New manager Danny Lennon is quoted in a number of today's papers saying he looking to arrange friendlies in England, Ireland and possibly Cardiff as he bids to put the squad through their paces ahead of the new campaign. This will be good news to those fans who have bemoaned the lack of friendlies outwith Scotland and the fact we seem to play the same teams every year. However, it won't be good news for those people (like me) who are annoyed with the lack of home friendlies.
At present, the only friendlies confirmed are one against Cowdenbeath - which was part of the compensation package for Lennon joining Saints - on July 17 and one at Dumbarton two days later. No date for the Renfrewshire Cup Final against Morton has been set, while there is no confirmation from Saints of a friendly with Brechin, despite the Glebe Park club claiming they had one sorted out last week.
Meanwhile, the start of pre-season training has been brought forward to July 7. It had been due to start on July 12, but Lennon has changed the date - perhaps so he can run over a few things before getting into the real training sessions.