TOMMY Wright admits he was surprised when transfer target Kane Hemmings penned a three-year deal with Dundee.
The St Johnstone manager, who had already seen a deal for Aberdeen attacker Stevie May break down, had been in talks designed to take the former Dark Blue striker on loan from Notts County.
“We were linked with Hemmings and we are probably getting stick for missing out to Dundee and a club in the Championship,” said Wright.
“But historically they do pay higher wages than us and we were only ever talking about a loan deal with Notts County, the player and his agent.
“That suited all parties and it seemed to be going well.
“We didn’t get an opportunity to discuss a permanent deal.
“The chairman (Steve Brown) did his best but maybe the player always fancied going back to Dundee.
“We have various targets. Stevie May and Kane Hemmings weren’t the only ones on the list.
“Unfortunately there won’t be anyone in for the weekend but I am confident we will have players in before the window closes.
“It’s totally wrong to say the club is doing nothing.
“The chairman and I are working hard to make something happen. So fans have to be patient.”
Wright is confident his players will bounce back from the 7-0 opening day loss to Celtic.
“The mood has picked up as the week has progressed. I had to point out no-one had died on Monday,” he said.
“The players are hurting. It has been a disappointing start to the season and we can’t hide from it.
“When Celtic lost heavily to the likes of Barcelona and PSG there was talk of the massive gulf in resources.
“So I do believe some of the criticism has been a little bit over the top.
“We are fair game at the minute and we just have take it on the chin and be better.
“But we were excellent against Ross County at home in the Betfred Cup.
“I am expecting a positive reaction and hopefully the fans get right behind the team.
“I know there has been a lot of negativity but let’s look at what we have got here.
“The quality is there to have another good season and I am confident there will be players added.”
Wright has been boosted by an improvement on the injury front, with striker Chris Kane in line for a recall after shaking off a back knock.
Defender Liam Gordon also returns to the squad after a broken elbow sustained four weeks ago.
“The injury situation has been improving. Only Drey Wright and David Wotherspoon are unavailable.
“It is good to have Kano training again and he comes into contention.
“He led the line well against Ross County and he gets us up the pitch. He certainly figures in my plans.
“Liam also comes back into the squad.”
*Fans should note that today’s match kicks-off at 2pm.
