SCOTLAND THE CRAVE

New Saints boss always longed for return

- FRASER MACKIE

SIMO VALAKARI admits becoming St Johnstone manager is the chance he's craved since the first day of his coaching career.

The new Perth boss hung up his boots in 2010 and has taken charge of clubs in Norway and Latvia as well as enjoying great success in his native Finland.

But returning to Scotland's top flight, where he starred in midfield for Motherwell from 1996 to 2000, was always a priority ambition.

Valakari said: "I never took it for granted that I would come back. But when I started my coaching career, one of my things was, 'One day I would like to coach in Scotland. I know how many good coaches there are here and how difficult it is to get a job so that's why I'm excited to get this opportunity.