St Johnstone defender Dave Mackay has revealed how his move to McDiarmid Park has surpassed even his wildest dreams.
Mackay, who put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension that ties him to the club until 2013, made the switch from troubled Livingston last summer.
At the time the £50,000 double swoop for him and Murray Davidson, who agreed his own new deal last week, seemed a snip a year on, and it looks like the bargain of the century.
Mackay, laden with player-of-the-year awards from grateful supporters, is established as a top SPL defender.
He is the first name on the teamsheet of manager Derek McInnes, who claimed he “could play for any team.”
So the feel-good factor was sweeping through the stadium as Mackay described just how much he is enjoying life at Saints and working with McInnes.
He said, “I was delighted to get this done and dusted so early in the summer.
“I have just had one of the best seasons of my career, probably better than any since breaking into the Dundee team as a youngster.”
He added, “The move from Livingston has worked out much better than I could have hoped for.
“I was made to feel welcome here right away and a big part of signing the extension is down to continuing to work with the manager.
“He is as good as any I have worked with. I don’t doubt he will get a big move eventually but hopefully he will be around a little longer before that happens.
“He wants to build on what we achieved last season and I am sure he can do that.”Cup final ambitionsMackay also thinks Saints should be aiming high as a club when the campaign kicks off again, adding, “I don’t see why we can’t make the top six and a cup final would be nice!”
McInnes could hardly wipe the smile off his face as he contemplated what he clearly views a great bit of business.
He said, “It is great news that Dave has committed himself to the club for another two years and sees his future here.
“When I brought Dave here I knew that he would bring to us options in a variety of positions across the back.”
He added, “Dave was recognised by the fans for most of the player-of-the-year awards.
“Normally after a club has a season like we had there would have been a few contenders. We had a number of good performers but Dave was the outstanding candidate.”
McInnes said, “I have a high regard for him. He could play for any team Dave really is that good.”
While Mackay and Davidson tie themselves to Saints, the club will have to find a replacement for striker Kenny Deuchar, who has prioritised his career in medicine.
Mackay said, “Kenny had probably the best season of his career, especially from Christmas onwards.
“He had mentioned medicine would take over at some stage but it’s probably come earlier than he had anticipated.
“He was an important player for us and… still a young man. If he goes part-time a club is going to win a watch if they land Kenny. He’s a quality player.”
Meanwhile, Saints are hoping for further good news on the re-signing front, with McInnes still chatting with defender Michael Duberry about staying on at Perth.
McInnes said, “We are no further forward but we are still talking things through.
“We certainly haven’t given up on Michael and as long as we are talking there is still hope.”