Players Must Earn New Deals

The Englishman is one of just a number of players - including Hugh Murray, John Potter and Stewart Kean - that could move on a Bosman at the end of the season. The generally accepted date for players to start negotationg such deals is January 1, although a pre-contract agreement can actually be signed at any time.

MacPherson said: "I am sure there are a few clubs watching our better players and they will be sitting up and taking notice of St Mirren, who were supposed to be the SPL whipping boys this season.

"We will sit down with most of them, but it depends on results. Doing the business on the park enables you to do your business off the park. There are 10 games before January and the important thing is we try to win games before we sit down and see about that side of it."

Commenting on Sutton in particular, the Saints boss said: "The most important thing is we concentrate on the football side and John understands that.

"He has said he is enjoying his football and is not worried about the contract side of it. There's no doubt we will sit down and have a chat with John about what's going to happen."

Story source: Football 365