St Johnstone star unsurprised by lofty league position as he hails Simo Valakari masterplan

The newly-promoted side are sitting pretty in the top six after claiming a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie at the weekend

By Scott Burns · Daily Record

Published: Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at 6:30 PM

Key Things to Know

Liam Smith says St Johnstone always had confidence to compete and are unsurprised by reaching the top six.
St Johnstone earned their first Premiership away win and clean sheet of the season by defeating Aberdeen 1-0.
Manager Simo Valakari deployed a makeshift backline with Daniel Finlayson, Liam Smith, and Matty Foulds.

The Story in 60 Seconds

St Johnstone defender Liam Smith stated he is not surprised by the club moving into the Scottish Premiership top six following a 1-0 away victory against Aberdeen on Sunday. The win marked the newly promoted side's first away victory and their first clean sheet in the top flight this season.

Manager Simo Valakari fielded a makeshift three-man central defense featuring only one fit natural center-back, Daniel Finlayson, alongside Smith and Matty Foulds. Smith praised Valakari's tactical plan and goalkeeper Toby Stewart's display ahead of their upcoming home match against Dundee United.

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St Johnstone star unsurprised by lofty league position as he hails Simo Valakari masterplan

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