St Johnstone midfielder Murray Davidson has some empathy with club target Richie Brittain after mulling over the pre-contract route himself.
Ross County captain Brittain has found himself at the centre of a storm after putting pen to paper on a pre-contract agreement with the Perth club, only to ask Saints to rip it up after performing a U-turn.
The motives behind the apparent change of heart remain unclear and both clubs have been involved in a heated war of words in recent days, with Saints boss Steve Lomas suggesting Brittain’s head may have been turned by an offer of more money by County.
Whatever the next chapter in the saga holds, Davidson, who played with the influential midfielder at Livingston, can relate to what Brittain is going through after being linked with several clubs chasing his signature in January.
The only difference is that the Saints playmaker has refused to sign anywhere until he is convinced a move away from McDiarmid Park is right.
“I played with Richie at Livingston for a couple of years and he always had ability,” he said. “Every time I’ve seen him he’s been excellent with Ross County.
“Everybody knows what Richie’s capable of and wherever he goes next season I’m sure he’ll be an asset. I’ve had speculation in the past, not similar to what’s happening with Richie, but you’ve got to be big enough to deal with it.
“We’re professional footballers once you cross that line. Once you cross the line it’s another game of football and he gave 100% for Ross County on Sunday.
“If he’s signing for St Johnstone but playing for Ross County, he was always going to be giving 100% for Ross County that’s what anybody would be doing.
“I’m sure when he was on the park against us on Sunday it was like any other game and now it’s up to him to sort his future out.
“I’m in the same position. I’ve been patient all along and I’ve had people saying to me: ‘Is it getting close? Is it this or is it that?’
“I could have signed four months ago but I haven’t at the moment it’s getting closer but I want to make sure I’m 100% right on where I want to go.
“I’ve still held off because I’m not 100% sure where I want to go and play my football.
“I could have signed for a number of teams three or four months ago on January 1 but I didn’t feel it was the right thing for me to do. I’ve continued to talk to a number of clubs which obviously I’m entitled to do, and once I’m 100% sure where I want to go I will sign.”
Davidson has been linked with several clubs since revealing his intention to leave Saints at the end of his current deal, with the latest speculation surrounding his old Saints boss Derek McInnes at Aberdeen.
McInnes brought Davidson to McDiarmid Park in 2009 and is said to be interested in taking him to Pittodrie, although the player himself says he personally hasn’t spoken to his former manager.
“I haven’t (spoken to McInnes) but without saying too much I think my agent spoke to him,” he said. “I’m not sure whether there’s been an offer there or not. We had a friendly with them a couple of weeks ago, but I haven’t spoken to him or Tony (Docherty, McInnes’ assistant) so I’m not 100%.”
If Davidson does leave as expected in the summer, many have suggested that Brittain could be the man to fill his boots in the heart of the Saints midfield.
Whoever slots into that role though, Davidson will be delighted to highlight the merits of a move to McDiarmid Park.
“Whoever comes in, I’m sure the manager will bring in somebody who’s more than capable,” he added. “It’s a great place to come and play your football. Off the park it’s run brilliantly and we’re not in any bother that way.
“We’ve got a great manager and a great group of lads and this is our second consecutive season in the top six so it’s looking good for St Johnstone and a lot of people can see that.”
Davidson was disappointed that his side couldn’t hold on to all three points against Ross County on Sunday, but he believes Saints are still right in the hunt for a Europa League spot.
“We feel we could do better on both goals but you’ve got to look onwards and upwards and if we can pick up three points next week it could be a good point for us.”