St Johnstone fans, what do you think would constitute success under Craig Levein in the coming season?
Is staying up the primary objective, or would you set your sights higher?
New St Johnstone owner Adam Webb has topped up Craig Levein’s transfer budget and wants to keep striker Adama Sidibeh. (Courier), external
Read the rest of Thursday's Scottish gossip.
Image source, SNSNew St Johnstone owner Adam Webb says he can understand why there may be some concern about his arrival, after nearly four decades of stability under his predecessor Geoff Brown.
The Atlanta based lawyer completed his takeover of the Perth club this week ending Brown's lengthy period of stewardship, and he stressed the experience he will bring to the table.
"I would have trepidation if I was a supporter after 38 years of great ownership and leadership," Webb said.
"I think that is justified so I wouldn’t complain about anyone having some nervousness about us stepping in. On the flip side, I have a better background than many in the sense that I have been very involved with a club over the last four years down in England.
"I was only a 10% owner [at Cambridge United] but you follow things, you are involved in the decision making, so I think I had a good learning base.
"Stan Harris luckily has agreed to stay on as chairman because I will be in America most of the time; I don’t believe at this stage that I should take on the role of chairman when I am abroad most of the time.
"What we have done is a pretty good handover because Geoff has thoroughly vetted me, so I think the fans can take some comfort from that."
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
New St Johnstone owner Adam Webb has been speaking to the media after taking over from Geoff Brown.
Here are the key points from his press conference:
Webb says he always wanted to take control of a club in Scotland. He also admits Brown was a key factor, as the chance to take over a club that was stable and "not a ticking time bomb".
Understands fan concerns about an overseas owner taking charge but talked about his background in football, and says Stan Harris will remain as chairman for stability.
His vision for the future is to make the club a more valuable proposition but insists he wants to keep it on a sustainable path.
Wants to take the club into the top half of the Premiership and into Europe, as well as regularly competing in domestic cups; he believes all of those are achievable.
Says he won't throw money at the club but there will be resources going into the club. Adds that the budget for players has gone up; there is a figure in mind but there is wiggle room should good options arise.
Adds that he has full faith in Craig Levein, was impressed with what he did in the last window and thinks he'll get them playing good attractive football.
St Johnstone have rejected a Swansea City bid for striker Adama Sidibeh. (The Courier)
Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip
We asked for your views after American lawyer Adam Webb completed his takeover of St Johnstone, ending Geoff Brown's tenure.
Here’s what some of you said:
Craig: He had me at “the car park's getting resurfaced". I cannot wait for the Webb era!
Cameron: The new owner is showing ambition to take the club forward, yet not being overambitious with what he is saying, for example, challenging for the title. We spent a good few season in the top six and won three cups in seven years. There’s no reason why we can't repeat this in the next seven to 10 years.
Paul: The job Brown has done has been nothing short of remarkable but of late the club has been struggling with baffling decisions, missed opportunities and a general malaise setting in. Webb already seems like a breath of fresh air, hopefully he can continue to help us punch above our weight, grow and always be the top team in Tayside.
Ian: It’s a real end of an era to see Brown leave. He's perhaps the most important figure in our entire history. Webb has big shoes to fill but hopefully he'll hit the ground running by sanctioning some exciting signings. Personally I'd like to see us tempt David Marshall out of retirement to fill the gap left by Dimitar Mitov.
Jackie: Webb has big shoes to fill in taking over ownership of St Johnstone from Brown. Brown is as an astute businessman, he kept a tight grip on the purse strings and never put the club into debt. Let’s hope Webb puts money into the club and gets us back into top six and Europe. Come on you Saints.
Image source, SNSSt Johnstone have confirmed the signing of Aaron Essel after the Ghana youth international impressed on trial with his "all-round ability".
The versatile 18-year-old, who can play in midfield or defence, has agreed a three-year deal at McDiarmid Park.
Essel, most recently of Bechem United, played for Ghana in the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations and featured as a trialist in a friendly against Arbroath on Saturday.
"Aaron is a young lad who has potential and he has a lot of the required skillsets to be a good player," manager Craig Levein said.
"He trained with us for about 10 days towards the end of last season and did really well. We will see what time brings but he has impressed with his all-round ability."
Teenager Essel added: "I'm very proud and getting the chance to be here is a blessing. I just want to develop and become a key player of the club."
Geoff Brown's tenure as St Johnstone owner has officially ended as Adam Webb takes over.
The American lawyer has already said he wants to improve the club's playing budget and training facilities, but we want to know what you make of the new man in charge.
Click here, external to give us your thoughts.
Image source, SNSAmerican lawyer Adam Webb has completed his takeover of St Johnstone, ending almost 40 years of Geoff Brown's ownership.
The new owner penned an open letter to supporters detailing his plans for the club.
Here are the main points:
Webb says he's "honoured" Brown trusted him to be the next owner of the club and is hopeful to continue his predecessor's hard work.
The American is hoping to attract new fans, better engage existing fans and entice commercial partners to invest in the club, which he hopes this will increase the playing budget.
He's also aiming to improve training facilities, changing rooms, the gym, physio areas and technology to "aid recruitment and performance" - but he notes this will be a gradual process.
Webb adds that he'll provide regular updates to supporters to keep them in the loop with changes behind the scenes.
He says the club are aiming for top six and European spots in the coming seasons but knows it will take time to achieve.
Webb is also looking at ways to improve the matchday experience and is asking supporters for feedback on any areas they think need improving.
New Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov has predicted incoming owner Adam Webb could do something special at his former club St Johnstone, having seen the American's influence at Cambridge United. (Daily Record), external
Read the rest of Monday's Scottish gossip.
Image source, SNSNew signing Kyle Cameron brings "leadership" to the St Johnstone backline, says goalkeeper Josh Rae.
The former Aidrie number one enjoyed playing behind Notts County loanee Cameron in the Perth side's friendly win at Arbroath on Saturday.
"He brings that leadership to the back and organises everyone," Rae told club media. "He was brilliant.
"I've really enjoyed [time at St Johnstone]. It's been tough but really good. We just need to take that into next Saturday against Brechin."
Rae, 23, joined from the Diamonds earlier in the summer and is hoping to keep more clean sheets after his shutout at Gayfield.
"Tough conditions. When you come here it's going to be a tough game. I think we performed really well and got the job done in the end.
"Regardless of what game I play in, that's my main aim - to keep a clean sheet. It's a good start."
St Johnstone are set to sign 23-year-old Trinidad and Tobago left-back Andre Raymond, who has been playing in the Portuguese lower leagues with Vilar de Perdizes, following a tip from departing midfielder Dan Phillips. (The Courier), external
American lawyer Adam Webb will arrive in Scotland this week to finalise his takeover of St Johnstone. (Scottish Sun On Sunday), external
Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full here.
Image source, SNSCraig Levein's side are preparing well for the season
St Johnstone continued their pre-season preparations with a 1-0 away victory over Arbroath.
Josh McPake notched his first goal for the Perth Saints after the interval having joined Craig Levein's side this summer upon completion of a spell training with the club towards the end of last season.
Manager Craig Levein's side have recorded two wins in their previous two pre-season games against Nairn County and Huntly.
Their League Cup campaign begins next weekend on July 13, away to Brechin City.
Image source, Getty ImagesSt Johnstone have signed Notts County defender Kyle Cameron on a season-long loan.
The former Scotland youth international makes the move after three years at Meadow Lane to McDiarmid Park.
The 27-year-old made over 100 appearances for the club and captained them in their promotion to the National League.
Such leadership qualities caught the eye of manager Craig Levein and it's a trait Cameron himself his hoping to display in Perth.
“I would like to see the club do well this season," he told SaintsTV. "I obviously want to play as much as I can.
“It is about showcasing what I can do this season. Doing that in a St Johnstone kit is a great move in the right direction for me.
“I feel like I am a leader and a good defender. I will let the fans decide what kind of player I am when I start to play games.”
While Cameron is allowing the fans to make up their own mind, Levein highlighted his pace and strength as admirable qualities.
“Kyle is quick, good in the air and his use of the ball is very good,"the manager added.
"He will be a strong addition to our squad and has important leadership qualities. He will bring more balance to our defence."
Image source, SNSRyan McGowan has joined Championship side Livingston on a two-year deal after his St Johnstone departure at the end of last season.
The Australia international helped the Saints stay in the top flight while Livi went down in the previous campaign.
The West Lothian side become the seventh Scottish club of McGowan's career after previous spells with Hearts, Ayr United, Partick Thistle, Dundee United, Dundee and St Johnstone.
St Johnstone are on the verge of signing Ghana Under-20 captain Aaron Essel, an 18-year-old centre-back who can also play as a holding midfielder or right-back. (The Courier, external - subscription)
St Johnstone expect to receive between £20,000 and £30,000 for Dan Phillips after the 23-year-old midfielder's move to Stevenage was confirmed. (The Courier), external
Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.
Image source, SNSRoss Sinclair can't wait to get back to competitive action for St Johnstone after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper suffered an elbow injury that required surgery and kept him out of action for almost the entirety of last season.
Sinclair, who made his first appearance in 11 months in Saturday's friendly win over Huntly, told club media: "I'm really excited [to get back].
"It's been a long time out but I've put that behind me now, that's done and I'm looking forward to the future and what I can do for this club.
"It was tough last year because I was just getting into the swing of things and then I got injured.
"Now it's a case of putting that behind me and looking forward to the cup games."
Who do you think will be St Johnstone's breakout star in the coming season?
Is there one particular youngster you are backing to impress or perhaps a fringe player who will come to the fore?
