No buyer has been found for the club, but the club's administrator insists the finances are back on a secure footing.

The departure of 19 players towards the end of last season did not help their cause on the field and they were fortunate that St Johnstone had already fallen well behind the pack as they finished 11th.

Their hardest task, other than pure survival, will be to hold on to their most talented youngsters.

James McFadden has a number of suitors and the club will do well to fend them off.

Stephen Pearson, Keith Lasley and Steven Hammell could also attract the interest of predatory clubs.

Terry Butcher's job as manager is an unenviable one and if he can keep the club in the SPL, he will have done remarkably.