Tommy Wright has engineered another fantastic year for St Johnstone who improved upon last year’s fifth place to finish fourth, even with the introduction of Rangers into the league.
Consistency has been key for Saints and throughout the year they prove to be a solid and dependable side, never dropping off the pace set by the other top five teams and in the end pulling well clear of Hearts in fifth. Apart from a spell in November and December where they struggled to find wins, they have always looked the part. By virtue of finishing fourth they have also secured a place in the Europa League next season due to Aberdeen and Celtic contesting the Scottish Cup final so that is a massive bonus.
Key to that was their midfield, with Danny Swanson proving exceptional throughout the season and chipping in with more goals than their top striker Steven MacLean. With Murray Davidson and Chris Millar as reliable as ever (when fit), Saints had a strong core to their team which Wright didn’t need to upset by bringing in to many players. Striker Joe Gormley who was on loan and quit due to homesickness was the only negative.
They dropped out of both cups thanks to defeats by fellow top six sides, Aberdeen and Partick Thistle, and silverware is certainly something that Saints feel they can achieve each season so that will have been a slight disappointment.
Manager Wright is much sought after following several impressive campaigns now with St Johnstone so they’ll do well to keep a hold of him for next year, while the loss of Danny Swanson to newcomers Hibs is disappointing.
