St Johnstone announce signing of 'defensive midfielder' William Sandford from IFK Gothenburg

St Johnstone have announced the signing of William Sandford from IFK Gothenburg.

The 20-year-old midfielder has joined Callum Davidson’s side on a one-year deal.

He moves to McDiarmid Park having spent time on trial at the Perthshire club.

“I am delighted to be here, it has been a long time coming. I have been here since the first day of pre-season. I have worked hard and I am delighted to sign,” he told the St Johnstone website.

“I am half Scottish/half Swedish, so I have been to Scotland a lot. I like the club and I was invited for a trial. I worked hard and now I have signed.

“I have family here in Scotland, they stay in Pitlochry and that’s where I am staying at the moment.

“It is a great club with a lot of great players. The manager and coaches are great as well. It is a good place to be and hopefully I can develop as a player.”

Sandford reflected on his successful time in Sweden as part of the under-19s set-up at Gothenburg.

He said: “I was at the Gothenburg academy. A good club in Sweden, a big club. I spent some time with the first team which was a good experience. I learned a lot, hopefully that can help me here as well.

“In December we won the U-19 league in Sweden, it was a great experience to be champions.”

The new addition also set out his attributes and aims ahead of the start of the new season.

“I play as a defensive midfielder. I like to get on the ball, look for a pass and feed my teammates the ball. I am a hard-working midfielder,” he said.

“My aim this year is to develop as a player, help the team as much as I can and be ready whenever I am called upon. Hopefully it will be a good year.”