Finnish manager Simo Valakari has made the decision to retain Andy Kirk and Alex Cleland on the coaching staff at St Johnstone. Valakari, who recently took over as the new manager, was impressed by Kirk and Cleland during the period of uncertainty while his work permit application was being processed. Initially arriving with an open mind about his backroom team, Valakari has now recognised the value of keeping the duo he inherited from former manager Craig Levein.
Valakari expressed his satisfaction with his decision to take time to assess the coaching staff before making any changes. He stated, “I always believed we had good people here and it’s true. That’s been the benefit of staying outside, observing and seeing a whole lot of things.” The delay in his work permit process allowed the coaching staff to showcase their capabilities, leading Valakari to conclude that working together is the best way forward.
Andy Kirk joined St Johnstone as assistant manager under Levein a year ago, leaving his position at Brechin City. On the other hand, Alex Cleland has been part of the coaching staff since 2009, initially hired under Derek McInnes. Valakari is confident that the combined talents of himself, Kirk, and Cleland will contribute to St Johnstone’s performance and aspirations of climbing the league table. He praised the duo, saying, “They are fantastic characters – and they know what they’re talking about. They know the league, the teams, the players.”
The decision to retain Kirk and Cleland reflects Valakari’s belief in the existing expertise within the coaching staff and his strategic approach to continuity and collaboration at St Johnstone.
Insights:
Maintaining continuity within a football coaching staff can be crucial for a team’s performance and success. Simo Valakari’s decision to keep Andy Kirk and Alex Cleland showcases his trust in the existing talent and his desire for a smooth transition in his new role at St Johnstone. By recognising the strengths of Kirk and Cleland, Valakari aims to capitalise on their experience and knowledge of the league, players, and teams to drive St Johnstone forward. Balancing continuity with new ideas and perspectives from the new manager can create a harmonious and effective coaching setup, benefiting the team’s performance on the field.