Next St Johnstone Manager 2024

[Gekko]

Here we go then.

All aboard the Valakari express.

I hope it's a fun journey.

[templeofsaints]

Good initial interview and comments on the website - nice to hear a coach/manager sound a bit more enthusiastic and passionate about the potential and the team.

Gus McPherson now Head of Football Operations and responsible for Scouting and Recruitment as well. Sounds like the new structure being worked out.

Kirk and Cleland in charge for Ibrox though - imagine the new boss will have some input though.

Edited October 1, 2024 by templeofsaints

[Saintdunc]

Wow! Just wow. I have to admit I was not expecting this to actually happen after 3 seasons of pantomime!

We are in a very different era.

 

[Havana Saint]

That interview is packed with an enthusiasm and energy. What a refreshing change already after nothing but dishwater for 12 months. 

Very excited about this.

Welcome Simo!

[Saintdunc]

If it's not been said already, his son, currently on loan at AIK, and born in Scotland, is an attacking midfielder.

Just saying!

 

 

[Ritspeed]

Encouraged and optimistic (Optimistic that optimism won't be misplaced)!

I suspect the appointment will get the chattering classes at other clubs animated as well.

Now the biggie is out of the way let's wish Adam Webb well with his treatment and recovery.

[No-name Gnome]

Well! - big thumbs up - a mile away from looking back through Rose tinted specs or tempting providence with untried or misplaced hope.

"Interview' looks like it was drafted in part in the PRr department over in Atlanta  - reads like (very) thinly disguised criticism of Levein, his approach and tactics.

New brush. New ambitions  - and maybe our side of the new scoreboard will start ticking over.

[dave mc]

16 minutes ago, Saintdunc said:

If it's not been said already, his son, currently on loan at AIK, and born in Scotland, is an attacking midfielder.

Just saying!

 

 

Scored 40 goals in 136 games in Cyprus! Get him in Simo 👍

[GOB10]

Have a feeling this is gonna be amazing or absolutely disastrous.. no in-between. 

[california_saintee]

"Simo Valakari" is an anagram for:

Lk! I am a savior!

So I'm fully on board.

[garydavidson]

Now compare those words with the first words uttered by Levein. Night and day, hopefully the results are as well

[Broggy Man]

Has he signed anybody yet 

[saintcraigieboy]

Hope he is involved for Sundays game, after saying there is no time to waste in football, as Rangers are still vulnerable, and you never know. 

[Linky]

2 hours ago, Saintdunc said:

If it's not been said already, his son, currently on loan at AIK, and born in Scotland, is an attacking midfielder.

Just saying!

 

 

With an option to buy for £1 million

[tucker]

26 minutes ago, saintcraigieboy said:

Hope he is involved for Sundays game, after saying there is no time to waste in football, as Rangers are still vulnerable, and you never know. 

Already been said Kirk and Alec in charge on Sunday but I'd imagine due to work permit 

He will train the players this week I'd imagine and pick them I'd imagine 

[RandomGuy]

 

[Gekko]

44 minutes ago, RandomGuy said:

 

Even in that small clip, what a difference from what we've been used to for the past few years.

The players will surely get a boost from that level of energy and positivity.

Edited October 1, 2024 by Gekko

[sixties saintee]

And no before time , getting a decent manager in.

[pezza70]

Any idea who made up the interview panel for his appointment.

Let’s hope there is no issues with his work permit or has a German shepherd that is homesick 

[MySpazz]

2 hours ago, pezza70 said:

Any idea who made up the interview panel for his appointment.

Let’s hope there is no issues with his work permit or has a German shepherd that is homesick 

That was a swede! Though one small bonus, SImo will speak Swedish so Benji has a pal...

[blueheaven]

Just based on these first few comments from Simo it's already evident how big a difference in attitude there is between him and Levein. I still think back to that day Levein was appointed and he just didn't seem excited or passionate about the club or the opportunity at all, and just glibly said he'd come because Geoff had asked him and he liked the people here. Simo's attitude just feels so much more aligned with what Webb has been saying he wants to do, and with what fans want to hear from a manager. Obviously the most important thing is the results on the pitch, but I think it was also crucial for the new boss to be someone who can win the fans over, and this feels like a good start to me.

Interesting to see that his job title is going to be Head Coach rather than Manager. I think that's the first time we've ever done that, and hopefully means (along with the change in role for Gus MacPherson) that there's going to be a lot more delegation behind the scenes so that he can get on with working with/improving the players.

Very early days, but I think there's a lot to be positive about here.

[RandomGuy]

 

[Gas Monkey]

Hopefully we take an extra bumper crowd to Dens in a couple of weeks to give him a proper ‘away’ welcome. A few Finnish flags in the crowd too? Bring it on

[sixties saintee]

Now fir fecks sake let's get behind the guy and back him, nae negativity going forward, gie the guy a chance will take time, but efter the last 3 years he will need time

[Northern saint]

Positive appointment.  He'll have the international break to work on the players and review the existing coaching staff.  Wonder how the players will deal with the new manager?   Most say when they arrive, the players aren't fit!  So many Saints aren't as they're gassed too early in games.  Any stats on his use of substitutions? 

Welcome Simo.