Former Motherwell, Derby and Finland midfielder Simo Valakari has been named St Johnstone’s new supervisor.
The McDiarmid Park membership have been looking for Craig Levein’s successor, after sacking him two weeks in the past.
St Johnstone had held talks with former Celtic, Aberdeen and Hibs midfielder Scott Brown, who as an alternative opted to signal a brand new deal at Ayr United.
Craig Levein was sacked by St Johnstone after simply 10 months, following a run of 4 consecutive defeats
Aberdeen assistant Peter Leven additionally spoke to St Johnstone, whereas talks broke down with Larne boss Tiernan Lynch.
The Saints then moved for Valakari – who is assumed to have impressed membership bosses throughout his preliminary interview – and negotiated his exit from Riga.
Valakari performed for Motherwell from 1996-2000
Valakari, 51, took cost of Riga midway by way of final season and guided the workforce to the Latvian Supercup, having beforehand received the Finnish Cup in 2021 and 2022 with KuPS, plus three trophies at SJK in Finland.
St Johnstone are tenth within the Scottish Premiership – two factors away from backside spot – having received simply one among their seven league video games this season.
Andy Kirk and Alex Cleland will stay in command of the workforce for this weekend’s recreation in opposition to Rangers at Ibrox.
Sky Sports activities Information understands the membership’s American house owners had been impressed with Valakari’s information of the present squad and work is already beneath approach to establish potential free brokers so as to add to the group earlier than January’s switch window opens.
Valakari: I see potential in St Johnstone
After signing his contract, Valakari stated: “I’m very blissful, very excited and really proud that St Johnstone have made me their head coach.
“Now we have so many alternatives to make this an thrilling journey and an important factor is that we’re all on this collectively – the gamers, the workers and most significantly the followers.
“Once I spoke to the house owners and the soccer division I received actually enthusiastic about this challenge. I checked out our workforce as a complete and our gamers. In fact, the outcomes lately haven’t been as optimistic as we wish, however I see a number of potential within the gamers that we’ve right here.”
St Johnstone proprietor Adam Webb stated: “Simo rose to the highest after an intensive hiring course of and interviews with a number of nice candidates.
“He has a exceptional imaginative and prescient for the way forward for St Johnstone. Simo’s expertise, enthusiasm and creativity will serve us nicely within the years forward.”
St Johnstone’s subsequent six video games
- Rangers (h) – Scottish Premiership – October 6
- Ross County (h) – Scottish Premiership – October 19
- Dundee (a) – Scottish Premiership – October 26
- St Mirren (a) – Scottish Premiership – October 30
- Hearts (h) – Scottish Premiership – November 2
- Motherwell (a) – Scottish Premiership – November 9
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