Football Season Guide

St Johnstone impressed last season and did well to finish well ahead of Hearts in the league, continuing their streak of finishing in the top six – impressive for a club with a limited budget. Their lack of that bit of extra quality is a problem though and one that Tommy Wright has identified following their loss in the first round of the Europa League. They were beaten both home and away by FK Trakai from Lithuania. An improved performance in the second leg wasn't enough to see them through but did provide some signs that they can have another good season. With more signings expected, the fans will still hope for a marquee player who can fill the boots of Danny Swanson. He was one of, if not the best player of last season but has left to join newly promoted Hibs. Michael O’Halloran who has joined on loan from Rangers could be the one to step up and if he can find the form that earned him his move away from Saints in the first place, he’ll certainly prove to be a handful. Cammy Smith showed glimpses of real talent at Aberdeen as well so he could be moving to the right club to further develop his career. The upside to their brief appearance in Europe is that they don't need to go through the group stage for the League Cup and will enter in the next round.