St Johnstone boss Derek McInnes insisted it was business as usual at McDiarmid Park as he agonised over a move to manage English League One side Brentford.
McInnes formally withdrew from the interview process with the club on Wednesday and, while he refused to go into detail about exactly why he did so, was keen to stress last night he is more than pleased to continue in his present role in Perth.
“First and foremost, I am happy at St Johnstone,” he said. “I have enjoyed the job since the first minute right until now.
“It is difficult at times and it has its ups and downs but no job is easy. However, I am content and happy here.
“I will continue to work hard and if you are seen to do that then opportunities may arise that is what happens in any walk of life.
“It is the same for myself, and without going into the bones of it, I have rejected the opportunity to work at Brentford.
“I am cracking on with the job here. I have spoken to plenty players and agents about next season and nothing has stopped me from getting the job done.”
McInnes was also keen to point out that the chance to move has not put any stress on the happy working relationship he has with Saints chairman Geoff Brown.
He said, “We are both on the level. The chairman is the person who gave me permission to speak to them. It would be foolish and dismissive not to listen to what a club has to say and that was exactly the case.
“I have weighed up the options and the pros and cons and have decided to stay at St Johnstone. For anyone to try to infer there is a fractious relationship between myself and the chairman would be totally wrong.”
McInnes may already be looking forward to next season, but his side still have a game in Paisley against St Mirren tomorrow to negotiate.
While on paper there looks to be nothing at stake for either team, McInnes is determined Saints will finish the campaign on a high by making it four league wins in a row.
“We have managed to finish eighth above Hibs and Aberdeen in the SPL table,” he said. “I think it says a lot to see St Johnstone sitting above these types of clubs.
“The players have shown a lot of desire to ensure we have never been involved in the relegation issues and they deserve huge credit for that.
“We want to finish off the season with a victory at Paisley and to win four in a row would be even better. The progression towards the start of next season starts with these results,” the manager insisted.
“It will continue through the close season with new signings and we will try our best to bring good players to St Johnstone within the parameters we work in.”