St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright unfazed by departures of club stalwarts Mannus and MacLean

St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright says planning for next season has already started, with the club in talks with a number of new players.

Saints announced earlier this week that Alan Mannus and Steven MacLean - two of the most experienced members of the squad - would be leaving in the summer.

Their departures will leave a hole in Wright's side, having been integral members of the group that have achieved three successive top-four finishes and a Scottish Cup triumph in 2014.

But, despite a disappointing campaign, the manager denied that it will mark a change in direction for the club.

Players leave all the time,'' he said.There's no question of the service they've given us. They were great servants of the club but players and managers move on.

It's my job to replace them and that will be done.

Looking at the cup final side, over two thirds of that have gone so that's what happens in football. It is change.''

He added: There is an opportunity to bring new blood in and we will try to bring in players that will add quality to the squad and help us get closer to top six next year.

Money will be available.

I had a good meeting with the chairman and we have met players this week and made offers to them. We are waiting on answers and I'm confident we will get at least one or two of them over the line.

That's a process that is ongoing and we are working quietly to bring them in.

It is dictated by budget but I'm confident we will be able to bring in quality players that will bring a benefit to the squad.''

Saints make the short trip to Dundee on Saturday to face their Tayside rivals in a repeat of the March fixture that ended in ugly scenes on the touchline as substitute Zander Clark and Dee boss Neil McCann clashed.

Clark received a two-match ban for his part while McCann's similar punishment was halved on appeal.

Wright attempted to play down any simmering tensions between the clubs, but admitted he has not spoken to his opposite number since.

Why would I? No chance,'' he said.

Everything has been sorted out. I think we have come out of it on the right side and did the right thing.

Zander admitted what he did, they didn't but were found guilty and I think people have to remember that.'