Simo Valakari has made it clear to his St Johnstone squad that they must adopt a "solid and streetwise" approach if they hope to make a meaningful impact in the Scottish Premiership this season. The Finnish manager, who took the reins at the Perth‑based club in October 2025, was unable to prevent the team’s relegation to the Scottish Championship at the end of that campaign. However, the side bounced back at the first attempt, clinching promotion and earning a return to the top flight for the 2026‑27 season. Their first match back in the Premiership is scheduled for Sunday when they face Kilmarnock, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
During the promotion push, St Johnstone suffered just three defeats in the league, a record that underscored their dominance at the second‑tier level. Yet Valakari is realistic about the step up in quality and physicality that the Premiership demands. Speaking to Sky Sports News, he warned against complacency, saying, "We know what we are, but we cannot be this naive, beautiful, nice team coming out of the Championship playing nice football.
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 comments reflect a broader philosophy that blends the club’s traditional possession‑based style with a more pragmatic, physically robust mindset. He believes that while technical skill remains essential, the team must also develop a mental toughness and tactical awareness that can withstand the rigours of top‑flight opposition.
In practice, this means tightening defensive structures, improving the intensity of pressing, and ensuring that every player is prepared to fight for every ball. Valakari has been proactive in shaping the squad for the Premiership.
He managed to retain the core group of players that earned promotion while also bringing in eight fresh signings to add depth and variety. Among the departures, forward Josh McPake secured a pre‑contract agreement with Hearts in January, a move that opened up space for new talent.
The manager explained that the recruitment process began well before the end of the Championship season, allowing the club to secure players on two‑ and three‑year contracts early on. "It was important that we started this process already before our Championship season," Valakari 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." He expressed satisfaction with the balance of the squad, noting that the new arrivals have brought distinct personalities and qualities that complement the existing group.
"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.
The manager’s emphasis on being "streetwise" goes beyond mere physicality; it also encompasses game intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to exploit opponents’ weaknesses. In the Premiership, where tactical nuances can decide matches, Valakari expects his players to read the game swiftly, adjust positioning on the fly, and make decisive contributions in both attack and defence.
He highlighted that the team’s training sessions have been designed to simulate high‑pressure scenarios, encouraging players to make quick decisions under duress. St Johnstone’s supporters will be watching closely to see whether the club can translate its Championship dominance into a respectable Premiership performance. The opening fixture against Kilmarnock will serve as an early barometer of the team’s readiness.
A solid defensive display, combined with disciplined pressing and opportunistic attacking play, could set the tone for the rest of the campaign. In addition to the on‑field preparations, the club has been active off the pitch, engaging fans through live streaming options such as NOW and the traditional Sky Sports broadcast.
This outreach aims to maintain the strong community connection that has been a hallmark of St Johnstone’s identity. Overall, Valakari’s message is one of cautious optimism.
He acknowledges the challenges ahead but believes that with a blend of technical skill, physical resilience, and tactical savvy, St Johnstone can not only survive but also compete respectably in Scotland’s top division. The upcoming season will test the squad’s depth, the manager’s strategic acumen, and the players’ willingness to embrace a more hardened, streetwise approach to the beautiful game.