St Johnstone have been mainstays of the Scottish Premiership since 2009 â but their 16-year top-flight residence is over. Defeat by Hearts in the penultimate game of the season - while Ross County salvaged a last-gasp point at Dens Park - sealed their fate. Manager Simo Valakari, appointed in October with St Johnstone sitting 10th, has vowed to fight on and announced his intent to lead next season's promotion push. "I want to stay," he told BBC Scotland. "I want to rebuild this club and be successful with this club." The Finn has been praised for trying to produce a team playing better football and acknowledged "big changes" are required. "We are crying tonight and tomorrow but always looking forward," he added. "This season is history. We need to change things and get this beautiful club back to winning ways. "It's hard to play in relegation battles but it's even harder to play for promotion. That's what our aim is and that's what we start doing the day after tomorrow. "We have already started preparing." Ultimately, it took too long for Valakari's brand of football to be reflected in an upturn of results, though St Johnstone did beat champions Celtic and reach the Scottish Cup semi-finals. But the numbers have long been stacked against them, and you don't have to delve too deeply to see they've been struggling for a while. For former St Johnstone midfielder, Murray Davidson, their troubles have been "building for years". So, how did St Johnstone get into this mess? While the finger is usually pointed at the manager â and he does have to shoulder some blame - you also must bear in mind Valakari was brought in with the summer transfer window long since closed. The Finn has largely had to work with what was already there and, while he was able to make some changes to his squad in January, turning around a ship already heading for choppy waters in a short period of time is a tall order. Are the factors that have led to St Johnstone's plight more deep rooted? Former midfielder Davidson, who spent 14 years at McDiarmid Park, believes "it has been building for years". St Johnstone had been a picture of consistency since returning to the top division under Derek McInnes in 2009, but Davidson says they went from being "the most stable club" to being the "most unstable" in Scottish football by the time he retired in the summer of 2023. Simo Valakari was unable to steer St Johnstone clear of relegation Tommy Wright presided over a seven-year spell during which he led the side to their first Scottish Cup win in 2014, as well as European campaigns and top-six finishes. Those foundations were initially built on by assistant and successor Callum Davidson, who oversaw a remarkable domestic cup double in season 2020-21. However, such stability has been lacking of late and has coincided with a downturn in fortunes. Following Davidson's near three-year spell, the club appointed another rookie boss - former striker Steven MacLean, who lasted just seven months. St Johnstone then turned to veteran Craig Levein, who was in the post for 10 months before being replaced by Valakari in October, becoming their fourth manager in 19 months. Regularly changing managers, all with their own ideas and the inevitable churn of players that comes with that, rarely delivers success. "There were players signed who were nowhere near good enough," Davidson told BBC Scotland. "And when we signed players that weren't good enough, the next window it was, 'we need to sign four or five players'. It was a snowball effect for five or six windows." This video can not be played 'From most stable club in Scotland to most unstable' Overly nearly four decades, St Johnstone were transformed under the ownership of Geoff Brown. Davidson says the businessman and his son Steve, who succeeded his father as chairman, "were unbelievable for me and for St Johnstone". He suggests "there was a core of 13, 14, 15 players" and they only needed to add three or four each season to ensure continuity. "They weren't the biggest-paying club, and we weren't going to get the ball and play 30 passes, but everybody bought into what was successful and what it meant to people," Davidson said. "Towards the end of my career, that wasn't happening. You were going in, there were two or three of us left, there were people coming in who didn't know the league, didn't know what the club was about." Having announced in December 2022 that he was selling the club, it was not until summer 2024 that American businessman Adam Webb took over from Brown. There will inevitably have been a period of uncertainty in the intervening 18 months â and uncertainty rarely creates an environment conducive to success. "The last eight, nine, 10 windows, they have had to panic buy," Davidson adds. Now the club great hopes they can return to the stability and success of the not too distant past. With relatively new owners at the helm and with a manager who wants to try to play the right way, the future could still be bright for the McDiarmid Park club. But having failed to pull off a Houdini-style escape, that immediate future begins in the second tier.
Valakari wants to lead 'beautiful' St Johnstone back up
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Simo Valakari Aims to Rebuild St Johnstone After Relegation from Premiership"
Bbc News
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
St Johnstone's long-standing presence in the Scottish Premiership, which began in 2009, has come to an end following a disappointing season. The team's relegation was confirmed after a defeat to Hearts, coupled with Ross County's unexpected points gain against Dens Park. Manager Simo Valakari, who took charge in October when the club was positioned 10th, expressed his determination to rebuild and restore the club's fortunes. Valakari emphasized the need for significant changes, acknowledging that the current season is now behind them. He stated, "We are crying tonight and tomorrow but always looking forward," highlighting his focus on the future and the immediate goal of securing promotion back to the top flight. Despite facing challenges, including a lack of time to implement his strategies effectively, Valakari has started preparations for next season, aiming to instill a more attractive style of football and return the club to winning ways.
The struggles of St Johnstone can be traced back several years, with former midfielder Murray Davidson noting that the issues have been building long before Valakari's appointment. From a period of stability under previous managers to a cycle of managerial changes, the club has faced a downward spiral. Davidson pointed out that the frequent turnover of managers and the subsequent changes in player personnel have contributed to the instability. The club's recent history includes a commendable tenure under Tommy Wright, who led the team to significant achievements, but this foundation has been shaken by recent management upheavals. With new ownership and a commitment from Valakari to implement a better footballing philosophy, there is cautious optimism for St Johnstone's future. However, the immediate challenge will be to navigate the complexities of the second tier and regain their position in the Premiership, a task that will require both strategic planning and execution.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides insights into the recent struggles of St Johnstone FC, highlighting the team's relegation from the Scottish Premiership and the new manager Simo Valakari's commitment to rebuilding the club. By focusing on Valakari's intentions and the challenges he faces, the piece intends to paint a picture of hope amidst adversity.
Intent of the Article
The narrative primarily seeks to convey a sense of optimism and determination from Valakari, who aims to steer St Johnstone back to success. His statements about rebuilding and preparing for a promotion push emphasize a proactive approach, suggesting that despite recent failures, there is a path forward. This angle is likely intended to rally support from fans and stakeholders, creating a positive perception of the club's future.
Public Sentiment and Perception
The article aims to foster a hopeful sentiment among the club's supporters, portraying Valakari as a capable leader who is aware of the club's historical significance and potential. By acknowledging the depth of the challenges while also expressing a commitment to change, it seeks to maintain fan engagement and optimism.
Omissions and Hidden Aspects
While the article touches on the challenges faced by Valakari, it may downplay the systemic issues that have contributed to the club's decline over the years. The focus on the new manager's efforts might obscure broader concerns regarding management decisions, player performance, and financial stability, which could be significant factors in St Johnstone's situation.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The information presented seems credible, as it reflects the current realities of the Scottish Premiership and incorporates direct quotes from Valakari, which lend authenticity. However, the article's positive framing may lead to an incomplete understanding of the complexities involved in the club's struggles.
Comparative Context
When placed alongside other sports articles, this piece shares a common theme of resilience in the face of adversity. However, it uniquely emphasizes the managerial perspective, which may not always be the primary focus in similar narratives. The portrayal of Valakari as a determined leader aligns with a broader trend in sports journalism that seeks to inspire fans during challenging times.
Potential Societal Impact
The article may influence local fan engagement and community support, potentially impacting ticket sales and merchandise as loyal supporters rally around the new direction. The narrative could also affect the club's reputation within the league, influencing perceptions among prospective players and sponsors.
Support Base and Target Audience
This article likely resonates more with devoted St Johnstone supporters, football enthusiasts, and local community members who have a vested interest in the club’s success. By promoting a message of hope, it seeks to engage a demographic that values club loyalty and progress.
Financial Market Implications
Although this news may not have direct implications for stock markets, the performance of St Johnstone can influence local businesses and sponsorship deals. The sentiment around the club can affect local economic activities, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors associated with match days.
Global Context
In terms of the global balance of power, this article does not hold significant weight. However, it reflects the ongoing narratives in sports worldwide, where clubs face challenges that mirror economic and societal issues in broader contexts.
Role of Artificial Intelligence
While the article's style suggests human authorship, it's possible that AI tools were used for grammar and structure improvements. If AI were involved, it might have influenced the article to maintain a certain tone of optimism and clarity, steering the narrative toward a more positive outlook.
Manipulative Aspects
The article does employ a certain level of manipulation through its selective focus on Valakari's positive intentions while downplaying deeper issues. This approach might be intended to maintain fan morale and support during a challenging transition period.
In conclusion, the article presents a generally positive view of St Johnstone's current situation, emphasizing hope and the potential for recovery while downplaying systemic issues that have led to the club's current plight.