Murray Davidson has spent most of his Perth career working under departed manager Tommy Wright.
Unsurprisingly, the Perth midfielder reckons the Scottish Cup winning Northern Irishman will be a hard act to follow.
And after penning a new 12-month contract in his testimonial year, the former Livingston kid isn’t surprised Saints chairman Steve Brown is in no rush to appoint a successor.
“It will be different because we are all used to the old gaffer and his ways,” said Davidson (32), who arrived at McDiarmid Park 11 years ago in a £50,000 package with cup winner and captain Dave Mackay.
“But that’s football, players and managers move on.
“So we are looking forward to seeing who the new manager will be and starting to work with him.
“The club are taking their time and you can understand that because there is still a lot of uncertainty.
“It’s an important decision. Whoever comes in will have big shoes to fill and the club will need to tell the new gaffer what he’s working with.
“At this moment in time there is no rush to get someone and I’m sure there will be plenty of people interested in the job.
“With a lot of teams, when they change managers, there is a rebuild needed but that’s not the case here.
“Whoever comes in will inherit a strong squad, one which has been in good form, so that will hopefully make the transition easier.
“The core of the team from last season is still here and that’s a massive plus for us.
“A big part of our success over the years has been having that core, that stability in the dressing-room and it will stand us in good stead.
“I think a lot of teams will have smaller squads next season so it’s going to be a bit different to what we’ve been used to.”
Saints caretaker boss Alec Cleland had already secured Liam Craig,Callum Booth and Chris Kane on six-month deals.
After Davidson’s capture, only English winger Drey Wright’ future remains uncertain, with contract talks still ongoing.
Davidson, who was capped by Scotland in the Craig Levein era, insisted there was never any doubt he would agree a new deal to extend his stay.
“The club said to me about a month ago that the contract would happen so it was just a case of tying up minor details.
“I am delighted to get it over the line because it’s an uncertain time, you see players being released across the country.
“It’s difficult times for football so you have to be grateful when you get a contract.
“So I’m delighted to be staying for another year and just can’t wait to get back playing.
“I have August in my head so hopefully we will get back training in June sometime.
“Everyone is missing football so we are all keen to get back in and get going again.”
Cleland reckons Davidson, whose campaign was cut short by a broken arm picked up in training, will have a key role to play at Perth.
“I know exactly what he brings to the team and his experience will be vital as we look to push on next season,” he said.
