Valakari revels in Scotland return with St Johnstone

New St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari has a great affection for Scottish football

New St Johnstone head coach Simo Valakari is thrilled to be back in Scotland, where "everyone is breathing football".

The 51-year-old former Finland international spent almost three-and-a-half years at Motherwell before joining Derby County in the English Premier League in May 2000.

"I have been dreaming of it," said Valakari. "I never took it for granted that I would come back here, but when I started my coaching career one of my things was 'yes, one day I would like to coach in Scotland'.

"I started my professional career here so it was always a special place in my heart and how I see Scottish football, how I see this culture, everyone is breathing football. That is what I have been missing in my last positions.

"Without Motherwell, I would not go to the Premier League, without Motherwell I would not go to the MLS, without Motherwell more likely I would not have played for the Finnish national team. Motherwell made me the player that I was."

A number of names, including Aberdeen coach Peter Leven and Ayr United boss Scott Brown, were in the frame for the Perth post before Valakari agreed a three-year deal to replace Craig Levein.

"I have been preparing myself for this moment," he said.

"Every situation is unique, that is why I can learn from my past experiences. Now we we need to find our way to do things at St Johnstone."

Valakari, who has been a manager for 14 years with clubs in his homeland, Norway and Latvia, added it would be a "step by step" process as he aims to lift Saints from 10th in the Premiership.

"All my life, all my playing career, my coaching life, I have been working against the odds a little bit, against the challenges, and I loved them," added Valakari.

"I see why this project is so interesting. A big club that has been successful, the last couple of years it has been tough, now a new process is starting on and off the field.

"I see where the club wants to go, top six and then play for the European places, then everything is open."

St Johnstone were humbled 6-0 at home by Celtic at the weekend and next up is a difficult trip to Rangers, although Valakari is unlikely to be in charge as he awaits a work permit.

"I believe in teamwork," he said. "I believe in this collective power and that includes our fans.

"My team, we need to set the fire for the fans. We want a togetherness and then we are powerful."