second signing of the day following the arrival of compatriot Paul Digby following his exit from Cambridge United.
Wright told Dundee's website: "I'm excited about the direction the club is going."
Having started his career with Colchester United, the Londoner began the first of two spells with St Johnstone in 2018 and then had two seasons with Hibernian before returning to Perth.
Last season, he made 38 appearances, all but one as a starter, as Saints finished bottom of the Premiership.
Meanwhile, midfielder Charlie Reilly has signed a new one-year contract with Dundee despite being restricted to eight substitute appearances last season.
Since arriving from Albion Rovers in June 2023, the 23-year-old Scot has had loan spells to Arbroath and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, for whom he only managed one appearance at the start of the last campaign.
He told the club website: "The past two years haven't gone the way I wanted in terms of injuries and game time, but hopefully this year I can show the best of me."
Carey joins Livingston after St Johnstone exitpublished at 13:50 10 June
13:50 10 June
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Image caption,
Graham Carey was one of many players to depart St Johnstone this summer
Midfielder Graham Carey has joined recently-promoted Livingston following his departure from St Johnstone.
The 36-year-old was a regular in the Perth side last term as they suffered Scottish Premiership relegation, scoring four goals in 34 appearances.
But he will continue to play top-flight football next season after becoming David Martindale's second summer signing following the arrival of Connor McLennan.
Cleland & Kirk depart in restructurepublished at 11:07 6 June
11:07 6 June
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Assistant manager Andy Kirk and first-team coach Alex Cleland are to leave St Johnstone as part of a restructuring of the football department following relegation to the Championship.
Cleland joined in 2009 for the club's return to the top flight and was on the coaching staff for the three cup triumphs as well as filling in as interim boss on occasion.
Kirk moved to Saints in November 2023 as assistant to Craig Levein and also had a spell in interim charge.
The club say they will provide a further update "in due course".
Freed May admits to uncertain summer - gossippublished at 08:41 6 June
08:41 6 June
Stevie May has admitted he faces an uncertain summer after the 32-year-old striker was released by relegated St Johnstone and with his loan deal to promoted Livingston at an end. (The Courier), external
Saints add Raith forward Gullan on two-year dealpublished at 15:49 30 May
15:49 30 May
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Relegated St Johnstone have continued their squad revamp by adding Raith Rovers forward Jamie Gullan on a two-year deal.
Gullan, 25, spent a year with League of Ireland side Dundalk before returning to Rovers in January where he scored four goals in 18 appearances.
"I am over the moon to be here. As soon as the club were in touch and I had chats with the gaffer, I just wanted to get things done as quickly as possible," said Gullan.
"I am looking forward to working under him. Hopefully he can improve me as a player and hopefully I can help improve the squad too."
Gullan is Saints' third new recruit this week after the arrival of Morton defenders Jack Baird and Morgan Boyes.
'Versatile' Morton defender Boyes joins St Johnstonepublished at 11:48 29 May
11:48 29 May
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St Johnstone have signed Morton defender Morgan Boyes on a two-year deal.
The 24-year-old Liverpool academy graduate made 36 appearances for Morton last season and is a former Wales Under-21 international.
Boyes is the second Morton defender to join St Johnstone this week after Jack Baird also swapped Greenock for Perth as Simo Valakari's relegated side prepare for life in the Championship.
"As soon as the gaffer made the call and explained the plan, I was really excited, I can't wait to get going," said Boyes.
"I have played against St Johnstone a few times. It was never a nice feeling going there as an away team - and that is how we want it now.
"I'm a versatile defender and I'll play where the gaffer needs me. I'm confident on the ball but happy to do the dirty side of the game too."
Saints target Championship duo - gossippublished at 08:09 29 May
08:09 29 May
St Johnstone are close to signing two players from soon-to-be Scottish Championship rivals - 24-year-old Greenock Morton defender Morgan Boyes and 25-year-old Raith Rovers forward Jamie Gullan. (The Courier, external - subscription required)
Sprangler signs two-year contract extensionpublished at 17:29 28 May
17:29 28 May
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Sven Sprangler says "Perth is like home" after the Austrian midfielder signed a two-year contract extension to stay at St Johnstone until summer 2027.
The 30-year-old, who joined in 2023, made 38 appearances last season as Saints were relegated from the top flight.
"I am absolutely delighted to be staying here for the next two seasons. Perth is like home for me," said Sprangler.
"I am grateful to the gaffer and the club for this opportunity. Like every game, I will give everything for this club.
"I am looking forward to the new season and hopefully it is a successful campaign for us. It is a new challenge. We need to try and create a winning culture."
St Johnstone sign Morton captain Bairdpublished at 17:12 26 May
17:12 26 May
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St Johnstone have secured the signing of Greenock Morton captain Jack Baird.
The defender will pen a two-year deal when his contract at Cappielow expires this summer.
The centre-back says he is "absolutely over the moon" to join the Perth side, who have just been relegated from the top flight.
"In my opinion, St Johnstone are a Premiership club," Baird said. "It is a club I want to play for and I am excited to get started."
Looking ahead to the challenge of the Scottish Championship next season, Baird added: "In terms of the league, it is a really difficult one to play in.
"It seems to get harder every year. I have played in it for nine seasons, this season coming will be my 10th.
"I know what to expect from the league and I hope I can now help St Johnstone with this transition."
'Saints line up Morton captain Baird as first signing' - gossippublished at 08:58 25 May
08:58 25 May
Relegated St Johnstone have lined up Greenock Morton captain Jack Baird as an early summer signing with the 29-year-old centre-back now out of contract with the Scottish Championship club. (The Courier), external
St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari says the failure to sell Benji Kimpioka in January was a double blow to their hopes of avoiding relegation as the club were deprived of much-needed transfer funds when none of the moves proved to the striker's liking and then the 25-year-old top scorer emotionally checked out for the rest of the season. (The Courier), external