Simo Valakari has been clear with his St Johnstone squad that they must become "solid and streetwise" if they hope to make a mark in Scotland's top division. 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, the team bounced back at the first attempt, clinching promotion and earning a return to the Premiership for the upcoming campaign, which kicks off on Sunday with an away fixture against Kilmarnock, broadcast live on Sky Sports. During the promotion push, St Johnstone suffered only three defeats in the league, a testament to the consistency and resilience they displayed throughout the season. Yet Valakari is quick to point out that the challenges of the Premiership are of a different magnitude. "We know who we are, but we cannot be that naive, beautiful, nice team that simply steps out of the Championship and plays pretty football," he told Sky Sports News.
"If we are not hard to beat, if we are not solid, if we are not ruthless with ourselves, success will be elusive. Our style of play remains important, but we must also be ready for the heightened challenge and occasionally be streetwise." The manager's remarks underline a pragmatic shift in philosophy.
While the club's attractive brand of football earned them promotion, Valakari believes that survival – and eventually thriving – in the Premiership will require a tougher, more pragmatic edge. He emphasises that the team must blend their technical abilities with a greater degree of physicality and mental sharpness, qualities often described as "streetwise" in football parlance. This means being alert to the nuances of each opponent, making quick decisions under pressure, and maintaining composure in high‑stakes moments.
Valakari has been proactive in preparing the squad for the step up. He managed to retain the core group that secured the Championship title, while also bringing in eight fresh faces during the off‑season. Among the departures, forward Josh McPake secured a pre‑contract with Hearts in January, leaving a gap that the new signings are expected to fill. "It was vital that we began this process well before the end of our Championship season," Valakari explained.
"We secured the players on two‑ and three‑year contracts, ensuring we wouldn't find ourselves in the same predicament after the Premiership season as we did after the Championship." The manager expressed satisfaction with the stability of the squad, noting that the new arrivals have added distinct personalities and qualities that complement the existing team. "We have a very balanced squad," he said. "When the real games start, there may be injuries or other setbacks, but we have a solid foundation, good players, and sufficient depth.
After a thorough pre‑season, we are as ready as possible to embark on this Premiership campaign." Valakari's approach reflects a broader trend among newly promoted clubs: the need to blend attractive football with the grit required to compete against established top‑flight sides. He acknowledges that the Premiership will test the team's defensive organisation, physical endurance, and tactical adaptability.
The phrase "streetwise" captures the idea that players must be savvy, reading the game well, making smart choices, and not being caught out by the faster pace and higher technical standards of the league. Looking ahead, St Johnstone will aim to secure points early in the season, particularly against fellow newcomers and mid‑table teams, to build confidence and momentum.
The opening match against Kilmarnock offers a perfect platform to showcase their new mindset. A disciplined, hard‑to‑beat performance could set the tone for the months to follow, while a lackluster display might expose the gaps that need addressing. The club's supporters will be watching closely, hoping that Valakari's blend of continuity and strategic reinforcement will translate into a respectable Premiership debut. The manager's emphasis on being "solid" suggests a focus on defensive stability, while "streetwise" hints at a willingness to adapt tactics on the fly, perhaps employing a more pragmatic approach against stronger opponents.
In summary, Valakari's message to his players is clear: retain the attractive style that brought them promotion, but overlay it with a tougher, more aware attitude. By doing so, St Johnstone hopes to avoid the pitfalls that often befall newly promoted sides and to carve out a sustainable place in Scotland's top tier. The upcoming season will be a true test of whether this balanced, street‑smart philosophy can deliver the results the club and its fans desire.