Simo Valakari has laid out a clear directive for his St Johnstone squad as they prepare to re‑enter the Scottish Premiership: they must be both solid in defence and shrewd in their overall approach if they hope to make a real impression at the top level. The Finnish manager, who took the reins at the Perth‑based club in October 2025, was unable to prevent the team’s drop into the Scottish Championship that season, but he quickly turned the situation around by guiding them straight back up after just one campaign in the second tier. St Johnstone’s return to the elite division is set for Sunday when they face Kilmarnock in a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Their promotion campaign was impressive – they suffered only three defeats in the league as they clinched the Championship title – yet Valakari is quick to point out that success in the Premiership will demand a different mindset and a higher level of physicality. "We know who we are, but we cannot be that naive, pretty, nice team that comes out of the Championship and simply plays pleasant football," Valakari 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’s our style and we want to keep those principles, but we also need to be prepared for this challenge and, at times, be street‑smart." The manager’s comments underline a broader philosophy that many newly promoted clubs adopt: the need to blend their existing identity with a tougher, more pragmatic edge when facing superior opposition. Valakari believes his side has the foundation to do just that. He has managed to retain the core group of players who earned promotion while also bringing in eight fresh faces during the off‑season.
This mix of continuity and new talent, he argues, gives St Johnstone a balanced squad capable of coping with the rigours of top‑flight football. One notable departure was forward Josh McPake, who signed a pre‑contract in January and moved to Hearts. Valakari explained that planning for the post‑promotion period began well before the Championship season concluded.
"It was important that we started this process already before our Championship season," he said. "We secured the players on two‑ or three‑year deals, so we never wanted to be caught unprepared after the Premiership season. That’s why I’m very, very happy. The new additions have brought their own personalities and qualities to the squad." He went on to stress the depth of his roster, acknowledging that injuries are inevitable over a long campaign.
"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 asserted.
This confidence is bolstered by the fact that the team’s pre‑season preparations included a blend of tactical drills, physical conditioning, and friendly matches designed to test their resilience against higher‑level opposition. The manager’s emphasis on being "street‑wise" reflects a desire for the players to make intelligent decisions on the pitch – whether that means choosing the right moment to press, maintaining composure under pressure, or exploiting opponents’ weaknesses with quick transitions.
In practical terms, this could translate into a more compact defensive shape, disciplined positioning, and an increased willingness to win duels in midfield. St Johnstone’s fans will be eager to see whether Valakari’s blueprint works in practice. The club’s recent history shows a capacity for rapid adaptation: after a disappointing relegation, they bounced back at the first attempt, demonstrating both mental strength and tactical flexibility. The upcoming clash with Kilmarnock will serve as a litmus test for the new approach.
A solid, street‑smart performance could set the tone for the rest of the season, helping the team secure vital points and avoid the pitfalls that often befall newly promoted sides. Beyond the tactical considerations, Valakari’s remarks also hint at a cultural shift within the dressing room.
By urging his players to be “hard to beat” and “ruthless about ourselves,” he is fostering a mentality of collective responsibility and self‑discipline. This mindset, combined with the experience of players who have already tasted promotion, should help the squad navigate the inevitable ups and downs of Premiership football. In summary, Valakari’s message to St Johnstone is clear: retain the attractive, possession‑based style that brought them success in the Championship, but overlay it with a tougher, more pragmatic edge.
By staying solid defensively, being ruthless in their own standards, and applying street‑smart tactics, the Perth club hopes to punch above its weight and establish itself as a competitive Premiership side. The season opener against Kilmarnock will be the first opportunity to put this philosophy into action, and supporters will be watching closely to see if the team can translate Valakari’s vision into results on the field.