Port Vale striker Ruari Paton says that St Johnstone is a “brilliant club” and that it would be a “great option” to move to the Scottish side.
The future of the 25 year-old Irish forward is subject to debate after his second loan spell away from the Valiants. Paton still has a year left on his Vale contract but appears to be not be favoured by current manager Jon Brady. Brady questioned the striker’s workrate at a fan forum earlier this season. A successful spell at St Johnstone has heightened speculation that the striker could be on the move in the next transfer window.
Everybody knows that in football, things can change so quickly. My gut instinct and what I’m thinking could be wrong. There have been so many times when I’ve been meant to go somewhere and things have happened. This would be a great option for me…
Paton was signed from Queens Park by Brady’s predecessor Darren Moore in 2024 but has failed to nail a regular starting place in the Vale side. He managed just one League Two goal in nineteen appearances during the 2024-25 season before being loaned to Dundee United. Last season he again managed just a solitary League goal in 13 games before a loan move to St Johnstone.
Things have been better at the Scottish Championship side with Paton netting five times in thirteen games as St Johnstone won promotion to the Scottish Premiership.
Speaking to the Dundee Courier Paton said: “This would be a great option for me. If it turns out that I’m not coming here, I can’t thank everybody enough – supporters, players, the manager and people behind the scenes.”
The forward added: “The supporters made me feel like one of their own and you can’t ask for much more than that. You obviously need to do stuff on the pitch to make them want to support you. The moments I’ve been involved in will live with me forever. That last final whistle against Ayr was such a paradox of emotions. I’m so delighted to have made so many memories on and off the pitch but I’m sad that it’s over.”
Speaking about his future Paton added: “Some of the football realities aren’t in my hands so much. I’ve spoken to the (St Johnstone) manager. I knew that if I could do well then the future would sort itself out. It’s a brilliant club and a special place. I’ve been so, so lucky to be here. In terms of what’s going to happen – all the crap is going to come now in terms of phone calls.
“Everybody knows that in football, things can change so quickly. My gut instinct and what I’m thinking could be wrong. There have been so many times when I’ve been meant to go somewhere and things have happened. This would be a great option for me.”
Ruari Paton at Vale Park
Age: 25
Games: 46
Goals: 9
Honours: promotion to League One in 2025
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Good luck Ruari, never really worked out at the Vale, hope you get your move
Always impressed with Paton. Irregular team selection sometimes played out of position, and two loans have disrupted his Vale impact to 9 goals in 46 League & Cup games. Seems a deal with St Johnstone could be in the cards, especially as the player wants to be there. If Vale can recoup the six figure fee paid for him, all parties would be happy.
Don’t think ruari had a fair shake at the vale hope he can get his move and all the best for the future
Good luck Ruari hope your move to St Johnstone if it does happen works out for you. Like a number of players who came in while Moore was manager you were never given a real chance to show what you could bring to the team.