JOHN SUTTON brought to an end a four-year stay at Motherwell when he signed a pre-contract at St Johnstone.

The 31-year-old striker could be pitched into a Europa League debut just days after his Fir Park contract expires on June 30.

Sutton says Tommy Wright convinced him the time was right for him to depart Fir Park but he admits he did so reluctantly after helping secure the club's Premier League status with play-off wins over Rangers.

He said: "I went for a coffee with the manager and Callum Davidson. Talking to them both they were very enthusiastic about where the club is going and they want me to be part of it.

"They enthused me as well.Talk is cheap but I am really looking forward to getting started here.

"Hopefully we can have another good season after making the top six again and winning the Scottish Cup the year before.

"I did have other options. I didn't really want to leave Motherwell but back in January they didn't want to take up my option.

"I would have been delighted to stay there. We had a conversation in March or April and I said I'd be delighted to stay whether they were in the Premier League or the Championship.

"I wanted to get something sorted out but it rumbled on and on and nothing got sorted. After talking to Tommy he was very keen and really wanted me here.

"It was tricky leaving Motherwell because the fans were brilliant with me. The people behind the scenes are fantastic and initially I didn't want to change that.

"But after talking to Tommy and the manager at another club I knew I needed to get something sorted out."

"It has been a really short summer break for me. I guess this is how the players that go to World Cups must feel.

"I enjoy playing football so it isn't a hardship to come back when the contract kicks-in.

"There is plenty to look forward to here, especially with European games coming up."

Sutton became the subject of increased speculation when Motherwell and St Johnstone missed out on the signing of Cliftonville striker Joe Gormley, the prolific 25-year-old who has agreed to join Sky Bet League One side Peterborough United.