Kai Fotheringham made sure to familiarise himself with the city of Perth immediately after signing for St Johnstone in the summer.
The ink on his contract may well have still been drying when he decided to venture into the centre of town to get his bearings and tuck into a family brunch down café quarter.
He quickly felt part of the community and, ever since, has greatly enjoyed his experience on and off the pitch at McDiarmid Park.
Now the attacking midfielder is determined to contribute further in the coming weeks.
“The first couple of weeks at a new club can always be a little nerve-wracking,” Kai said. “You are trying to find your feet and get used to the playing style of a new manager.
“But everyone made me feel at home quickly. I’ve got a good bond with the boys.
“I’m loving the style of play and it allows you to get a lot of the ball. Personally, I’ve not quite hit the level I want yet but hopefully in the coming weeks I can build that up.”
The majority of Kai’s earliest memories of football are a familiar tale for kids growing up in Scotland – playing down the local park with pals.
He said: “My first memory of football was actually down at Falkirk. I think it was called ‘Mini Bairns’ and I would have been about three or four – causing a riot!
“I always had a love for the game and would be down the local park with my mates most days. It was just around the corner from my house.
“When Falkirk pulled the plug on their academy, I had a couple of options and went with Dundee United. I felt it was the best pathway for me to make it as a first team player.
“Last year at Dundee United did not really go as planned, but the year before I’d had a really good season. I always thank everyone at United for what they did for me, but it was time to move on. It was sad leaving but I’m really enjoying it here at Saints.”
Football, it would be fair to say, was always Kai’s priority growing up. But he was not short of alternatives – including entering the ice cream business.
He explained: “My uncle owns an ice cream business. It’s called Fotheringhams Ice Cream. I used to work with him on the weekends and would always help out on a Saturday or a Sunday.
“That was on my radar if I never made it in football. But I was actually quite bright at school so there could have been other options too.”
Kai added: “I suppose I can get free ice cream… but I don’t have much! I actually sorted a few of the boys out at Dundee United. I haven’t with the guys here yet!”
Kai will be hoping to taste sweet success this weekend when Queen’s Park visit McDiarmid Park. But he knows the tough test that awaits.
He said: “Queen’s Park played really good football in the game earlier in the season. We managed to get the win on that occasion – and hopefully we can do the same again at home in front of our fans.”
