Derek Adams: ‘Tear up’ Brittain’s pre-contract

In January, the Ross County captain agreed a two-year deal with tomorrow’s opponents to run from this summer. But it emerged this week that Brittain had undergone a major change of heart some weeks ago and asked Saints to bin the agreement. County insist it is a matter between player and prospective club and have no intention of paying their rivals compensation should the deal founder. Adams, though, believes the only sensible resolution is for St Johnstone to back down given Brittain’s obvious unhappiness.

It is understood that family considerations are at the heart of the influential midfielder’s desire to be released from the pre-contract terms and remain in Dingwall. The controversy adds spice to tomorrow’s top- six showdown in Perth.

Adams said: “I will have no hesitation at all in playing Richard. He will captain the side – and, hopefully, he will be here with us next season as well. Hopefully there can be a quick conclusion to the matter between Richard and St Johnstone. He wants to stay at the football club We’ll not pay a penny to St Johnstone because Richard is our player at this point in time. St Johnstone think they have signed a player for next season, which is right because he has agreed to a pre-contract.

“But, if a player doesn’t want to go, I know if I was the manager I would just tear up the contract and look elsewhere.”