Simo Valakari on St Johnstone objectives, love for Scotland & backroom staff

The former Motherwell player says Scotland, “always has a special place in my heart,” adding, “everyone breathes football here”.

He says he always dreamed he would one day coach in Scotland and he has, “been preparing myself for this moment”.

The head coach believes getting the club back into the top six and challenging again is the objective. “I see where this club wants to go,” but that they have to head in that direction, “step by step”.

On his backroom staff, he said, “we have good, talented people here,” adding, “I would be stupid” not to use their knowledge.

He said he wants to help the St Johnstone players by “giving them the tools to enjoy their football on game day”.