Sturrock won't need bodyguards

One month ago, the Perth club's fans were apoplectic at Sturrock's defection to Tannadice, where he played with distinction during those halcyon days in the eighties, but positive results in recent weeks - reaching the semi-finals of the League Cup, celebrating their first win at Parkhead in 25 years, and sitting pretty in fourth place in the league - have convinced the Saints' aficionados that there is still a bright future at Perth under the guidance of the former Hamilton Academical manager.

Canadian internationalist midfielder Nick Dasovic, who scored the winner at Celtic Park in midweek, admits he is happy with the new managerial regime and asks that the fans show their support by turning out in droves. ''We are getting the results and we are just hoping that the Perth public appreciate this and come along in larger numbers,'' he said. ''We need to get more atmosphere at home games and that can only happen if there is a bigger turn-out.''

Dasovic certainly has no problems about Sturrock's decision to quit the club, insisting instead that he owes him a debt of gratitude. ''I have a lot to thank him for,'' he said.

''He brought me to the club and had faith in me to give me a new two-year contract. He made a decision to leave and you have to respect him for that.

''However, I have to say all that will be forgotten during the 90 minutes because we want the three points to keep our place in the top half of the table. All credit has to go to the new manager, because he has achieved four great results since he came here.

''The team are playing with confidence and we are in a good position.

Sturrock himself has no fears at all about the return, although he is not expecting the red carpet treatment, either.

''Bodyguards won't be required and I won't be wearing a mask this weekend,'' he said, ''but I am sure there will be a bit of flak coming my way. Despite what some might think, there has never been any hidden agenda.

''In fact, had there been an approach from Tannadice earlier, I would have turned it down. I hadn't achieved anything for a club which had been very supportive in tougher times, but I feel St Johnstone are on the right road now.

''In Sandy Clark and Billy Kirkwood they have appointed men I respect and who will take the club onto a new plane. I am looking forward to coming back because I have made many lasting friendships at the club.''

United are still searching for their first league victory of the season and Sturrock is anxious to get them off the foot of the table as soon as possible.

Striker Billy Dodds could be called into the starting line-up after making an impressive contribution in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Dunfermline Athletic after coming off the bench.

St Johnstone, though, are the Premier League's in-form side and manager Clark is hoping they can continue the form they showed at Parkhead.

''We enjoyed the victory, but we won't get carried away,'' he said.

Neil Duffy, Tony Mols, and Andy McLaren are very doubtful after being hurt against Dunfermline last Wednesday, but French defender Bernard Pascual is back in the squad after a foot injury.

St Johnstone, meanwhile, have defender John McQuillan out with a shoulder injury, while late checks will be made on Nathan Loundes and John O'Neil.

qST Johnstone's commitment to the game at grassroots level was recognised by the Scottish Sports Council yesterday, when they were awarded a grant of #113,880 to help finance the upgrading of the club's synthetic playing surface.

The Perth club will meet the remainder of the #286,090 total cost and chairman Geoff Brown said: ''Scottish football at senior level is devoid of any real good quality facilities and this sythentic surface will provide the local area with a facility which can be utilised during all sorts of weather conditions.''

BOOKIES' VIEW: St Johnstone 5-4, Dundee United 11-4, draw 9-4.