The agent of striker Stevie May was sat in the McDiarmid Park directors’ box for yesterday’s Betfred Cup defeat to Ross County, with St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright hopeful the Perth club are closing in on two new signings.
Saints passed up some glorious chances to put the contest out of the Staggies’ reach after Scott Tanser’s early penalty but a Billy Mckay double sent them out of the competition with two group games still left to play.
That they need to be more clinical in front of goal was clear to all.
Former player Rowan Vine is representing May, who a number of other clubs, including Dundee, are interested in.
Wright said: “We’re actively working to bring players in. I haven’t spoken to the chairman since the end of the game
“We’re looking to bring in at least two. I’ve got no update on how things are moving with a striker or a defender we’re trying to bring in too.
“I saw Viney was at the Montrose game as well so perhaps he was speaking to them about May too!
“We missed chances but it wasn’t just a striker that missed chances. We didn’t make the most of things, people were getting into the wrong positions or wide players were in too early.
“We’ve got to somehow get the right personnel in to take the chances.”
Dundee haven’t given up on signing May, with former Saints’ captain Dave Mackay meeting him recently. Courier Sport understands that Dundee United have other transfer priorities.
The Dark Blues’ first team coach said: “The club are speaking to him, as will all the other clubs.
“He is a player we would love to get, he is a player I have played with and I know how good he can be – especially in the Championship, he would basically guarantee you goals.
“I have met with Stevie and had a chat with him, but he has got a lot to think about.
“It is a big decision for him as well, whether he moves out on a permanent deal or leaves on a loan from Aberdeen.”
Meanwhile, on the game, Wright reflected: “It was as good as we’ve played at home for a while. I don’t mean because we’ve had a break. We were on the front foot, were positive, created chances and we should have been 3-0 up.
“We were sitting comfortably and it shows what football is like that we came in down 2-1 after they barely laid a glove on us.
“We’re out of the competition now and we can prepare for Celtic (their league opener).”
County co-manager Steven Ferguson said: “We knew how hard it was going to be and to fair St Johnstone put us under pressure, scored early and could have got more.
“We know it’s early in the season but St Johnstone are good at what they do and for us to win the game doesn’t do us any harm.”
