Gary Irvine admits he can't wait for the season ahead after the Saints returned to pre-season training last week.
The defender finished last season strongly as the Buddies pulled off the great escape to avoid relegation to League One.
And the 32 year-old, who recently put pen to paper to extend his stay at the Buddies for another year, says he wants the team to build on last season's finish.
I had built towards that last season and it was always in my mind," he said about extending his deal.
"I'm delighted and I think it's just excitement and I'm dying to get the season started now with the way the team finished that season there.
"You didn't want the season to finish to be honest and we've basically kept the same squad so it's time to build on that now.
"A lot of that was hard work and it was with most of the boys in there. There's still the same feel good factor in the dressing room, all the boys get on with either, there's a good balance so all these things are positive."
Speaking on returning to training last week, Irvine said: "I'm one of the ones who like getting back and getting into it again.
"You're coming into your job and you are meeting some new colleagues and you are getting to know their characters, personalities and abilities.
"That's what you look forward to in pre-season. It gives you that time to bed in and get to know each other."
Saints were paired with Partick Thistle, Livingston, Airdrieonians and Stranraer in this season's Betfred Cup and Irvine confessed he is a fan of the new format that came into place last season.
It was actually good last year," he said. "It was obviously new and I'm looking forward to it.
"The competitive games and going into the mini-leagues meant you had something to play for in getting to that next stage.
"There are some tough ties in there, but it's good that a competition is set out like that so early on and gives you that competitive edge."
