Callum Davidson has appealed to swithering St Johnstone fans to reconsider boycotting Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie with Rangers.
The Saints manager says he would ‘half beg’ angry supporters to turn out and back his struggling side for a fourth round encounter at McDiarmid Park this weekend. Scores of punters are set to stay away following the club’s decision to hand three stands to visiting fans whilst also charging £30 for adult tickets.
Chairman Steve Brown issued a statement yesterday accepting ‘certain criticisms have merit’, but it is expected the club could post their lowest ever home attendance. Davidson, whose team have lost their last five Premiership matches, says he understands the frustration, but maintained his players need the support.
“I sat down with the chairman for two or three hours on Monday afternoon,” he said. “We talked about the football side and off-the-pitch stuff as well.
“It’s one of those things, he’s pretty flat about the situation. In hindsight different decisions and better decisions could have been made.
“I understand the frustration and anger from the supporters. I’m a little bit frustrated myself. I wanted both stands there for our supporters because I know how big the game is.
“I think the chairman understands the situation with the statement he’s released. He understands the situation but going forward there’s not a lot we can do about it now.
“I just hope the supporters realise how big a game this is for us in our season. Hopefully if they’re swithering to come to the game or not, I kind of half beg them to put it to one side and come and support the lads.
“They were brilliant last season when we were in trouble and we’re going through a wee sticky patch just now. The more they can get behind the team the better – I don’t think they realise how beneficial it is.”
