Frazer Wright has admitted quitting St Johnstone was the toughest call of his career.
The Scottish Cup winning hero enjoyed four successful seasons at Perth after making the move from Kilmarnock, including last year’s historic Scottish Cup win.
Wright (35), who had penned a contract extension in the summer, had to think long and hard before coming to the decision that going part-time at Dumbarton with manager and long-time friend Steven Aitken was the best way forward.
The defender revealed that Cowdenbeath boss Colin Nish had offered him an assistant’s role with the Fifers.
But he opted for teaming-up with his old Stranraer team mate at Dumbarton after confirming to Perth manager Tommy Wright that he would leave Saints.
The fans’ favourite said: “I had been talking for about a week about my future and what would be best for my career. The gaffer admitted I wasn’t going to feature in his plans as often as he had thought.
“It has been hard getting my head around leaving but it is for the best.
“The club have been brilliant with me, with the manager offering me the chance to come in and help with the under-20s, which will help with my coaching. I start my badges on Monday so it is good timing and I will definitely take up the gaffer on his offer.”
Looking back on a hugely successful Saints career, he recalled: “Derek McInnes sold me on St Johnstone with his plans for the club, although I only worked with him for a few months before he left for Bristol City.
“His aim was putting together a strong squad and building for the future but not once was qualifying for Europe or winning the Scottish Cup mentioned in that chat at Strathclyde Park!
“I had been at Killie for six years but they were changing their manager quite regularly and it was time for a change myself.
“These have turned out to be the most successful years of my time in the game.
“Winning the cup that day against Dundee United last year has to be the highlight of my whole career.
“I was determined to take in every moment rather than let it flash by and it was fantastic to have the family around me to help celebrate. The post-match scenes were as memorable as the game.
“And the Sunday open top bus parade through Perth was amazing. It started off with a few folk out on the streets and ended up with thousands packed into the city centre. It was amazing, something I will never forget.
“Another highlight was beating Rosenborg in Norway in the Europa League, and not just because I scored the winner. The team produced one of its best displays that night and it set us up for the rest of the season.”
Wright is already looking to a future in management but admits the building blocks have to be put in place.
“I already have a personal training qualification so I had been giving some thought to what happens after playing,” he said.
“Management obviously appeals to me so I am looking forward to the next stage of my career.
“I know Steven at Dumbarton well from our days together at Stranraer and a group of us have always kept in touch. We talked over the summer but I signed again for Saints.
“Right now the aim is to see out this season but maybe going part-time will help the old hip and I can play on for another 12 months beyond that.
“Dumbarton are a good club and I am looking forward to helping them in the Championship.”