Out-of-contract Joe Shaughnessy has put his football future on hold.
The St Johnstone skipper figures a maths exam deserves priority status.
The defender clocked-up more than 160 appearances for Perth boss Tommy Wright and pulled on the captain’s armband.
But the former Republic of Ireland U21 cap couldn’t thrash out a new deal at McDiarmid.
And Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes pulled out of a pre-contract move to take him back to Pittodrie.
“I have spent a lot of time studying for an Open University maths exam on Friday,” said Shaughnessy.
“That has taken up a lot of my time. Once I get that out of the way hopefully I’ll be closer to getting the football side sorted out.
“I haven’t got anything fixed-up at the minute. I have a few irons in the fire and I haven’t closed the door on St Johnstone.
“The negotiations didn’t work out before. Everything just stalled and there was no movement.
“But as it is I haven’t signed for anyone else and I’m letting things play out.
“I have been in Scotland for 10 years and I’m coming up to 27.
“So as I told the manager and the chairman (Steve Brown) the next contract is an important one for me at this stage of my career.
“I have to make sure it is the right deal and the right place for me.”
Shaughnessy was surprised when the Dons pulled out of talks.
“We couldn’t agree terms and I was in no rush. That’s the way football goes at times,” he said.
“I have nothing against anyone at Aberdeen.
“There’s no hard feelings on my part and I enjoyed the six seasons I had there before moving to Perth.
“Like many players I’m just seeing what is out there. I’m in no rush and there’s no panic wondering what is going to happen.
“I definitely haven’t ruled out signing on again for St Johnstone.
“I have had the four best years of my career so far with the club.
“The manager had a lot of faith in me and I’d like to think I repaid that with the way I played and being around the club as captain.
“Football-wise there was the disappointment of missing out on the top six after giving ourselves a good platform to push on.
“The three games against Celtic stopped us in our tracks and we never really recovered.”
Shaughnessy formed a solid back four partnership with wanted man Jason Kerr last term.
And he isn’t surprised the 22-year-old has popped up on the radar of Championship side Barnsley and other clubs.
“Jason came back from his loan deal at Queen of the South and did really well.
“People might have thought he would take a bit more time to settle into the team but he did really well right from the start.
“It certainly doesn’t surprise me that he is attracting interest from clubs.
“St Johnstone did well to get him fixed up on a long term contract.
“Unless someone comes in with a substantial offer I’m sure he will play a big part for the club going forward. Jason has so much potential.”
