St Johnstone boss Steve Lomas has branded Fran Sandaza’s omission from the Scotland professionals’ player of the year nominations an ”absolute joke”.
Lomas, who is still fuming that his side have to play three away games on the bounce post split, has been further angered by the prolific Sandaza being snubbed.
Near neighbours and Saturday’s opponents Dundee United have seen Jon Daly nominated for the main award, with Gary Mackay-Steven and Johnny Russell nominated in the youth category.
Lomas said: ”I think it is another example of little St Johnstone being overlooked yet again. Fran has had an incredible season. He has already scored 14 SPL goals.
”Jon has 17 league goals in an unbelievable season and I am a huge fan of Steven Davis, but by his own high standards I don’t think he has had his best season in Scotland.
”I also like Dean Shiels but has he had a better season than Sandaza? Not a chance.
”Fran should not only be on that list but he should be up there competing for the award.
”That is credit to Fran and to the rest of the lads here. I find it incredible not one St Johnstone player has made that shortlist. It is embarrassing.
”In fact, it’s an absolute joke that a striker at a club like St Johnstone with 18 goals in total so far isn’t considered worthy of a name check by his fellow pros. It is sad.
”We haven’t suddenly sneaked into fourth place in the SPL. We have been up there competing for pretty much most of the season.”
The manager added: ”Maybe they think Fran is a luxury player but how can that be when we have one of the best away records in the country?
”That’s because every one of our players puts in a shift every game. They have been incredibly consistent and always bounce back from any setbacks.
”We are sitting fourth and pushing for Europe. They have been so consistent yet not one of them warrants a mention on the list. It’s a disgrace. It’s maybe unintentional but it has opened up my eyes to the way this club is viewed in Scotland.
”We do have one of the lowest budgets in the SPL and our average home gate is the lowest of the lot but that underlines how well these guys have done this season. They deserve all the praise going and so does the club for the way it has been run over the years.”
Lomas hopes his side can prove the doubters wrong against Dundee United on Saturday despite the fact they are severely depleted, especially in midfield.
Jody Morris and Liam Craig are suspended, Lee Croft out with a hamstring injury and Murray Davidson and namesake Callum are rated doubtful.
Lomas believes it is a case of opportunity knocks for others in his squad.
He added: ”We lost 5-1 to United in a freak result last time out at McDiarmid but the lads reacted superbly and have lost only to Celtic in the eight SPL games since then. They have shown their mettle time and time again.
”I have a lot of respect for United and their manager Peter Houston but make no mistake, that won’t stop us going all out to win this game.
”I have had my moan about the post-split balance of fixtures and it would be nice to get an apology for that but this is where the concept serves up drama and excitement for fans. So full marks to the SPL for that.
”We have selection challenges after a period of continuity but we always said the strong squad would have a role to play.
”Luckily we have guys like Jamie Adams and Kevin Moon fit again. It is a great opportunity for the lads coming in against United. And we are delighted to be facing a series of massive games as we chase that European place.”
Photo by Mark Runnacles/PA Wire