St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari has urged his players to be "solid and streetwise" as they prepare for their return to the Scottish Premiership. The Perth side, relegated in October 2025, earned promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt and kick off their campaign against Kilmarnock on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

Valakari acknowledged that while the team played attractive football in the Championship, they will need to adapt to the demands of the Premiership. "If we are not hard to beat, if we are not solid, if we are not ruthless about ourselves, it will be difficult," he stated. He emphasized the need to balance their playing style with a more pragmatic approach.

The club has retained the core of their promotion-winning squad and added eight new signings. Valakari expressed satisfaction with the team's preparation, noting that contracts were secured early to prevent a repeat of their previous relegation situation. He believes the squad is now well-balanced and possesses sufficient depth to handle the challenges of the Premiership season, including potential injuries.