St Johnstone’s new striker John Sutton is hoping it will be third club lucky for him in Europe.
The Englishman, who has signed a pre-contract until the end of this month which will turn into a two-year deal on July 1, will then only have a day to wait if he is to make a dramatic debut for Saints.
The Perth men will play the first leg of their Europa League first qualifying round first leg on the 2nd and Sutton is hoping for good times ahead after mixed fortunes for previous clubs Well and Hearts in continental competition.
For example, the Steelmen suffered a dreadful defeat to Icelandic minnows UMF Stjarnan in the Europa League last summer, losing 5-4 after extra-time.
Sutton was also in the Tynecastle team that were thumped 5-0 at home from Tottenham Hotspur in 2011, before salvaging some pride with a goalless draw in the return leg in London.
So there have been highs as well as lows for the new Saint in Europe but he is optimistic that he will enjoy his adventure with Saints, who go into the hat for their draw next Monday.
“Last season we lost to the Icelandic team,” said Sutton.
“We were 2-0 up and cruising at one stage but it was crazy.
“We also conceded three penalties over the tie so that wasn’t good.
“Before that at Hearts we played Tottenham and Liverpool.
“We acquitted ourselves well against Liverpool, not so much against Spurs.
“Also, in my first spell at Motherwell we did come close to the group stages in 2010, losing narrowly to Danish side Odense.
“Now it would be brilliant to take that next step and make it to the group stages with St Johnstone.
“That was definitely part of the appeal of coming here.
“So I will be ready to play when my contract ends on June 30 and I would relish making my debut in Europe.”
Like the rest of his new clubmates, Sutton doesn’t seem too bothered that he hasn’t had much of a summer break.
His last game for Motherwell was the second part of the promotion play-off against Rangers at Fir Park, with the Steelmen strolling to a 6-1 aggregate win to stay in the Premiership.
That was as recently as May 31 and Sutton confirmed: “It has been a really short summer break for me.
“I guess this is how the players who go to World Cups must feel, not that I have had that privilege!
“To be honest I get more of a break when I train because I have three kids, and the two boys are only four years old.
“So I’m pleased to be getting back and I’m sure the missus will be glad I’m going back as well.
“It has not been much of a break but I enjoy playing football so it isn’t exactly a hardship.”
Sutton had other options – reportedly Kilmarnock wanted him too but he was happy to head to Perth.
“I went for a coffee with the manager Tommy Wright and (assistant) Callum Davidson and they were very enthusiastic about where the club is going and they wanted me to be part of it.
“They enthused me as well and, while talk is cheap, I am really looking forward to getting started here.
“Hopefully, we can have another good season after making the top six again and winning the Scottish Cup the year before.”