The smiles and joy on the faces of players, staff, supporters and everyone associated with the club filled head coach Simo Valakari with a huge sense of pride after our Scottish Championship title-winning success.
Promotion back to the top-flight was confirmed on Tuesday night when the Saints produced a stellar performance to defeat Dunfermline 2-0 at East End Park.
Simo’s passion and enthusiasm were again clear to see as players, coaches and supporters joined together in celebration at the full-time whistle.
He said: “To lead from the first day until the last day is unbelievable. We need to give credit to our opponents because they have been pushing us. But when we got the chance to kill it, our players took it. No mercy. No messing around. We won it with style.
“I’m so happy for our fans because we are doing this for them. They are the most important part of the club. To do it in front of our amazing supporters meant the world to me. I saw the connection with the players.
“Big credit goes to my staff. Maybe they don’t always get the credit they deserve. To see the joy, the smiles, it is hard to put it into words.
“The Scottish Championship is a difficult league. I have huge respect for the other teams and their players. We did it our way – and that is why I am so proud of everyone.
“I have demanded a lot from the players. We have been in numerous Sundays when people have been in their beds. But they wanted this. That was the biggest thing. Our players wanted this club to be successful.
“If you remember my first interview, I said the fans are the most important. Nothing has changed. We do this to see the smile on their face.
“Walking the streets of Perth, I got many good luck messages. I’m so happy we were able to win it now.”
Simo is calling on the people of Perth and Saints fans from near and far to descend on McDiarmid Park this Friday night for our final home fixture of the season against Raith Rovers.
Kick-off is 7.45pm and tickets are available HERE.
Simo said: “Now let’s make Friday a carnival. Let’s make it full rock n’ roll.”
