Manager on Wednesday

17/05/17: Manager Allan Johnston commented on his midweek signings of Callum Morris and Kallum Higginbotham.

Starting with Callum who was his Tuesday signing, AJ said:-

"After Callum came in midway through the season he was a big influence on the good run we went on. He will be a big player for us next year, he has a lot of experience playing at a high level. He is a top quality player with loads of good attributes so we are delighted to have him on board for another season."

Callum did not play in the last two matches due to injury but in his last eight matches, four were shut outs. The success of the defence was clearly the foundation of good results.

"We got a few clean sheets and there was a good partnership particularly with Lee Ashcroft and hopefully those two can build up a good understanding and kick on again next year.

"We have a lot of good players who have a part to play. Guys like Joe Cardle as well, it is a big season for Joe and a number of others. We are all looking forward to the season starting. There is a lot more work to be done but we are delighted so far."

It does look like the manager has started at the back with his re-signing of his two centre backs but he did say that he had been trying to bring in other strikers and had looked at several other options but he cautioned that these things take time.

"It is not easy at this time of year, especially when the season has not even finished yet for a lot of clubs. Everybody is still assessing their options. It works both ways, we assess our options and the players their options as well."

On the signing of Kallum Higginbotham, AJ said that it had been a busy week so far:-

"We are delighted to get Higgy on board. He is a big player for us and I thought that he played really well last year. You can see the commitment and quality that he brings to the team as well. Obviously he can still add more goals to his game, that is what we are always asking for but he is a big signing for us."

Both Kallum and Callum were only to pleased to re-sign

"It is always good as a manager to hear that. Both had other options that were going to pay them a lot more money so it is always good that they want to stay here. I am delighted to get them both signed."

Having lost Hibs from the Championship, Allan revealed that he would rather not have lost Raith Rovers as well:-

"It is always good to play big games against Raith Rovers with big crowds and a good atmosphere. It is disappointing that they are out of the league, it was a bit of a shock to be honest, I thought they would have got past Brechin City over two legs. It just shows you how tight things are in football.

"Play offs can go either way. After getting a draw in the away game I thought they would have won at home but it wasn`t to be.

"It doesn`t matter who is in the league we have to make sure that we improve on this year and progress as a club. We want to kick off better than we did last year, that was disappointing. It is important that we have the majority of the players on board, get a good pre season behind us and then start the season really fast."

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