Brian Graham has insisted he did not get a fair crack of the whip at Dundee United.
The 26-year-old, who has completed his season-long loan move to St Johnstone, struggled to pin down a first team spot at Tannadice even though he scored seven times for Jackie McNamara’s side last season.
Four goals in six pre-season games still did not seem to be enough to convince the United boss which left Graham believing “the writing was on the wall”.
After undergoing his medical and completing the paperwork at Saints’ training base at Stirling University, Graham said: “I would say I didn’t (get a fair crack of the whip), Jackie would say I did.
“Sometimes football is full of opinions.
“You speak to the manager every now and again and maybe I was going to be limited in chances so I thought it was right to go.
“I was scoring goals for the club but it wasn’t to be.
“I scored seven goals last season and I hardly played any minutes so I think it was a good ratio.
“I did well pre-season, I scored four goals in six games which was a good ratio – and if you add the minutes up it only adds up to three full games.
“I was looking forward to kicking on this season.
“But I never even got on the pitch in the first three games.
“I got on the last five minutes last weekend so maybe the writing was on the wall.
“So I am happy to be here now and relishing the chance to play for St Johnstone.
“I am not expecting to walk into this team, not by any manner of means. I have to prove myself.
“I have to work hard. St Johnstone have a great squad and I have to get myself in to the team.”
Graham goes straight into Tommy Wright’s squad for the Premiership clash with Motherwell at Fir Park on Saturday.
Saints boss Wright said: “I am happy to get him in.
“He probably didn’t play as much as he would have liked at Dundee United but he will get some good opportunities here.
“He has a decent goalscoring record when you look at his minutes on the pitch.
“He only made 11 starts for Dundee United last season and scored seven goals.
“He had a good pre-season and scored there so he is in good form.
“I think he is someone who is first and foremost hungry. He has scored at all levels and really keen to come.
“He wants more opportunities to prove himself at this level and score goals.
“He has a physical presence and his movement is good. He can play in a two alongside Steven MacLean and can play on his own so he fits what we are looking for.”