St Johnstone recruit David Robertson has admitted he was relieved to hear that new manager Derek McInnes decided to reject an offer from Brentford just days after he had agreed to make the switch from Dundee United to Perth.
Robertson turned down more lucrative terms from the Tangerines to extend his stay at Tannadice, and a large part of the attraction of McDiarmid Park was the chance to work under McInnes and his assistant Tony Docherty.
The former Scotland under-21 cap said, “Doc was my youth coach for a few years at United before he left for St Johnstone, while the gaffer was my first captain. They were both outstanding and working with them again had a big bearing on my decision. They know my strengths and weaknesses.
“It was definitely a concern when I read that Brentford were in for the manager. I knew he could have been away before I even got here. But I spoke to the manager before I signed and he told me straight away he was turning the Brentford job down. That was reassuring.
“His reputation is growing all the time. It will be good for Saints if that continues. If you are recognised as a good and successful coach you are bound to attract interest from other clubs. I’m sure he will continue to attract interest but hopefully not for another year!”
Robertson added, “I want to be part of taking the club on to another level. The top six has to be the aim. Hopefully I can bring goals to the team.
“I have been told they see me filling an attacking midfield role. When I spoke to Del and Doc they were incredibly enthusiastic. They have a good squad and are looking at some quality signings over the summer.
“I am really excited about the new season. I definitely don’t see this as a step down. There wasn’t much between the teams in games last season, but United had a good finish to the campaign.”
Robertson revealed his dad, Dougie, had played with a youthful McInnes in their Morton days.
“I had that connection from way back with the manager”, he pointed out. “I also played with Steven Anderson when he was bootboy to Derek McInnes and I was looking after Mark Kerr.Wrench”I know a few of the other Perth boys because I am close pals with ex-keeper Euan McLean.”
With midfielders Craig Conway, Prince Buaben and Morgaro Gomis all leaving United, there was a strong temptation to stay where he was and become a first-team regular.
He said, “I joined United at 14 so it was a wrench to leave. I was there eight years as a professional. That is a long time to be at any club. It was an emotional day in the dressing room for a few of the boys in Sunday’s game against Hearts.
“I have made friends for life there and winning the Scottish Cup last season was the obvious highlight. I will miss the people around the place, and not just the players. But I need a fresh challenge at this stage in my career.
“Of course I thought long and hard about it and I spoke to a few people I trust. Staying at United had a big pull and I had a couple of other offers on the table from so-called bigger clubs.
“It was great working with Peter Houston and his backroom team. But I felt it was time for a change of scenery and this move feels right.
“We had a night out after the final game with players and their wives. But there are a lot of guys leaving and that had a part to play in my decision. Now I want to kick on with St Johnstone.”
McInnes said, “We have known David for a long time and he will bring a goal threat to the team from midfield. He has a knack of finding space around the box.
“He has a great engine and he is a good finisher, with a fine work ethic. David is a very hungry player and his professionalism is spot on.
“I know he had other SPL offers, so it is great to get him here.”