Could you imagine how nervous things would have been if there was still a chance we could be relegated? Actually, don't bother as it's not a very nice thought and we don't need to worry about it! We have, instead, a typical end of season match. It would be nice to win but, if I'm being honest, what happened on Tuesday night means I'm not too fussed about the result.
It would, however, be the perfect time to end a couple of hoodoos - although asking for us to do that again after ending the Pittodrie jinx is maybe a bit much. First of all, our recent record against the Saintees is awful. Since they were promoted they've beaten us three times, while we've drawn the other four games. This record needs to be improved, especially if we're to push on next season, so we might as well do it tomorrow. The other start that needs sorted is our final day form - we usually have nothing to play for so we've only managed one final day win in the 21st Century, which came in 2004 when we beat Ross County.
Affairs between the two Saints seem to have calmed down a bit in recent years. Way back in 2001 we had a rather entertaining friendly where each side finished with nine men. Then, in 2004, St Johnstone went one better when they ended up with just eight men at Love Street - younger readers will be surprised to learn we managed not to mess up this opportunity to take victory. However, aside from the odd dodgy tackle, I can't really think of a major flash point between the sides. This is a bit of a shame as in the absence of a proper derby while we're in a different division to Morton it is always good to have a bit of blood and thunder. With neither of us having much to play for - excuse me for not getting excited about the slim chance of nicking 10th place - there isn't much chance of things changing tomorrow.
And because of that, we may get to see a few youngsters tomorrow. This is surely the sort of game to give Kenny McLean and Aaron Mooy a start in, but there's no harm allowing Jamie McKernon, Dominic Kennedy, Mark Lamont (if he's back from Scotland duty in time) and even keeper Adam McHugh a run out. As far as I'm aware they're all on senior contracts now, so this is a chance for them to get some game time. The same goes for some fringe players, like Nick Hegarty and Craig Samson.
Mixed in with them will be the first team regulars and there's a fair chance this will be the last time we see many of them in a St Mirren shirt. It would be a surprise if Michael Higdon and Jure Travner are here next season, while there are still huge question marks over the rest of the squad. The only ones who can relax are McLean, Mooy, Marc McAusland, David van Zanten and Darren McGregor. If he is leaving, it would be nice to see Gareth Wardlaw get a cheer after his goal on Tuesday, while on ovation for the legendary Hugh Murray is a must if he is destined for pastures new.
It's probably been a year of frustration for Saintees fans. They were superb last season, almost making it into the top six, and they were expected to push on this season. However, they've failed to do that - although manager Derek McInnes has pointed out on numerous occasions that they had more points at that particular point of the campaign than they had the previous year. They were unable to keep that going though, and must make do with a place in the bottom six again. Not that there's anything wrong with that - after all, we've never been out the sodding thing. There was some good news for fans of the Perth Saints this week - not only did they manage their third win on the spin, but McInnes turned down an approach from Brentford. He is surely destined for better things than that.
St Johnstone's main problem this year has been a lack of goals and they have twice gone on lengthy runs without one of their own players managing to score a goal. Obviously, one of those runs came to an end against us back in December! Clearly, a striker must be a priority for McInnes over the summer. Yes, they have former Chelsea striker Sam Parkin, but he hasn't exactly bagged a barrel load. Peter MacDonald - not the most popular man in Paisley after an assault on Andy Millen a few years back - has done little better. They do have creative players, like Murray Davidson and the talented Jody Morris, it's just a case of finding someone who is capable of finishing off the chances they provide. Liam Miller and Chris Millar can do it from midfield, but a striker would help enormously.
Fortunately for them, St Johnstone are fairly strong at the back - otherwise they'd be in big trouble. Peter Enckelman is a decent keeper when he doesn't have to deal with throw-ins, while Dave MacKay is a fullback who likes to get forward. Danny Grainger is also useful and the experience of Michael Duberry - one of three ex Chelsea men along with Parkin and Morris - has been a big help in recent years. Duberry's career appeared to be going nowhere down south before he joined St Johnstone last year, but he seems to have turned things around up here and could arguably do a job at a bigger club.
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