Simo Valakari had no complaints after his dejected St Johnstone players learned their 16-year stay in the William Hill Premiership was over when they returned to the dressing room several minutes after their 2-1 defeat at Hearts.
Despite losing at Tynecastle, Saints thought they were going to have one last crack at survival on Sunday as Ross County – the team immediately above them – were trailing 1-0 at Dundee.
However, the Staggies’ last-gasp equaliser, after Valakari’s players had applauded their supporters and headed up the tunnel, left the Perth men four points adrift with just one game to play and consigned them to the Championship for the first time since 2009.
“I see it this way – we could not get the result in our game so it was out of our hands what happened elsewhere,” said Valakari.
“We cry tonight, we cry tomorrow and then on Friday we turn our heads to changing this club back to winning ways. That starts on Sunday.
“We respect the table. We weren’t good enough or clinical enough in key moments.
“We put ourselves in a difficult place. When you need a favour you’re relying on luck but it wasn’t to be.
“When you look at the history of this club it has been difficult for a few years.
“We’ve been fighting relegation for a while. Now it has happened and it hurts.”
Valakari insisted he is up for the challenge of trying to bring Saints straight back up next season.
“I’ve already told my players it was hard to play in this relegation battle, but if this was pressure, it will be even more pressure next year,” he said.
“Pushing for promotion you need to be at your best every day and even when you are not at your best you still need to get results.
“It will be very, very hard and a big job to turn around the culture of the club, but that starts on Friday.
“We need to face it and become the club that can get back to the Premiership.
“I am ready for that challenge. I want to do everything in my power to do it.”
Saints were two down at the break after a Barry Douglas own goal and an Alan Forrest strike before Graham Carey gave them a glimmer of hope with a free-kick but Hearts held on for a third straight win under caretaker boss Liam Fox – the first time they have achieved that feat in the league since February 2024.
“I think that stat probably backs it up, I get people will pour cold water on it and say you’re in the bottom six,” said Fox. “Yes, you’re right, but it’s still difficult to win three games back to back in the Premier League. It’s tough.
“As you can see tonight, we had to work really, really hard for it. So I’m delighted. Let’s see if we can make it four on Sunday.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal & Chelsea formation for this season Fluminense vs. ChelseaPSG vs. Real Madrid The Club World Cup semifinals are set Real Madrid take down Dortmund to reach the Club World Cup semifinals France beat reigning champs England in their Women's Euros opener Chelsea have confirmed the signing of 20-year-old Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund Thoughts T...
Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move to Manchester United since November and it's now been claimed that the striker could skip pre-season with SportingViktor Gyokeres has been linked to Man UtdManchester United have received a promising update on Viktor Gyokeres.However, Sporting CP's president Frederico Varandas last month firmly stated that the forward wouldn't be leaving for €60mil...
Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing an Arsenal player in return as the Gunners close in on Noni Madueke.Chelsea are interested in Ethan Nwaneri.Chelsea and Arsenal could complete yet another transfer after Noni Madueke, should the 23-year-old winger seal a switch to the Emirates Stadium this summer. The Gunners have reportedly agreed personal terms with Madueke ahead of opening club-to-cl...
Manchester United are reportedly contemplating making a shock move to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer after his departure from Everton. With financial caution dictating this summer’s recruitment strategy, Amorim is believed to be keen on bolstering the squad with low-risk, high-upside signings, with Calvert-Lewin fitting the bill perfectly.United eager to bolster their attackHa...
Barcelona eye Leao as Milan set asking priceBarcelona have been made aware that a proposal in the region of €70 million, with additional performance-based clauses, may be enough to convince AC Milan to consider selling Rafael Leão, according to Diario Sport.The Portuguese winger has already attracted interest from Bayern Munich, but the German champions reportedly failed to reach an agr...
Harry Kane costs Bayern Munich in PSG lossHarry Kane's error paved the way to Bayern Munich's Club World Cup loss to nine-man Paris Saint-Germain, as Jamal Musiala suffered a horror injury.Paris Saint-Germain v FC Bayern München: Quarter-final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025TELL ME MOREAfter an end-to-end opening, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could only find the side netting when put through by Achraf Ha...
Luis-DiazLuis Diaz opened up on his future plans as Barcelona have reportedly reignited their interest in the Liverpool star after they were snubbed by Nico Williams. Hours after Williams’ contract extension was officially announced, reports emerged linking the Blaugrana with Díaz, who has long been admired by sporting director Deco. The Colombian forward is now seen as a priority for B...
FBL-WC-CLUB-2025-MATCH59-PSG-BAYERNBayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has criticised Paris Saint-Germain star Gianluigi Donnarumma for his role in Jamal Musiala's injury.WHAT HAPPENED?The PSG stopper collided with Musiala in the first half of Bayern's 2-0 Club World Cup quarter-final loss on Saturday, with the 22-year-old having to be stretchered off for a serious-looking injury. Now, Eberl...
Aston Villa FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueKyle Walker has bid Manchester City fans an emotional farewell message following his move to Burnley.WHAT HAPPENED?Hours after Walker signed for Burnley on a two-year deal from City in a deal worth up to £5 million, the England international has taken to social media to thank fans for their support, while also reflecting on just how successf...
Real Madrid CF v Borussia Dortmund: Quarter-final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025Kylian Mbappe was left stunned as Gonzalo Garcia matched a Cristiano Ronaldo Club World Cup goals record after scoring against Borussia Dortmund.WHAT HAPPENED?Garcia gave Madrid a 10th-minute lead over Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-finals for his fourth goal of the competition, and Fran Garcia's 20th-minute strike...
- 1 Liverpool willing to make swap proposal to Palace for Guehi
- 2 Inside jet-setting England star Dominic Solanke's honeymoon with wife Erica
- 3 Five players ask to leave Man Utd including Rashford, Antony, Garnacho and Sancho
- 4 Sporting CP president Varandas: Gyokeres knows price he can leave for
- 5 Diogo Jota's wife arrives at chapel where tragic star's coffin is taken
- 6 Frustrated Arsenal turn to Eintracht Frankfurt striker Ekitike
- 7 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 8 Coleen Rooney eclipses husband Wayne as main breadwinner
- 9 Diogo Jota's family life with beautiful wife, cheeky sons, baby girl and dogs
- 10 Ex-Chelsea wonderkid RETIRES at age of 28 just three years after Stamford Bridge exit as injuries put end to playing career