Simo Valakari, the Finnish manager at the helm of St Johnstone, has laid out a clear directive for his squad as they step back into Scotland's top flight: they must be "solid and streetwise" if they hope to make a lasting impression in the Premiership. Valakari, who took over the Perth‑based club in October 2025, was unable to prevent their relegation to the Scottish Championship at the end of that season, but he has spent the intervening months rebuilding the team with a view to returning stronger. St Johnstone earned promotion back to the Premiership at the first attempt, losing only three league fixtures during a dominant campaign that saw them clinch the Championship title. Their return to the elite division is set for Sunday when they face Kilmarnock in a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
While the achievement is cause for celebration, Valakari is quick to remind his players that the challenges they will face in the top tier are markedly different from those 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," Valakari told Sky Sports News. He emphasised that the team must shed any complacency that might arise from their recent success. "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 use of the term "streetwise" reflects a desire for the players to develop a pragmatic, perhaps even gritty, mentality—one that values tactical discipline, mental toughness, and an awareness of the physical demands of Premiership football. In practice, this means a greater focus on defensive solidity, quick transitions, and an unwillingness to be out‑muscled or out‑thought by more seasoned opponents.
Valakari has been proactive in shaping the squad for this new chapter. He managed to retain the core group that secured promotion while also bringing in eight fresh signings to add depth and variety to the roster. Among the departures, forward Josh McPake has moved on to Hearts after agreeing a pre‑contract in January, a move that Valakari acknowledged as part of the natural turnover in a club aiming to compete at a higher level.
"It was important that we started this process already before our Championship season," the head coach explained. By securing longer‑term contracts—typically two to three years—for many of his players, Valakari ensured stability and avoided the uncertainty that can accompany a sudden promotion. "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." The new arrivals have each brought unique qualities and personalities, enriching the squad's overall balance. Valakari highlighted the importance of having a well‑rounded team capable of coping with the inevitable rigors of a Premiership season, including injuries, suspensions, and the occasional dip in form. "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," he said.
Beyond the tactical and personnel considerations, Valakari's remarks hint at a broader cultural shift within the club. The emphasis on being "hard to beat" and "ruthless" suggests a move away from a purely aesthetic style of play toward one that prioritises results and resilience.
This approach is likely to resonate with the St Johnstone fan base, who have endured the disappointment of relegation and will now be eager to see their team compete credibly against the likes of Celtic, Rangers, and Aberdeen. The upcoming fixture against Kilmarnock will serve as an early litmus test for Valakari's philosophy.
A solid defensive performance, coupled with disciplined pressing and efficient use of set‑pieces, could lay the groundwork for a season in which St Johnstone not only survives but also aims for mid‑table stability or even a surprise cup run. Conversely, a lackluster showing could expose the gaps that still need to be addressed, whether in squad depth, tactical nuance, or mental fortitude. In summary, Valakari's message to his players is unambiguous: the Premiership demands a blend of technical skill, physical robustness, and street‑level savvy.
By retaining the heart of the promotion‑winning side, supplementing it with targeted signings, and instilling a culture of resilience, St Johnstone hopes to rewrite their narrative from relegated side to established Premiership competitor. The journey will be challenging, but with a clear game plan and a squad ready to adapt, the Perth club is poised to make a respectable impact in Scotland's top division.