Brady: 'Saints have six appeal'

Jun 26 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

GARRY Brady last night insisted his Buddies have enough in the tank to realistically challenge for a top six place in the SPL.

The skillful St Mirren midfielder believes they have ‘six appeal’ written all over them and are only a hop, skip and a jump away from their best-ever position in Scottish football’s top flight.

Brady, 32, penned a new one-year contract with the club earlier this month along with fellow midfielder Stephen O’Donnell.

And the former Dundee playmaker reckons St Mirren’s passing game and the way Saints are taught the total football philosophy, can only boost their push for that so far elusive place in the upper echelons.

Brady said: “Since I joined the club in 2006 we have obviously managed to keep ourselves in the SPL but I think there’s still a bit to come from the side and hopefully we can go that wee bit further and start challenging to be in the top six.

“In our first year in the SPL, it was all about survival and obviously that has got to be the main aim every year.

“But with a bit of luck and if a few results go our way, then there’s always a chance we can climb up the table and enjoy a higher finish.”

Brady enjoyed his best season in a Saints jersey and even managed to chip in and help MacPherson’s side post two valuable victories over doomed Inverness Caley Thistle.

Former Tottenham Hotspur ace Brady scored the crucial winner against the Highlanders during a 2-1 away victory over Caley in September, then followed it up with a goal at home during a 2-0 win at Love Street back in December.

His performances merited that new one-year deal and Brady insists it was an easy decision to come back to play with Saints.

He revealed: “I’m really settled at the club and to be honest it was an easy decision. I didn’t have to think too much about it and I was delighted to sign. I definitely think the team is playing better football these days and that’s all down to the manager and Andy Millen.

“They drum into us in training every day to get the ball down and pass it and it’s been the right way to go about it.

“It’s also suited my game as well because obviously I feel that I did reasonably well in the last year but again, it’s down to the management and the guys in the team as well.”