St Johnstone start summer rebuild by completing deals for two defenders

Tam Scobbie made 39 appearances for Falkirk last season.SNS Group

St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas has made his first signings of the summer after agreeing deals with Tam Scobbie and Gary Miller.

Lomas has a big job on his hands before the start of next season and earlier this month he told STV he may have to bring in as many as 13 players.

His first capture was Ross County defender Miller who joins the Perth club on a one-year deal.

The 25-year-old was a key player for the Staggies, making 43 appearances as he helped the club earn a place in the SPL for the first time.

Lomas’ second signing is 24-year-old Scobbie who put pen to paper on a two-year contract after leaving First Division side Falkirk.

The defender got a brief taste of European football with the Bairns and he is keen to sample more with Saints.

Speaking to St Johnstone’s official website, Scobbie thanked former boss Steven Pressley for helping him develop as a player.

He said: “We have parted on very good terms and Steven even spoke to Saints boss Steve Lomas to give me a reference.

"I had a few other options in the SPL but with a kid on the way in August I felt this was the move for me.

“I sampled European football with Falkirk and played over 100 SPL games before they were relegated so I feel equipped to help Saints.

“I’m glad to get the opportunity to come here. The manager didn’t have to do a sales pitch on the club.”

“Obviously European football was a major factor but Saints had a very good season and they have a good reputation in the game. Hopefully we can kick on next season.

“I got a taste of European football with Falkirk when we qualified through the Scottish Cup final with Rangers. We played FC Vaduz of Liechtenstein.

“We won 1-0 here but unfortunately went out over two legs after extra time. It was short and sharp but still great experience for me and the lads.

“I have been looking at some of the teams we could go up against in the Europa League qualifiers and there are some big names in the draw next month."

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