St Johnstone defender Brian Easton has re-signed for Hamilton Accies.
Easton, one of the Perth club’s Scottish Cup-winning heroes in 2014, has returned to the team where he started his career as an academy player in 2004.
Speaking about leaving McDiarmid Park, Easton declared that while the past 18 months have been difficult because of injury he enjoyed the best memories of his career at Saints.
He said: “Obviously over the past year and a half it’s been really difficult but it’s really helped that I’ve been here during that time.
“The support I’ve had from the lads, the staff and everybody connected to Saints has been amazing.
“It’s been an unbelievable time for me ever since I joined and there have been so many highlights.
“Obviously the Scottish Cup win was the standout but there are many more too.
“We’ve obviously had some unbelievable European ties and have done so well domestically over the years that I’ve been here.
“One of the best things though has been the dressing rooms that I’ve been a part of – the boys have been amazing.
“I think that’s a big reason as to why so many players have stayed at the club for such and I’ll always look back on my time here with fond memories.”
The departing defender also paid tribute to boss Tommy Wright and the club’s fans.
He said: “The manager has been massive for me.
“He gave me a chance when he signed me and not only is he a great manager but he’s a great guy as well. I’ll always have a good relationship with him.
“Ever since the very first moment I arrived here the fans have been amazing. It’s brilliant playing for them and although it might not be the biggest support in the country they are passionate and love the club.
“Hopefully they’ll have some good memories of me here and I am definitely a Saints fan now too!
“It’s a new challenge for me now and I’m going back to another club that means a lot to me.
“I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved at Saints. It’s been a great place to play football over the past six years and I wish everybody at the club well for the future.”
Accies head coach Brian Rice was delighted with his new recruit, saying: “Brian is a fantastic addition to our squad.
“We are delighted to welcome him back to the club.
“He is an experienced senior player who knows how we work here at Hamilton.
“Brian is the type of person that can encourage and lead the younger players in the dressing room.”
