Simo Valakari, the Finnish manager of St Johnstone, has laid out a clear message for his squad as they prepare for their return to Scotland's top tier: the team must be "solid and streetwise" if they hope to make a lasting impression in the Premiership. Valakari took the reins at the Perth‑based club in October 2025, but his inaugural season ended in disappointment when St Johnstone were relegated to the Scottish Championship after a hard‑fought campaign. Determined to bounce back, the side secured promotion at the first attempt and will open their top‑flight campaign on Sunday against Kilmarnock, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
During their promotion run the Saints suffered only three defeats in the league, a testament to their consistency and quality at that level. Yet Valakari is quick to point out that the standards and demands of the Premiership are a different beast altogether. "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. In his view, merely relying on the attractive style that saw them win the lower division will not be enough.
"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," he added. Valakari's philosophy centres on blending the club's existing identity with a pragmatic edge.
He wants his players to retain the technical flair that earned them promotion, but also to develop a tougher, more resilient mindset that can withstand the physicality and speed of Premiership opposition. In practical terms, this means a greater emphasis on defensive organisation, pressing intensity, and mental sharpness in the final third. The manager believes that a balanced approach—combining skillful possession with a willingness to get stuck in—will give St Johnstone the best chance of surviving and thriving among Scotland's elite. One of the key factors behind the club's rapid return to the top division has been Valakari's ability to retain the core of the championship‑winning squad while also bringing in fresh talent.
Over the summer, he secured eight new signings to bolster the roster, adding depth and variety to the team's playing options. At the same time, he made the difficult decision to allow promising youngster Josh McPake to move to Hearts after the player signed a pre‑contract in January. Valakari explained that the timing of the transfer was part of a broader strategy to manage the squad's composition well before the end of the Championship season. "It was important that we started this process already before our Championship season," the head coach 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 that the club now possesses a well‑balanced group capable of handling the inevitable challenges of a Premiership schedule.
"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 affirmed. The manager's comments highlight a realistic optimism. While he acknowledges that the step up will test the team's tactical acumen and physical endurance, he also believes that the groundwork laid during the pre‑season—both in terms of fitness and contractual stability—has positioned St Johnstone to compete. The emphasis on being "streetwise" suggests a willingness to adapt on the fly, to learn from each opponent, and to exploit any weaknesses that arise during the long season.
Fans can tune in to watch the Saints' opening fixture against Kilmarnock on Sky Sports, where the team will aim to demonstrate the blend of solidity and creativity that Valakari has been preaching. The match will also serve as an early indicator of how well the new signings have integrated and whether the squad can maintain the disciplined, hard‑to‑beat attitude required at this level.
In summary, Valakari's message to his players is clear: retain the attractive, possession‑based football that earned promotion, but add a layer of toughness, discipline, and tactical awareness. By doing so, St Johnstone hopes to avoid the pitfalls that often befall newly promoted clubs and instead establish themselves as a competitive force in the Scottish Premiership.
The upcoming season will be a true test of the manager's philosophy, the squad's depth, and the club's ability to adapt to the heightened demands of top‑flight football.