On a spying mission to Govan on Tuesday night Callum Davidson was witness to the Ibrox crowd at its thunderously influential best, helping to carry Rangers to comeback victory over Union Saint-Gilloise.
The St Johnstone manager will return this weekend for a cinch Premiership fixture minus his squad’s own noisy accompaniment because of a supporters’ boycott.
The vocal and musical support of Fair City Unity would at least have made themselves heard to visiting players on a Saturday sure to be more sedate for spells than a European night with the Champions League on the line.
Yet the group have opted out of purchasing tickets which they claim are ‘unwarranted and extortionate’.
In a statement, they urged other St Johnstone followers to do the same, citing the Football Supporters Federation’s campaign that ‘Twenty’s Plenty’ for away tickets in the Scottish top flight.
Adult travelling fans will pay £31 for their ticket, while 16 and 17-year-olds have been charged £24, along with over-65s.
Davidson says that he understands supporter upset and concern amid the nation’s cost of living crisis.
The announcement led Davidson to suggest all clubs would be advised to examine ways in which to make the game more affordable through the tough financial times ahead.
When asked if he appreciated where the group was coming from with their complaint, he said: “Definitely. It’s not just the cost of a ticket, you look at the price of petrol as well.
“We want young people to come to games across Scotland and we need to help them as much as we can.
“We want young supporters through our door and following us away from home.
“It’s not something I’ve really looked into. But I do know that when our young fans are there, they make fantastic noise and get right behind the team. They made a real difference for us last season.
“There’s a bigger picture about how you keep them. Look at golf — there are clubs where you get an intermediate subscription fee between 18 and 23 so it’s not one big jump to full adult fees. It’s definitely something for all clubs to look at.”
Absent fans are likely to miss yet another St Johnstone debut of a summer of considerable transition.
Daniel Phillips, a 21-year-old former Watford prospect, is in the frame to feature pending international clearance. Davidson has been anxious to inject greater dynamism into his midfield for the season.
Playing on loan for Gillingham last season, Phillips was sent off three times in 27 appearances and booked on nine occasions — a disciplinary record played down by Davidson.
The Trinidad & Tobago midfielder, who was handed a two-year deal in Perth following an impressive trial, was exactly what the McDiarmid Park boss wanted to bolster his options in the middle of the park.
“All the red cards he got were actually two yellows,” he said. “I think you’ve got to remember he is still a young man. I think he’s got a big future. He’s a really combative type of midfielder. He gets about the pitch; he likes to tackle.
“He’s someone with the qualities we’ve been looking for, he’ll be a great addition to the squad. We’ve got Murray (Davidson) who does that side of the game too. I see Daniel being good in one-v-one situations, making tackles and passing the ball well.”
Davidson reported positive news on three long-term absentees soon returning to training.
“Tony Gallacher has been given the all-clear after his rehab and hopefully he’ll be ready in a month’s time,” he added. “Callum Booth went to see the specialist the other day and it was all good, David Wotherspoon would be on a similar timeline.”
