ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
St Johnstone are at loggerheads with Jackie McNamara’s York City after the Perth outfit announced the signing of Michael Coulson on a pre-contract.
The Minsterman midfielder has penned a two-year contract at McDiarmid Park and will join the club in the summer, with Tommy Wright admitting that he attempted to snap up the player during the January transfer window.
Wright said: “Michael is a player I’ve admired for some time and we tried to sign him in the transfer window but couldn’t make it happen. However, I am delighted to get him on board as our plans to improve the squad for next season continue.”
However, the announcement has provoked fury from the English strugglers, who released a club statement slamming the “timing” of St Johnstone’s announcement.
York, led by former Dundee United gaffer McNamara, are currently second from bottom of SkyBet League Two and are seven points from safety with 10 games left to play.
Currently on a run of six matches without a win, the Bootham Crescent hierarchy believe publicising the impending departure of one of their star men could further derail their survival bid.
A City spokesperson said: “York City Football Club is surprised and disappointed to learn that Michael Coulson has signed a pre-contract with St Johnstone. The club is particularly disconcerted with the timing of this announcement.
“The club hopes that Michael Coulson is still committed to his current employer and is focused on York City’s fight for Football League survival.”
Former Grimsby man Coulson, 27, has been on of the few bright sparks in a dismal campaign for York, scoring six goals in 22 appearances.
