'He's just getting started': Simo Valakari gets owner's backing after St Johnstone relegated

St Johnstone owner Adam Webb has given his full backing to manager Simo Valakari following the team’s relegation to the Premiership – and believes the Finn is the right man to lead the team to promotion next season.

Defeat at Hearts on Wednesday night means the Perth side will finish at the bottom of the league table and drop into the Championship, ending a 16-year stay in the top flight.

Valakari spoke about the “hurt” of relegation after the match but made it clear he was up for the task of putting things right, and said there would have to be a change of mentality to deal with the pressure of pushing for promotion instead of the recent fight against the drop.

In an open letter to supporters, club chairman Webb echoed his manager when he said the result was “heartbreaking” but called on supporters to stick by the club as they look to bounce back.

And the American made it clear he sees the manager as an important figure in turning things around.

“First and foremost, we will back Simo,” he said. “We have a visionary coach and a solid core group of players who will be staying with us for next season.

“Simo is just getting started on the project to return St Johnstone to its glory days. We have seen Simo’s tireless work ethic, as well as his aspirations and passion for our club.

“Our coaches and players need the same enthusiastic support next season you provided this year. The Scottish Championship is gritty and challenging – and the team will need the boost that vocal supporters provide.

“We need to fill McDiarmid and the away ends when we travel to fuel a quick return to the Premiership. This is not the time to slacken in our resolve.”

The chairman revealed that the club is projected to lost £2m in revenue from being outside the Premiership but said that investment had already been made to improve the club, and would continue. Webb said that, at Valakari’s recommendation, money would be spent to replace the club’s all-weather training pitch

He added that the club was “prioritising a quick return to the Premiership” and appealed to back the team both physically and financially.

“Thank you for your support this season,” Web wrote. “You deserved much better.

“We will never take your support for granted and are well aware that our standards must be higher in the seasons to come. We embrace this challenge.

“But we are not foolish enough to think we can do it without you. If you will have faith in us, and back Simo and the lads, you will be rewarded.

“And so, after 140 years, we all carry on the sacred trust of St Johnstone and we go again. Come on you Saints!”