St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari may decide to have three goalkeepers compete for the starting role. This internal competition would take place at the club's McDiarmid Park training ground, according to a report from The Courier this week.
The Scottish Championship winners are preparing for life back in the Premiership after a dominant season. They finished first in the 2025 Championship with 77 points from 36 games, recording 22 wins, 11 draws, and just 3 losses. Their goal difference of +42, built on 67 goals scored and 25 conceded, was the best in the division. You can review the full final table on our standings page.
What is the goalkeeper situation?
The report, which requires a subscription to read in full, frames the plan as gossip rather than a confirmed decision. Valakari's potential move suggests he wants to foster intense competition within his squad. Having three keepers vying for one spot can push each player to perform at their highest level during every training session. This approach is not uncommon when a manager wants to assess his options thoroughly before the season begins.
St Johnstone's squad depth will be tested in the top flight. The club's current top scorer is S. Mallan, who has netted twice in 11 appearances this season. A strong defensive unit, beginning with a confident goalkeeper, will be essential for the Perth side's survival and success. Fans can track the squad's contributions on our stats page.
How does this fit with pre-season plans?
Implementing a three-way battle now gives Valakari several weeks to evaluate his candidates before competitive action resumes. The next scheduled fixture is a home match against Dundee United on October 17, 2026. The manager will want his first-choice keeper firmly established well ahead of that key encounter. You can see the full schedule leading up to that game on our fixtures page.
Pre-season is the ideal time for such experiments. It allows for mistakes in a lower-stakes environment and provides clear data on consistency and mentality. The final decision on who starts in goal could define St Johnstone's early season form.
What happens next for St Johnstone?
The focus at McDiarmid Park will now shift to the training pitch. Valakari and his coaching staff will monitor the goalkeepers closely over the coming weeks. Their performances in training matches and drills will be scrutinized more than ever.
This internal competition is just one piece of the puzzle as St Johnstone builds towards their Premiership return. The club's impressive recent form, ending the season with five consecutive wins, provides a solid foundation. Maintaining that momentum will require every player, especially the last line of defense, to be at their peak.
