Simo Valakari, the Finnish manager of St Johnstone, has been clear in his message to the squad as they prepare for their return to Scotland's top flight: the team must be "solid and street‑wise" if they hope to make a genuine impact in the Premiership. Valakari took the reins at the Perth‑based club in October 2025, inheriting a side that was struggling in the Championship and ultimately could not avoid relegation at the end of that campaign.
Despite the disappointment of dropping down a division, the manager and his players regrouped, re‑engineered their approach, and secured promotion back to the Premiership at the first attempt, setting the stage for a crucial opening fixture against Kilmarnock on Sunday, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. During their promotion run the Saints suffered just three defeats in the league, a testament to the quality and resilience they displayed over the course of the season. Yet Valakari is quick to point out that the standards and demands of the Premiership are a step above those of the Championship, and that the team will need to adjust both mentally and tactically to thrive. "We know what we are, but we cannot be this naive, beautiful, nice team coming out of the Championship playing nice football," he told Sky Sports News.
"If we are not hard to beat, if we are not solid, if we are not ruthless about ourselves, it will be difficult. Yes, it's our way of playing and we want to do these things, but we need to be ready for this challenge and sometimes be streetwise." The manager's remarks underline a broader philosophy that blends his preferred possession‑based style with a pragmatic, physically robust edge.
He emphasises that while St Johnstone will continue to play attractive football, they must also develop a defensive rigidity and an instinct for the gritty, often unpredictable moments that define top‑level matches. In practical terms, this means improving positional discipline, increasing the intensity of pressing, and ensuring that every player is prepared to win duels, both aerial and on the ground, without sacrificing the technical quality that earned them promotion. One of the key factors behind Valakari's optimism is the continuity he has managed to preserve within the squad.
The core group that clinched the Championship title remains largely intact, providing a solid foundation of players who understand each other's strengths and weaknesses. At the same time, the manager has bolstered the roster with eight new signings, adding fresh talent and experience to complement the existing core. This blend of familiarity and reinforcement is intended to give the team the depth required to navigate the inevitable challenges of a longer, more demanding season. Valakari also highlighted the strategic timing of his recruitment drive.
"It was important that we started this process already before our Championship season," he explained. By securing new contracts for several players early—typically two or three‑year deals—the club avoided the uncertainty that often follows a promotion campaign when players' contracts expire or when clubs try to poach talent. This foresight not only stabilised the squad but also sent a clear message that the club was committed to building a sustainable future in the top division.
The manager praised the new arrivals for bringing distinct personalities and qualities that enhance the team's overall balance. He noted that while the squad is already well‑rounded, the addition of fresh faces adds depth, competition for places, and tactical flexibility.
"We have a very balanced squad. But when these real games start happening, maybe there will be injuries, there will be some injuries on some of our players, or things like that," Valakari said, acknowledging the inevitable physical toll of Premiership football. "We have a foundation, we have good players, we have enough depth in our squad as well. We are as ready as you can be after pre‑season to start the Premiership campaign." In addition to the on‑field preparations, Valakari's comments reflect a broader cultural shift within the club.
He wants his players to develop a street‑smart mentality—an awareness of the game's nuances, the ability to read opponents' intentions, and the willingness to make pragmatic decisions even when they conflict with a more aesthetically pleasing style. This mindset, he believes, will help St Johnstone navigate the fine margins that separate victory from defeat in a league where the competition is fierce and the margin for error is slim.
The upcoming match against Kilmarnock will serve as a litmus test for Valakari's philosophy. A strong, disciplined performance could set the tone for the season, while any lapses in concentration or physicality might expose the areas that still need refinement. Regardless of the result, the manager is confident that his squad has the tools and the mental fortitude to compete. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, and the club encourages supporters to stay engaged throughout the campaign.
As the Saints embark on this new chapter, Valakari's blend of technical ambition and street‑wise pragmatism offers a clear roadmap for success: maintain the attractive brand of football that earned promotion, but back it up with the toughness, resilience, and tactical acuity required at the highest level of Scottish football.