Summer signing Cheick Diabate has settled in quickly McDiarmid Park – and this week spoke of his excitement for the league action getting underway.
The central defender, most recently of Exeter City, has picked up plenty of pre-season minutes and played his part as we topped Group F to qualify for the knockout stage of the Premier Sports Cup with four wins from four.
Full focus quickly turned to our William Hill Championship opener against Partick Thistle.
“I’ve really enjoyed it so far and have settled in nicely,” Cheick said. “I have a few games under my belt now and that obviously helps.
“Every game you want to win. When you come to a new club, you want to hit the ground running and start well – whether friendlies or competitive games. We’ve managed to start well and now I’m focusing on consistency.”
Picking up maximum Premier Sports Cup points has provided the squad with an additional boost, Cheick added. But he knows that consistency is going to be key.
He explained: “We managed to win every game in the group stage in the cup and that can only give us momentum for the league. We need to carry on with that form – and it starts this Saturday.
“I’m really looking forward to the league starting but, as players, we know it is just another game of football where we need to get the three points. Hopefully it is the start of a successful league campaign this Saturday.
“It is going to be a good level and we will be tested, 100 per cent. But I think we have a good team and a strong squad.
“It’s down to us to show it week in, week out. We need to put in the work on and off the pitch.”
Despite only being with us for a few weeks, Cheick is feeling at home at Saints.
He said: “It was a clean slate for me coming here. I did play against Uche two seasons ago, but he was the only player I had really come across before.
“It is a great group of lads and that made it even easier for me to settle in. You always get banter in football and there is plenty in the dressing room.
“I don’t think anyone’s banter is actually that bad. But I haven’t been here long enough to judge fully on that – so maybe in a month or two that will change!
“From my first day, I could clearly see that everyone wants to succeed at this club. The players, the coaching staff and behind the scenes. There is a good feeling around the place – and one that I like.”
