St Johnstone legend Liam Craig set to bring curtain down on playing career but coaching role awaits

Liam Craig is set to bring the curtain down on a memorable playing career that has forever banked him legendary status at St Johnstone.

But the Perth club’s all-time appearance record holder, a firm fans’ favourite, will be sticking around for a coaching role next season.

Craig has more than 450 Saints appearances to his name and came off the bench in the final minutes of Wednesday night’s confidence-boosting 1-0 McDiarmid Park win against Aberdeen.

“That’s 19 years as a full-time footballer and I have always said that if the right opportunity came along to step into coaching I’d think seriously about it,” said Craig.

“I was never worried about retiring and this just feels right.

“People say you should play for as long as you can and I definitely get that.

“But back in January there were a couple of opportunities to move on. I had good conversations with the manager and the chairman, Steve Brown.

“They made it clear I wasn’t going to play much football between then and the end of the season. But they didn’t want me to leave.

“There wasn’t going to be a playing contract going into next season so there was a decision to be made if I did decide to retire from playing.

“Given the affiliation I have with the club, the board and the fans this is where I want to be.

“I am in a fantastic environment to learn and develop so it’s great the manager and the board wanted me to stay.”

Craig will take on the role of first team analyst and development coach but may well add another Premiership appearance to his tally on Sunday afternoon against Hibs.

He said: “Speaking to Steven MacLean, who is a bit older than me, he has already made that transition.

“He is great to talk things over with. Alex Cleland and Paul Mathers have been the