St Johnstone

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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St Johnstone keeper Toby Steward says he is delighted to be back playing for the Perth club after returning for a season-long loan from EFL Championship side Portsmouth.

The 21-year-old returns to McDiarmid Park having played a pivotal part in the Saints' Championship success last season.

The goalkeeper made 36 league appearances and kept 20 clean sheets as the Saints returned to the Scottish top flight at the first time of asking.

And while Steward was aware the expectation was to return to the top flight last term, he knows this season will come with different expectations.

"Obviously for me it's a good step up in terms of the league and just to be back around this place," he said.

"I loved it last season, we had a great season and I'm just happy to be around the same people that I had such a good time with.

"It really was a special night [winning the Scottish Championship title] just to top it all off, seeing the fans out there, lifting the trophy and everybody there having a great time, it just made everything worth it.

"Last year there was an expectation that we would get promoted and this season a whole new league, better opponents, better opposition, it is a different sort of pressure because now it's about what is the success for us this year. It's first of all staying up and then further from that how high can we go.

"So, it's a different sort of pressure and for me I'm looking forward to it, I'm obviously playing against big teams and hopefully we can do well.

"I think as footballers that's what we look forward to and that's what I've wanted to do is play against big opposition in front of big crowds on the biggest stages as possible, so yeah I'm looking forward to it."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari believes VAR can benefit Scottish football if it is used correctly after meeting with the head of the system in Scotland ahead of the new Premiership season.

Martin Atkinson has been visiting all Premiership clubs before the campaign begins next week to outline law changes and discuss how VAR will operate during the 2026-27 season.

Valakari welcomed the discussions, saying they focused on improving communication between players and officials while making the game more free-flowing.

"I followed the Premiership very carefully last season," the Saints boss said.

"Playing in the Championship, it was fresh air because there was no VAR. You could celebrate your goal straight away when the referee pointed to the centre circle.

"But at the same time, I do believe VAR can be a good thing because, if it's used right, it can be good.

"It was a very good meeting. I really appreciate the time the referees have taken to come and speak to us.

"We spoke about the new rules and the cooperation between players and referees. We are all there for the sake of a good game, to make it more entertaining, more fluid and avoid wasting time. It is about respect on both sides."

Valakari acknowledged the challenges officials face despite the technology available.

"Everyone wants VAR to work as well as possible," he added.

"The referees told us that having VAR takes some of the excuses away because, from the bottom of their hearts, they want to make the right decisions.

"But football is so complicated. No two situations are ever the same. Even with the highest technology, there is still the subjectivity of the human mind and room for human error.

"I believe it will get better. Maybe sometimes we just need to be more patient, let it work and find the right way to use it."

There will be no VAR for Saturday's Premier Sports Cup tie against East Fife, where St Johnstone must win to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

Defeat by Inverness Caledonian Thistle in midweek left Saints third in the group, one point behind East Fife and two adrift of the Highland side.

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Bozo Mikulic feels "real happiness for everything that is next" at St Johnstone after signing a new contract with the club.

The Croatian centre-back's new deal runs until the summer of 2027 and will keep him at McDiarmid Park until then.

Mikulic joined Saints in October 2024 but has endured an injury-plagued spell during his time in Perth.

However, he is convinced he is primed to help the team on their return to the top flight and is "thankful for this chance".

"What I came through last season with the injury was the worst period of my career," he said. "It felt like the worst scenario for me, or for any player.

"But now my body has been feeling very good. Pre-season went well and I played four games. I was really happy with how that went.

"I'm very thankful for this chance. There is great excitement to be back in the Scottish Premiership.

"We have great characters and boys in our dressing room who are ready to build on the momentum of what happened last season."

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Jamie Gullan is "back", says St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari after the striker netted two penalties in Saturday's Premier Sports Cup Group F win.

Gullan converted from 12 yards either side of Reece McAlear's volley as Saints made it two group wins out of two.

The 27-year-old scored 17 goals last season but only four came after the turn of the year.

"Jamie had a little tough spell carrying some illness then he did not look like himself," Valakari told club media.

"Jamie's back, back. The big Jamie, we saw today."

St Johnstone continue Group F away to Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Tuesday (19:45) and finish at home to East Fife on Saturday (15:00).

And Valakari commented: "There will be some changes for Tuesday."

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Macaulay Tait is "happy to do the dirty work" for St Johnstone after completing a permanent switch from fellow Scottish Premiership side Hearts.

Tait, 20, came through the Hearts academy and has had two loan spells with Livingston in the past two seasons.

He has signed a two-year deal at McDiarmid Park and says he is in the right place to continue his development.

"I'm really excited to get started and to meet all of the boys properly," he said. "How much the club and the gaffer wanted me was a great start to all of this.

"I felt it was the right place to continue my journey. The club has momentum coming into the top-flight, and it seems a really positive place to be. The boys play good football and I'll just be looking to come in and add to that.

"I have been at Hearts for a while and came through the academy, playing 16 times for the first team. That was nice for myself and my family.

"I took the step on loan to Livingston for the past 18 months and I can't thank them enough for progressing my career. Now I'm looking to make a real impact at Saints.

"I'll be hard-working and run for this team as much as I can. Hopefully I can bring quality on the ball and give the attacking players the service to do their stuff. I'm happy to do the dirty work."

Hearts midfielder Macaulay Tait, 20, is set to join fellow Scottish Premiership club St Johnstone. (Courier - subscription required, external)

Thursday's Scottish gossip

Talks have now begun between St Johnstone and Bozo Mikulic, but head coach Simo Valakari says he and the 29-year-old centre-half have agreed that a decision over a new contract should not be rushed as he continues his recovery from six months absence through injury. (The Courier), external

Former St Johnstone striker Makenzie Kirk could be heading out of Portsmouth on loan to Barnsley. (The Courier, external)

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari has decided not to sign Liam McCarron after the 25-year-old left-back's trial with the Perth club following his departure from Boston United. (The Courier, external)

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Ruari Paton scored twice and was involved in St Johnstone's two other goals in Saturday's 4-2 friendly win at Cove Rangers.

Josh Fowler set up Paton for Saints' opener but Destiny Oladipo soon levelled for Scottish League 1 Cove.

Paton drew a foul that resulted in a penalty, which Fowler converted, and Fotheringham's one-two with Paton ended with a third Saints goal before half-time.

And Paton netted again in the second period before one of Cove's trialists replied.

Recent recruits Daniel Finlayson and Zach Mitchell started for the Perth side and Logan Chalmers came on in the second half.

Simo Valakari's St Johnstone open their competitive season with a Premier Sports Cup fixture away to Linlithgow on Tuesday (19:45 BST).

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari says it is now decision time over Bozo Mikulic with the 29-year-old defender featuring in all their pre-season matches as a trialist after his contract ran out on his return from long-term injury. (Courier - subscription required, external)

Sunday's Scottish gossip

St Johnstone won't be offering Max Anderson a contract after a short trial period for the former Dundee midfielder, while winger Liam McCarron and defender Bozo Mikulic continue to train with the Perth club. (The Courier - subscription required, external)

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Toby Steward has returned for a second season-long loan with St Johnstone after signing a new three-year contract with Portsmouth.

The 21-year-old made 45 appearances last season as Saints won the Championship title and a return to Scotland's top flight, keeping a league record 20 clean sheets.

Steward told St Johnstone's website: "I'm so excited to be back. I had a great time last year.

"As soon as I heard there was interest, I wanted to come back.

"It's a new challenge for us this season – a really good league with strong opposition. But this is a great opportunity for me."

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho told his website: "It's no surprise that they wanted him back and we're pleased that he will now get a chance to test himself at a higher level.

"We have given Toby a new contract because we believe he has a very bright future in the game and I look forward to seeing how he performs during the 2026/27 campaign."

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Charlton Athletic centre-half Zach Mitchell has returned to St Johnstone with "unfinished business" after spending part of last season at Hibernian.

The 21-year-old had a stint in Perth during the 2024-25 season when Saints suffered Scottish Premiership relegation.

Simo Valakari led the club back to the top flight at the first time of asking and Mitchell says the manager played a significant part in his return.

"I fell in love with the place and the fans as well," said the centre-back, who played 10 times for St Johnstone in his previous loan. "Their support was always amazing.

"I also enjoyed how the gaffer works and that was a big part in me coming back to Perth. I really enjoy his style and philosophy and, after speaking to him, I know we can be competitive this year and push on.

"After having a great season last year and gaining promotion back to the Premiership, it is nice coming into a club that is on the way up again.

"I was gutted last time not to be able to see the season out due to injury, so I almost feel I have unfinished business here. I want to hit the ground running.

"I know my body and my game better. I am really positive and optimistic about the season ahead."

Mitchell started last season on loan to Hibs but was recalled by the Championship club in January after having made only two appearances.

The Bromley-born defender came through Charlton's youth ranks and previously played 28 times on loan to Colchester United in League Two.

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Summer St Johnstone signing Unax Alvarez is likely to miss the start of their Premier Sports Cup campaign after picking up an injury during pre-season.

The 24-year-old winger, signed from Deportivo Guadalajara after their relegation from Spain's third tier, twisted his ankle in last week's 4-0 friendly win over Forfar Athletic.

Head coach Simo Valakari told Saints TV: "But the good news is nothing is broken.

"It is just a twisted ligament, so it will be a couple of weeks unfortunately."

There is more chance of defender Morgan Boyes and forward Louis Lloyd making the group stage opener against Linlithgow Rose on Tuesday, 14 July.

"Louis, the good news, MRI is clear, so I hope him in some capacity will join the team training next week," Valakari said.

"And same with Morgan Boyes. He's been working very hard, already on the field with our physios.

"I think he will take some part in football training next week."

St Johnstone continued their preparations with a 3-0 win away to League 1 side Montrose on Saturday, but Valakari gave much of the credit to 21-year-old goalkeeper Craig Hepburn.

"We all need to thank Heppy, our goalkeeper - he was fantastic," he said. "He made the saves. He kept us in the game and that's why we have three good goalkeepers."

Nevertheless, Valakari added that he was confident the "commitment, attitude, their ownership, responsibility for the team, it's there and that gives us the foundation to be successful".

Zach Mitchell, the 21-year-old centre-half whose spell with Hibernian was cut short last season, is poised to return for a second loan term with St Johnstone from Charlton Athletic, Saints manager Simo Valakari has confirmed. (The Courier, external)

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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St Johnstone made it two wins from two in their pre-season outings as they coasted past League One side Montrose with a 3-0 victory.

Goals from Ruari Paton, signed permanently from Port Vale over the summer, and defender Chieck Diabate had Simo Valakari's side two goals up at the break.

Just after the hour mark, half-time sub and new signing Logan Chalmers. It's their second victory of the nascent summer, after a 4-0 win over Forfar on Tuesday.

In the first of the BBC Scottish Football Podcast's Premiership previews ahead of the new season, actor Colin McCredie and Danny Williams from the Dogger Saints podcast assess St Johnstone's chances as they return to the top flight after winning the Championship.

Manager Simo Valakari's performance is likely to be judged around Christmas time - and how vital is it that goalkeeper Toby Steward returns on loan from Portsmouth?

St Johnstone have handed a trial to former Dundee midfielder Max Anderson after the 25-year-old left Crawley Town. (Daily Record, external)

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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St Johnstone had four different scorers and fielded new signings Logan Chalmers, Unax Alvarez de Eulate and Matty Todd in a comfortable friendly win over Forfar Athletic at Station Park on Tuesday evening.

Sam Stanton headed the visitors in front and Kai Fotheringham and Josh Fowler added further goals before half-time. Taylor Steven completed a 4-0 victory after the break.

Chalmers and Todd started, with De Eulate replacing the former at half-time.

The Scottish Championship winners next face Montrose at Links Park on Saturday (14:00 BST).

St Johnstone are poised to bring back 21-year-old goalkeeper Toby Steward for a second loan spell from Portsmouth. (The Courier, external)

Dundee United and St Johnstone are interested in Nemanja Krsmanovic after the 23-year-old left-back left Serbian top-flight club Spartak Subotica. (The Herald, external)

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.