Club Legend Ando to depart McDiarmid Park

Following on from our earlier player update, we can also confirm that the Club’s record appearance holder, Steven Anderson, will be leaving McDiarmid Park at the end of his current contract after almost 16 years at St. Johnstone.

Ando arrived in Perth on a free transfer from Dundee Utd in 2004 and played under five managers - John Connolly, Owen Coyle, Derek McInnes, Steve Lomas and Tommy Wright. He was part of the 2007 Challenge Cup-winning side and the First Division title-winning team from the 2008/09 season.

There's one goal in particular that Ando will be most fondly remembered for. His header just before half-time against his former side Dundee Utd helped Tommy Wright’s men to a 2-0 victory at Celtic Park that day in May as we won the 2014 Scottish Cup.

Speaking to the Club’s official website about the departure of a Club legend, Chairman Steve Brown said: “Steven has been an absolutely incredible servant to St. Johnstone Football Club and has given his all since he arrived back in 2004.

“It’s very rare in football nowadays for players to be at one club for so long. I think that says a lot about Ando as a person and a player that he’s shown that loyalty. It also says a lot about the type of Club we are too.

“There have been many great moments in the 16 years Ando has been here. He’s been part of three trophy-winning sides and nobody will ever forget his header at the back post in the Scottish Cup Final as we went on to lift the trophy in 2014.

“He is the St. Johnstone record appearance holder and I just want to put on record my thanks to Steven for everything he has done for the Club. I wish him every success with the next chapter of his career."

We’ll have a full interview with Ando on Saints TV from tomorrow as he reflects on his 16 years at McDiarmid Park.