Valakari Emphasizes Focus Over Nostalgia Ahead of Motherwell Return

Simo Valakari, who made over 100 appearances during his four years at Fir Park, has confirmed he has not visited Motherwell since his departure 24 years ago. He is preparing for a reunion this Saturday when he brings his St Johnstone team to Lanarkshire. The Finn initially joined Motherwell as a player in 1996, remaining with the club for four years before moving to Derby County. Valakari expressed his sentiments about the upcoming visit, stating, “It is nice to go back to Fir Park because that was the place I started my professional career.” He recounted his last match for Motherwell in 2000, a 2-0 victory against Rangers, adding, “It’s now 24 years, I have not been back there.” While acknowledging his anticipation to “see the stadium again, to see the fans,” he underscored his current priorities: “but we have a big job with St Johnstone and this is our thing now, so full focus.” He offered praise for Stuart Kettlewell’s squad, noting their strong start to the Premiership campaign, which currently places them in fifth position. Valakari further elaborated on his observations of Motherwell, remarking, “I have been watching and following Motherwell a long time, for many reasons.” He described them as “a very strong team who have a good team chemistry who are working for each other, who have some special players, with some pace, some good midfielders with the ball, some good defenders. It’s a very solid team. We need to find our way to hurt the opponent.” Despite his immediate focus on Saturday’s fixture, Valakari admitted he had never expected to return to the Scottish game. He commented, “Not even one day did I think I would get the chance to manage in the Scottish Premiership,” and added, “I have been working very hard to get here and I am so happy and proud to be manager of St Johnstone.” Valakari concluded by acknowledging the significance of the occasion: “It’s a great moment to go back there but… we leave the nostalgia. Great memories, they never go, I never forget them, but now it’s a new chapter.”