St Johnstone Target Championship Continuity Against Dunfermline

PERTH, 24 January 2026 – St Johnstone FC, under the stewardship of head coach Simo Valakari, prepare for a crucial Scottish Championship fixture at home to Dunfermline Athletic this afternoon. The Saints, relegated from the Premiership at the end of the 2024-25 season, have adapted impressively to life in the second tier and find themselves in a commanding position at the top of the table as the 2025-26 campaign progresses.

The Season So Far

St Johnstone’s first season back in the Championship has been one of consolidation and ambition. After a difficult previous campaign which ended in relegation, the club moved quickly to appoint Finnish manager Simo Valakari in October 2024. His impact has been significant, steering the club to the summit of the Championship. Early season form, including a strong showing in the Scottish League Cup group stages, set a positive tone. More recent data indicates the Saints are locked in a tight title race, battling with Partick Thistle at the top of the division. The team will be looking to build on a recent 2-0 victory over Ross County in the KDM Evolution Trophy when they face Dunfermline at McDiarmid Park.

Squad & Management

The playing squad has undergone considerable change since relegation. Key figures in Perth include captain Jason Holt, striker Jamie Gullan, and midfielder Stevie Mallan. The club was also active in the January transfer window, securing the loan signing of forward Alfredo Agyeman. Manager Simo Valakari, who previously managed in Finland, Norway, and Latvia, has been a stabilising force and recently signed an extended contract with the club. His backroom staff includes assistant Jordi Aluja and goalkeeping coach Gordon Marshall.

McDiarmid Park: The Saints’ Home

St Johnstone have called McDiarmid Park home since 1989, when they moved from their former ground, Muirton Park. The stadium, with a capacity of 10,696, was the first purpose-built all-seater stadium in the United Kingdom. Located on the western edge of Perth, it has hosted not only Saints matches but also rugby union internationals and major concerts. The ground is a source of pride for the club and its supporters, offering modern facilities and a compact, atmospheric setting for football.

Key Facts & Figures

Frequently Asked Questions

What league are St Johnstone in?

St Johnstone are currently competing in the Scottish Championship, the second tier of Scottish professional football. This is their first season in the division after being relegated from the Scottish Premiership at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

Who is the current manager of St Johnstone?

The current head coach is Simo Valakari. The former Motherwell and Derby County midfielder, who also earned over 30 caps for Finland, was appointed in October 2024. He recently signed an extended deal to remain at McDiarmid Park.

When was McDiarmid Park built?

McDiarmid Park was opened in 1989, replacing the club’s former home, Muirton Park. It was the first purpose-built all-seater football stadium in the United Kingdom.

Have St Johnstone won any major trophies?

Yes. The club’s most successful period in recent history came in the 2020-21 season when they achieved a historic domestic cup double, winning both the Scottish League Cup and the Scottish Cup. They also won the Scottish Cup for the first time in 2014.