St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari has dismissed speculation linking him to the vacant Hibernian job. The Finn reaffirmed his commitment to the Saints ahead of Saturday's league visit from Falkirk.
Valakari addressed the rumours directly when speaking to reporters this week. "Every time there is some vacancy somewhere, all the coaches will be thrown in," he said. He expressed sympathy for his former colleague David Gray, who was dismissed by Hibs on Wednesday following a 1-0 home defeat to Kilmarnock. That loss left the Edinburgh side ninth in the Scottish Premiership with six points from six games.
The St Johnstone boss played down the links, framing them as a normal part of football. He noted that his immediate concern is preparing his team, who sit seventh in the Premiership on seven points, for their next fixture. "He is my colleague and of course I feel for my colleague," Valakari added regarding Gray's departure.
The Saints' recent form has been mixed, with one win, one draw and three defeats in their last five outings. Their most recent result was a 1-0 home loss to Celtic last weekend. They face a Falkirk side currently 10th in the table this Saturday at McDiarmid Park.
Valakari joined St Johnstone in 2024 and was instrumental in guiding the club to promotion from the Scottish Championship earlier this year. His focus remains on continuing that progress in the top flight, starting with three points against Falkirk.
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