Adam Eckersley admitted that working with Jack Ross was a major selling point in bringing him to the Buddies.
The 31 year-old English left back joined the club in a deadline day move that sees him sign on until the end of the season.
Adam worked with the manager during his time at Hearts in 2014/15 season and confessed that Jack was one of the first people he contacted as he looked to get back into football after leaving North American Soccer League side FC Edmonton.
I finished playing in America in November and I was going to go back. I had a discussion with my wife and we decided America wasn’t for us. I was then waiting on an offer that felt right for me and we weren’t going back to America.
"Jack was the reserve team coach when I was there [at Hearts]. He’s a top guy and we got along well with each other. When my wife and I decided to stay in the UK I went through my phonebook and Jack Ross’ name came up. I gave him a ring to see what the situation was and he said he’d like me to come in here.
"I knew what kind of coach he was," he continued. "He has good sessions and trust is a big thing in football and I felt like I had a trusting relationship with him. That was a big thing for me and that’s the reason why I’m here now."
Whilst he has experience of the Ladbrokes Championship after his spell at Hearts in their title-winning season, Adam is aware that the challenge this time around is much different. However, he believes a relegation battle he experienced with English side Barnsley has him prepared for what is to come over the next few months.
There’s a lot of work to be done," he accepted. "I need to build a relationship quick with these players. Hopefully I’m the type of personality that can come in and hopefully lift the other boys.
“It is a different type of challenge," he continued. "When I was at Hearts we were at the top of the league and fighting to stay there, but now it’s fighting not to go down. I’ve been in this position with Barnsley in the English Championship so it’s something that I’ve dealt with before. There are 14 games left and I don’t see why we can’t get ourselves up and start collecting points.”
