St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright believes his side will start the season with a target on their backs and in the sights of other clubs with top six ambitions.
Saints kick-off their 2017/2018 Premiership campaign at Kilmarnock tomorrow knowing the pundits have already decided that with Hibs back in the league, there is only one place in the top half of the table up for grabs with Celtic, Aberdeen, Rangers and Hearts “certain” to occupy the others.
However, Wright, whose side once again upset the odds to finish fourth last season, stressed that points and positions have to be earned regardless of reputations or budgets and he is certainly taking nothing for granted.
The McDiarmid manager said: “All the work is done. Now we are ready to get going.
“The test is always that first league game and there is a real sense of anticipation.
“Every manager wants to get that first win and we always aim to get 10 points on the board as quickly as possible and take it from there.
“The big five are back in the league and that is all a lot of people seem to be talking about. It looks like the rest of us are competing for that one final spot in the top six.
“But we have been here before. We had Rangers coming back and Hearts were stronger last season and no-one thought we would finish fourth.
“It’s another challenge for us. There is almost a target sign on our backs because we have done well over the last few years.
“Some teams probably believe if they get above St Johnstone they will finish in the top six. That is a measure of how far we have come as a club and how well the players have done.
“We don’t look on ourselves as a top six club despite making it for the last six years. We know we have to go out and earn it. Our approach will be no different from the last few seasons.”
That approach has included a blueprint for success when it comes to player recruitment and retention.
While other sides have seen a huge change of personnel in recent times, Saints have once again quietly gone about their business adding quality not quantity.
Wright added: “Steve Lomas had to bring in six or seven one summer but we have tried to get players signed up in January to ensure continuity. When I got the job I felt that was important for a club of our size.
“We have tried to hold onto players who have done well for us, looking for three or four in the summer.
“We have brought in young defenders like Scott Tanser and Kyle McLean along with our main targets Stefan Scougall and Michael O’Halloran for the top end of the pitch to give us that wee bit extra quality.
“Attracting them was a statement of intent from us. We are trying to improve things and the chairman has helped in that respect.
“You never have any guarantees with any signing but Michael knows the players and the league, he is hungry to do well. If I had to put a percentage on it I’d have him in the 90s in terms of doing well here. There’s no reason he can’t do well again here.
“We also have young players here who have to take their chance when it comes along.
“I feel we have recruited well and we are still looking to bring in one more. But we are in no rush. We want it to be the right one.
“Everyone is fit and that is important with three competitive games coming up in a week.”
