St Johnstone goalkeeping coach Paul Mathers is moving on to take up a role with the SFA, manager Callum Davidson yesterday confirmed.
Mathers’ work in Perth has been very valued over the years and he has helped develop and train a number of impressive shot-stoppers at McDiarmid Park, including Zander Clark.
Davidson said: “Paul is leaving us for a job at the SFA.
“It’s a blow to lose him, he’s a good person, a big character and a fantastic goalie coach.
“But this is a great move for him, we have been speaking about it and it’s something he really wants to do.
“For Paul, it’s good career progression and moving onto the next chapter.
“He’s very professional so will give everything he has until he leaves us, it’s nice to work with people who have character like that.
“We are looking for his replacement now and hopefully by the World Cup we’ll have someone in place.”
Davidson is reflecting on a positive result at Easter Road and admits he enjoyed the Friday night football feeling.
“I thought Friday night football was a huge success - especially in the capital,” he said.
“It was strange in the week leading up to it because it’s not really something we have been used to over the years.
“But I felt it worked well and you only need to look at how the supporters responded to see it’s popular.
“Our supporters turned out in numbers and it was a full house from the Hibs fans too.
“It was a great atmosphere, our fans were brilliant.”
