There has been another dramatic twist in the long-running Richie Brittain saga with Ross County boss Derek Adams now insisting that St Johnstone should pay the Staggies for the player.
Brittain signed a pre-contract deal with Saints in January but then tried to back out, citing personal reasons.
However, St Johnstone chairman Steve Brown held discussions with the midfielder and told him the club were determined that he would report for pre-season training at Perth on June 27.
Ross County have now registered Brittain with the SFA as their player.
Brown has also held talks with his opposite number Roy MacGregor in a bid to come to an amicable agreement but it seems certain that the game’s ruling body will have to adjudicate on the matter.
Now, though, Adams has added further fuel to the flames of the burning issue.
He said: “Richard will report back on June 27 for our first session, he’s registered as a Ross County player.
“We’re still trying to sort things out. If St Johnstone want him they’ll have to pay a fee.
“We have registered him with the Scottish Football Association and to do that he had to sign a contract with the club.”
“He’s our player, I won’t comment on the terms of his contract because that’s obviously political,” added Adams.
“We still have the stumbling block of St Johnstone having registered him with the SPL. As things stand, Richard couldn’t play for Ross County in the league but neither could he play for St Johnstone, so at the moment, it’s all up in the air.
“Richard had a meeting with Steve Brown, the St Johnstone chairman, and told him he didn’t want to go there. For that reason we’ve tried to help the player by keeping him about the football club.”
Earlier this week, Brown insisted that he is looking for a swift conclusion to the wrangle saying: “It is a bit messy to say the least but from our point of view we would like it sorted soon.
“It is a distraction for everyone at the club but I as a chairman can’t rip up a pre-contract. That would set a dangerous precedent.”
Meanwhile, manager Tommy Wright is stepping down as Northern Ireland goalkeeping coach to fully focus on the Saints job.
He said: “Following discussions with my chairman, Michael O’Neill and my family, I have decided to step down from the position of Northern Ireland goalkeeping coach.
“The decision was not taken lightly but I feel that the demands of being manager of St Johnstone require me to be totally committed to that position.
“I would like to thank the chairman and board of directors at the club for allowing me to work with the international team over the past 15 months and it has been a position that as I have been honoured to hold.
“Finally, I would like thank Michael for the opportunity to work alongside him and Billy and I wish them and the squad all the best for the remainder of the World Cup campaign.”