Simo Valakari, the Finnish manager at the helm of St Johnstone, has laid out a clear directive for his squad as they prepare to re‑enter the Scottish Premiership: the team must be "solid and streetwise" if they hope to make a lasting impression at the highest level of Scottish football. Valakari, who took over the Perth‑based club in October 2025, was unable to prevent their drop to the Scottish Championship that season, but he quickly turned the situation around by guiding the side back to the top flight at the first attempt.
Their promotion was secured with a dominant campaign in which the Saints suffered only three defeats, a record that underscored their quality and determination. The upcoming fixture against Kilmarnock on Sunday – broadcast live on Sky Sports – will mark St Johnstone’s first Premiership match since their relegation. While the promotion was a cause for celebration, Valakari is quick to temper expectations and remind his players that the challenges of the Premiership differ markedly from those they faced in the second tier. "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 emphasis on street‑smartness reflects a broader tactical philosophy that blends technical skill with a pragmatic, physical edge.
In the Premiership, opponents will be faster, more experienced, and less forgiving of mistakes. Valakari believes that his side must combine their attractive brand of football with a tougher, more resilient mindset – a blend that will allow them to compete against clubs with larger budgets and deeper squads.
One of the key factors behind St Johnstone’s swift return to the top division has been the continuity of the core group that earned promotion. Valakari managed to retain the majority of his championship‑winning eleven while also bringing in eight new signings to add depth and variety. Among the departures, forward Josh McPake moved to Hearts after signing a pre‑contract in January, a loss that the manager acknowledged but framed as part of the natural turnover in a club aiming to consolidate its Premiership status. Valakari explained the importance of planning ahead: "It was important that we started this process already before our Championship season," he said.
"We got the players in and we made them two, three‑year contracts. So we knew that we never wanted to be in that situation as we were after the Premiership season. So that's why I'm very, very happy. And then, of course, these new additions have added their own personality, their qualities in our squad." He went on to stress the balance and depth of the current roster.
"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.
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," Valakari added.
This confidence stems from a thorough pre‑season program that focused not only on fitness and tactics but also on mental preparation, ensuring that the players understand the heightened intensity and pressure of top‑flight football. The manager’s call for a "streetwise" approach also encompasses the need for tactical flexibility. He expects his side to adapt during matches, whether that means tightening up defensively against a dominant opponent, exploiting set‑piece opportunities, or pressing high to disrupt the rhythm of technically superior teams.
In practice, this could translate into a more disciplined defensive line, quicker transitions, and a willingness to engage in the physical battles that often decide games in the Premiership. Beyond the tactical considerations, Valakari highlighted the cultural shift required within the squad. The players must shed any lingering complacency that can accompany a successful promotion season and adopt a mindset of continual improvement.
He wants the team to retain the attractive style that won them fans in the Championship while embracing a tougher, more pragmatic edge that will see them survive and thrive against seasoned Premiership clubs. St Johnstone’s supporters will be eager to see whether this blend of technical flair and gritty determination can translate into points against established sides. The club’s management has invested wisely, securing longer‑term contracts for key players and bolstering the squad with targeted signings.
This strategic approach aims to avoid the pitfalls of a typical yo‑yo club that bounces between divisions without establishing a foothold. As the Saints step onto the pitch at Rugby Park for their opening Premiership fixture, the narrative will focus on whether Valakari’s philosophy can be executed on the day.
The manager’s message is clear: be resilient, be disciplined, and never underestimate the importance of being "streetwise" in a league where every mistake can be costly. If St Johnstone can internalise these principles, they may not only survive their first season back but also lay the groundwork for future success in Scotland’s top tier.
Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, and the club continues to engage its community through initiatives such as the Super 6 competition, offering a chance to win £250,000. This blend of on‑field ambition and off‑field engagement reflects a club determined to make its mark in the Premiership and to do so with a style that is both entertaining and hard‑nosed.