Simo Valakari Leads St Johnstone's Ambitious New Direction
- Simo Valakari has become the first foreign manager of St Johnstone in Scotland.
- His initial matches included a loss and a victory, with a comeback against Dundee demonstrating his impact.
- The team's shift to a more aggressive playing style may signal a successful new direction for the club.
In Scotland, Simo Valakari has made an impactful start as the new manager of St Johnstone, following the club's recent change in ownership. Valakari is notably the first foreign manager in the club's history, departing from previous conservative managerial strategies that focused on avoiding defeat. Under his guidance, the team has shown a more adventurous style, evidenced by a 2-1 comeback victory against Dundee after being down at halftime. Valakari's tenure began on a challenging note, as unforeseen work permit delays kept him in the stands for his initial two matches, which included a loss at Ibrox and a commendable 3-0 defeat of Ross County. However, since his arrival, there has been a clear shift in the team's performance and a noticeable uptick in goal-scoring, achieving five goals in two matches. This demonstrates Valakari's intent to foster a more engaging playing style for fans. The manager's vision extends beyond the pitch; he aims to boost the club's revenue, particularly through enhanced sponsorship deals, and to draw an additional 1,000 spectators per game. His approach involves promoting the club's image positively within the community and connecting with fans, contrasting with previous managers who struggled to align with supporters' sentiments. While challenges remain, such as sustaining performance levels and meeting increased expectations, early indications suggest that Valakari's appointment heralds a promising new chapter for St Johnstone in the Scottish football scene.