Frazer Wright may have been in pain the last time he was at McDiarmid Park but he was right as rain in the sun when he returned to sign for St Johnstone.
Wright ended a six-season spell with Kilmarnock, agreeing a two-year deal with the Perth men despite being offered better terms to stay at Rugby Park, and also being a target for Hearts.
He believes it is time for a change and the big central defender joked he felt better this time around than last, when he suffered a nasty injury playing for Killie against Saints in April.
“It is nice to be opening up a new chapter in my career,” said Wright. “My last game for Kilmarnock was here and I ended up breaking my collarbone.
“I am back now signing a contract and it is funny how things turn out sometimes. I think I ended up in a sandwich between our (Killie’s) goalie Anssi Jaakkola and a Saints player (Danny Invincibile).
“One came from the back and one from the front and I was stuck in between them.
“That was April 2 and I just got the all-clear from the surgeon the other day there to start back with contact stuff. So there will be no holiday for me. I will be working on my fitness until pre-season training starts.
“Some players dread pre-season but for me it will be an exciting time because I will be meeting my new team-mates and it will be the start of a fresh challenge.”
Usually, when a club brings in a new face there is an element of risk involved.Rock solidHowever Wright has all the appearance of a rock-solid investment, having extensive experience of the SPL since joining Killie from Stranraer in 2005.
He said, “When I signed for Kilmarnock they took a chance on me. I really joined them as a squad player but eventually made myself a regular in the team.
“Now, though, I have six years’ experience of the SPL so there is no gamble. I know what you need to play in the Premier League.”
Wright has big boots to fill, with fans favourite Michael Duberry having gone back to England to join Oxford United.
“It will be hard to take over from Michael because he was a good player for Saints and I know he was popular too,” he added. “I will just bring what I can to the team and hope to do well.”
Wright revealed he just felt it was time for new surroundings after giving so much to Killie.
“Six years at a club is probably long enough,” he added. “It is longer than most players spend at any team.
“The manager changed in March and I have nothing against Kenny Shiels, who will be getting the job full-time, I believe.
Continued…
“I wish him well. What I liked was the big change in style at Kilmarnock under Mixu Paatelainen, with more emphasis on passing.
“It was good to prove to people that I could play that style. Some had perhaps thought of me as a big defender who heads the ball and tackles so it was good to show there was more to my game.
“We did well under Mixu and Killie ended up in the top six, which was great.
“I know Saints are well capable of finishing there themselves next season and I am looking forward to working with Derek McInnes.
McInnes, speaking from Florida, said he “could not be more pleased” with his latest piece of business.
“I feel an experienced centre half is vital to the team and we have seen the benefit of having Michael Duberry here over the last couple of seasons,” said the Saints boss.
“Frazer is someone who has played season after season for Kilmarnock a team in the top six of the SPL.
“He has a presence in both boxes, doing the basics well as a defender and offering goal threat at set pieces.
“This is a very important I would even say fantastic signing for St Johnstone.”