Valakari explains 16 exits as Rae offered to Rovers
St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari says he had to release 16 players from his squad because his side had "become used to losing" on their way to relegation and he hopes transfer-listed Josh Rae can also return permanently to Raith Rovers, where the 24-year-old goalkeeper had been on loan. (The Courier), externalRaith Rovers could make a move for Josh Rae after the goalkeeper was made available for transfer by St Johnstone. (The Courier), externalRead Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
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The Courier
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Bozo Mikulic comeback milestone revealed as St Johnstone defender is driven on by Perth club 'love'
Bozo Mikulic could be just two months away from a major comeback milestone, St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari has revealed. The Croatian defender suffered an ACL injury in February, the second time he has needed knee surgery in his career. His recuperation is progressing well, Valakari reported. The head coach is reluctant to predict a return ahead of schedule. But the current hope and expectation is Mikulic being able to run on the McDiarmid Park training pitches by August. 'Things are going well with Bozo,' said Valakari. 'He was here for five days at the end of the season, so it was great to see the big man back. 'He is now home in Croatia and will stay there until August, working at a clinic over there with his personal trainer every day. 'It is the same clinic where he repaired his injury the last time, which is good because they know him, and he knows them, so they have a plan of exactly what he needs to do. 'It's a very high-profile place, so he is in very good hands. 'If everything goes to plan, he will be running back on the field sometime in August. 'In my mind, I am thinking Christmas with him. 'I know he will say October but even then, you need some football inside you. 'So, it's by then I think we will have the proper Bozo back on the field.' The 'proper Bozo' was a centre-half winning headers, making tackles, scoring winning goals and, all in all, making St Johnstone a far more solid defensive unit. 'How we have missed him,' Valakari admitted. 'When he was back over here, Bozo was crying because of what happened. 'This club gave football back to him. 'He wasn't playing when we signed him, and he loves it here because he's got his career back again. 'We are looking forward to that because I know Bozo – he has the kind of mentality we need in our team. 'He is a leader, he has determination, and he is desperate to help this club.'
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The Guardian
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Bruno Fernandes reveals he rejected Saudi Arabia move to ‘stay at the highest level'
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