Ross County are throwing money at their Championship title bid and Dunfermline may end up following Roy MacGregor’s lead.
St Johnstone’s owner, Adam Webb, isn’t daunted by the fact the Perth club won’t be the biggest spenders in their division.
Maybe not even second.
And there will be no attempt to go toe to toe with promotion rivals offering more cash to transfer targets.
County have lured Dundee United duo, Declan Gallagher and Ross Docherty, to Dingwall, with Gary MacKay-Steven another player who had Premiership suitors.
Time will tell if the Pars come up with similar ‘statement’ signings for high-profile boss, Neil Lennon.
But Webb insisted that the McDiarmid Park recruitment strategy, which includes keeping a “tight belt” is a strong one.
And they won’t be ripping it up in response to what others do.
No staff cuts
“Dunfermline have new ownership and perhaps a big bank account for this year, a large fanbase and operation to begin with,” he said.
“We all know Roy has the resources at Ross County if he so chooses to spend them.
“The Declan Gallagher pick-up is a sign that they certainly intend to go out there and be competitive.
“What can we do?
“Always, we want to give the resources we can give in a sustainable way. We won’t change that.
“We are going to lose a lot of money this season, regardless.
“This is traditional for the Premiership teams that go down upon relegation.
“Because you have a certain spending base, budget, things that you can’t just cut off.
“We’re not firing anyone on staff. We decided these are not cuts we are willing to make.
“But I do think it’s important for us not to lose an absurd amount.
“So, we are certainly keeping a tight belt.
“And our playing budget is not going to be an effort to compete with someone who is a big spender.
“But we do, of course, look for diamonds in the rough and great players.
“We have signed five really good, consistent Championship players who know this league and can help our other guys who haven’t played against the teams in this league and who have leadership qualities.
“It’s important we keep up that momentum.”
‘Gritty league’
Webb’s eyes are wide open to the demands of Championship football, with Simo Valakari’s signing policy thus far backing that up.
“I’ve heard from a lot of our long-time fans and spoken to our staff,” said the Atlanta lawyer.
“This is a gritty, rough, not as stylish type of a league.
“You’ve definitely got to be prepared to get dirty and physical.
“There’s perhaps not a lot of beautiful football being played.
“We’ve got to make sure we have a plan for that.
“I know Simo doesn’t want to completely give up on playing stylish, possession-based football.
“But there will be an understanding of what concessions have to be made to the league and to the surfaces – whatever we will be dealing with.
“There’s certainly no over-confidence.
“I don’t think anyone at St Johnstone should be like that. We’ve got some serious opposition in the Championship.
“It will be a tough slog. We have quite a few hurdles to climb.”
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