Simo Valakari Aims for Trophies and Top-Six Finish as St Johnstone Head Coach

New Beginnings for St Johnstone Under Simo Valakari

St Johnstone Football Club has embraced a fresh start with the appointment of Simo Valakari as their new head coach. The Finnish footballer-turned-manager aims to steer the team towards trophy contention and secure a top-six finish in the Scottish Premiership. Valakari has returned to Scotland after previously managing Riga in Latvia, bringing with him an impressive record of six major trophies in his coaching career.

Valakari's Ambitions for St Johnstone

Since his appointment, Valakari has made it clear that winning is at the forefront of his strategy. "I'm a winner, I want to win trophies," he stated during an interview with Sky Sports News. He elaborated on the potential of St Johnstone, emphasizing the need for the club to compete for honors annually, something they achieved not too long ago.

Recent History and Current Standing

In the highly competitive landscape of Scottish football, St Johnstone had a memorable 2020/21 season when they clinched the domestic cup double and earned a commendable fifth-place finish in the league. However, the club's fortunes have waned, failing to surpass a ninth-place finish in subsequent seasons. Currently, they sit at the 10th position in the Scottish Premiership, just two points above the relegation zone, having secured a mere single win in their first seven games this season.

Challenges Ahead

Valakari faces immediate challenges, with his first match in charge set to be against Ross County on October 19. prior to that match, interim managers Andy Kirk and Alex Cleland will be leading the team in a fixture against Rangers at Ibrox.

The Road to Recovery

• Upcoming Matches:
  • October 6: Rangers (H)
  • October 19: Ross County (H)
  • October 26: Dundee (A)
  • October 30: St Mirren (A)
  • November 2: Hearts (H)
  • November 9: Motherwell (A)

Valakari's Vision and Support

Club owner Adam Webb has expressed confidence in Valakari's abilities, stating, “Simo rose to the top after an extensive hiring process.” His vision for the club and commitment to lifting St Johnstone's performance aligns with the team's aspirations for growth and competitiveness in Scottish football.

Conclusion

As Simo Valakari steps into his role as head coach, the future of St Johnstone is imbued with promise and new directions. With a strong determination to re-establish the club's position within the top echelons of Scottish football, fans and players alike look forward to a season characterized by ambition and tenacity.

Stay tuned for further updates on St Johnstone’s journey under Valakari and their push for success in the upcoming matches!