Simo Valakari has been clear with his St Johnstone squad: if they hope to make a mark in the Scottish Premiership, they must become a team that is both solid and street‑wise. The Finnish manager, who took over the Perth‑based club in October 2025, was unable to prevent their drop to the Scottish Championship at the end of that season.
However, his side bounced back at the first opportunity, clinching promotion and earning a return to the top tier for the 2026‑27 campaign. Their first match back in the Premiership is set for Sunday, when they travel to face Kilmarnock in a fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
During the promotion push, St Johnstone were remarkably consistent, suffering only three defeats in the league. Despite that impressive record, Valakari acknowledges that the step up to the Premiership will demand a different mindset and a tougher approach.
"We know who we are, but we cannot be this naive, beautiful, nice team that comes out of the Championship playing pretty 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, that is our style and we want to keep it, but we also have to be ready for this challenge and sometimes be street‑wise." The manager’s comments underline a pragmatic philosophy: maintain the club’s attractive playing identity while adding the grit required to survive against stronger opposition. He emphasised that the team must be difficult to defeat, that defensive organisation and mental toughness will be as crucial as technical skill. In practical terms, this means a greater focus on compact defending, disciplined pressing, and a willingness to win duels in the midfield and attack. Valakari has been proactive in preparing his squad for the rigours of top‑flight football.
He managed to retain the core group that earned promotion, while also bolstering the roster with eight new signings during the off‑season. The continuity of key players provides a solid foundation, and the fresh arrivals bring additional qualities and competition for places. One notable departure was forward Josh McPake, who signed a pre‑contract with Hearts in January and will leave St Johnstone after the season.
The head coach explained that the club began planning for the Premiership well before the Championship campaign concluded. "It was important that we started this process already before our Championship season," Valakari said.
"We secured the players on two‑ or three‑year contracts, so we never wanted to find ourselves in the same situation after the Premiership season as we were after the Championship. I’m very, very happy with that. The new additions have also brought their own personalities and qualities to the squad." According to Valakari, the squad now boasts a balanced mix of experience and youth, with sufficient depth to cope with the inevitable injuries and fatigue that a long season brings.
"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," he asserted. This confidence stems from a pre‑season that included rigorous training, tactical drills, and a series of friendly matches designed to test the team’s cohesion and adaptability.
Looking ahead, Valakari expects the early fixtures to be a true test of the team’s resolve. The opening game against Kilmarnock will serve as a barometer for how well St Johnstone can translate their promotion form into Premiership results.
He warned that the pace, physicality, and technical standards in the top division are higher, and that the players must be prepared to adjust on the fly. "When the real games start happening, there may be injuries, there will be setbacks, but we have a solid base to build on," he noted. Beyond the tactical adjustments, Valakari also highlighted the importance of a collective mentality. He wants his players to embrace a "street‑wise" attitude, meaning they should be savvy, resilient, and willing to fight for every ball.
This cultural shift, he believes, will complement the club’s traditional style of attractive, passing football and help them compete against clubs with larger budgets and deeper squads. Fans can watch the team's Premiership debut live on Sky Sports, and the club has also promoted streaming options through NOW for those who prefer digital platforms. As the season unfolds, St Johnstone will aim to secure points early, avoid the relegation battle, and perhaps even challenge for a mid‑table finish.
With Valakari’s clear directive and a squad that blends continuity with fresh talent, the club is poised to embark on an exciting new chapter in Scottish football. For supporters eager to engage further, the club has launched a promotional Super 6 competition, offering a chance to win £250,000 at no cost. This initiative reflects the club’s ambition to build excitement both on and off the pitch as they step back into the Premiership arena.