St Johnstone boss Derek McInnes is making no apologies for sending his players out at the start of the season with one simple target to ensure SPL survival as quickly as possible.
Before promotion back to the top table two seasons ago, Saints had spent seven years in the first division wilderness.
Since their return to the SPL Saints have never been in serious danger of being relegated something McInnes is determined will continue.
“The players know privately the target we set ourselves to get to a certain level of points to keep St Johnstone in the SPL,” he said.
“I do not make any apologies for that.”
He added, “It is nothing to do with lack of ambition or whatever.
“We have had to fight hard for every point we have earned in the SPL in the last couple of seasons.
“I have every confidence in the players that they are good enough not to become involved in a (relegation) battle but we have to prove that week in, week out.”Cups in sightsHe said, “Our first objective is to get to a points tally as quickly as possible. If we reach that then we will reset our aims and objectives.
“We were seven years outwith the SPL as a first division club on the outside looking in, which was not nice.
“So we are determined to all pull together to ensure we stay in the top division and ultimately improve on last season’s position.
“If we can do that, it will be a fantastic effort.”
He added, “Realistically, our only chance of success is through the cups.
“We had a huge disappointment last year when we lost in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup.
“You can just roll over and feel sorry for yourself or you can let it strengthen your resolve to get back there and hopefully do one better that is what we will be trying to do this year.”
McInnes said, “As far as the SPL title race is concerned, I think it will be close once again.
“I do not think any team outwith the Old Firm can sustain a championship challenge.
“Celtic possibly still have it all to do to stop Rangers as they will be determined to hold on to their title.”