Croft back for more

Lee Croft . . . remains a St Johnstone player until the Scottish season ends.

POPULAR winger Lee Croft says there is no bitterness over the way his last spell with Athletic ended — and he can’t wait to get stuck into his THIRD stint with the club.

Ten years after he first signed as a 19 year old, on loan from Manchester City, Croft (29) has agreed a one-year, pre-contract agreement to become Darren Kelly’s first signing. The deal for the St Johnstone winger includes an option for a second season.

The Chronicle’s ‘Star Man’ and fans’ player of the year for 2012-13, Croft was unhappy with the way the news of his departure was handled last time. A long chat with Kelly two weeks ago persuaded the Wigan-born player that after 18 successful months at McDiarmid Park in Perth, his future belonged closer to home.

“That was in the past,” Croft said of his previous exit from SportsDirect.com Park. “There is a new manager now and someone I am really looking forward to working with.

“I came back down and spent an afternoon with him and we had a good, long chat. He told me he was keen to bring me back and his plans sounded exciting, something I want to be a part of.”

Under Paul Dickov and briefly Lee Johnson, Croft made 53 appearances last time for Athletic and played a starring role in the club’s FA Cup escapades against Liverpool and Everton.

He went on to enjoy a taste of glory with the Saints, helping the club win the Scottish Cup for the first time in its 130-year history then taking part in a UEFA Europa League qualification campaign with trips to Slovakia and Switzerland.

Croft, who flew back up to Scotland last night after completing the formalities of the deal, remains a St Johnstone player but will go into pre-season training with Athletic.

“I would like to emulate my last spell here,” Croft added. “Already, I have had an unbelievable response from the fans through social media. I can’t wait to get back in the shirt.”


ATHLETIC have confirmed their second home pre-season fixture, with Bolton Wanderers heading to SportsDirect.com Park on Tuesday, July 21 (7.45pm kick-off).