By Ian Roache

NEW ST JOHNSTONE striker Derek Holmes has been the man with the Midas touch when it comes to winning trophies.

His tally of titles has stretched from the north of Scotland to the south of England and it is in Perth that he hopes to taste success again.

Holmes, who yesterday joined Saints on a one-year contract after leaving Rotherham United, has been a champion with Ross County (Scottish division two), Bournemouth (English league two) and Carlisle twice (conference and league two).

He was expecting glory again with Rotherham until the then second-placed Yorkshire side fell into administration last season.

Holmes even made his debut as a young player at Hearts in 1998—the same year the Tynecastle club clinched the Scottish Cup by beating Rangers at Celtic Park.

Now he is determined that his penchant for promotion can help Saints clinch the first division crown next season.

“I have been quite fortunate to taste success at so many of my clubs,” said Holmes.

“I was just breaking through at Hearts when we won the Scottish Cup after going so long without a trophy, then I went on to win leagues with Ross County, Bournemouth and Carlisle twice.

“Even at Rotherham, we were going extremely well in second spot before the club went into administration and that took its toll on us all.

“It was just one of those things but I have definitely enjoyed more good times than bad.

“I loved it down in England and had eight great years there but I just feel it’s the right time to come back home.

“I have learned a lot, played under some good managers and believe I am now a better person and player than when I first went down south.

“Hopefully, I can now repeat some of the success I have had at those other clubs at St Johnstone.

“I would not have come here if I did not think that we could win the league.

“The set-up is terrific and we have the squad, so I am looking forward to the start of the new campaign.”

Holmes, being a tall striker, will bring physical strength to Saints’ attack. But he hopes to offer more than just muscle.

Holmes said, “People say I am a target man but I am also quite a decent finisher so hopefully I can add something to what is already a good squad.

“I was training with the lads down in England last week and saw the standard of player that we have here.

“So I know that we have a chance of promotion and we should be looking to get off to a good start because that builds confidence.”

Holmes (29), who has bagged 77 career goals so far, was on target in the bounce game against Ayr United at the weekend, which the Perth men won 2-1.

And manager Derek McInnes believes he gives him an important selection option.

“We already had the best strikers in this division in my opinion but what we didn’t have was anyone with a physical presence,” said McInnes.

“All our forwards bring different qualities to the team, whether it is pace or movement or natural finishing, but Derek will give us something which is just a wee variation on that.

“I felt we lacked a real presence at the start of last season, even when Owen (Coyle) was still manager.

“Then you saw the difference that Kenny Deuchar made during his time at the club and I had hoped that Daniel McBreen would do something similar but he was troubled by injury.

“In Derek we now have someone in their mould. He is maybe not as mobile as the other guys here but he is a player with a great first touch and a track record as a goalscorer.”

Holmes is likely to play behind closed doors against Hibs tomorrow, a match Saints hope will also involve an English midfielder and a Polish left-back.