Scott Tanser was relieved to quickly learn he was in Stephen Robinson’s plans for next season from the outset.
And now the St Mirren defender insists there’s still more to come from him in a black and white shirt when the Buddies return for the 2022/23 campaign.
The 27-year-old wing back enjoyed an impressive debut season in the stripes, quickly becoming a fans’ favourite thanks to his marauding runs down the left flank and his wicked deliveries into the box.
The former St Johnstone defender initially feared for his future when Jim Goodwin left Paisley to take over at Aberdeen.
But having had a new contract sown up early, he’s now fully focused on the task ahead with new man Robinson in the dugout.
Tanser told Express Sport: “Jim brought me in and when he left it was a case of “what’s going on now?’
“New managers bring in new players, like he’s going to do, and don’t always keep players.
“But straight away Robinson told me he was going to keep me. As soon as the gaffer came in, it was the plan for me to commit my future here.
“I know there was a bit of uncertainty amongst the fans with it being said some people weren’t getting contracts that thought they were.
“I think some thought I was one of them. But he said he wanted to keep me and we got it done pretty quickly.
“I really enjoyed my first season at St Mirren. My goal contributions has been the best it’s ever been.
“I get a licence to go forward and provide. Overall, I’m very happy.
“It has gone better than I first thought. I’m very experienced in this league now and hopefully I can kick on and be better next season.
“There’s definitely more to come from me.”
Like many Saints fans at the end of the campaign, Tanser was also left frustrated the club couldn’t force their way into the top six despite the tightness of the division leading up to the split.
He believes the timing of Goodwin’s departure to Pittodrie was a factor, but feels there’s already enough quality within the squad to finally secure a top-half finish next season.
Tanser said: “We’ve definitely got a team that should be competing for the top six next season. There’s a good structure at the club.
“We’re quite expansive at times, but also compact when we need to be. We just need to work hard as a team and score more goals.
“We narrowly missed out on the top six again this season after a bad run at the wrong time.
“The manager left and lot of things were up in the air. I’ve never been there before with a manager leaving mid-season.
“But I have a great feeling about next season. You can see the progression we’ve made and the aim will be to finish in the top six for the first time.
“The new manager’s system is something he’s now getting to work, as people can probably see.
“Defensively we’re more compact and as a team and we’re pressing a lot more from the front.
“We’re all buying into what he wants to do and he’ll also bring in his own players, who’ll do that too.
“There’s people coming in who will know what he wants.
“I think that means next season should be a good one and I’m looking forward to it already.”
