St Johnstone goalkeeper Elliott Parish signs new contract

St Johnstone goalkeeper Elliott Parish has signed a new McDiarmid Park contract.

The 32-year-old, second fiddle to Zander Clark in recent seasons, is now on board until the summer of 2023.

Parish made a handful of appearances in the 2021/22 campaign with his last outing a 4-0 defeat against Hibs at Easter Road in May.

“I spoke with the manager numerous times and Paul Mathers (goalkeeping coach),” Parish said of signing on.

“I’m looking forward to being part of a new dressing room next year.

“The decision to stay was down to both myself and the club. We had a tough year last year and we have to make sure next season is better.”

Parish continued: “Last season was probably the longest season I have ever been a part of, spanning over 11 months in the end.

“Obviously, it was very disappointing where we ended up. Yes, we were successful staying up but it’s not a game you want to be involved in.

“This year it is very much back to the drawing board and aiming for the top-six and some good cup runs again.”

Saints have already lost influential Shaun Rooney and others are expected to ply their trade elsewhere next season.

But Parish still believes the Perth club has a “good nucleus” to move forward with.

“You look at the likes of Liam Craig, it’s gutting to see him retire especially with the career he had and what he could probably still give,” Parish said. “There is going to be a lot of new faces in the dressing room.

“I’ve been here for three years now and I have grown to love the club. We still have a good nucleus of a squad here with the likes of Stevie May, Murray Davidson, Liam Gordon and David Wotherspoon.

“It will now be a case of welcoming any new faces that come in.”