Saints chief has no plans to sack Simo

Webb insists he'll stick with Valakari despite relegation

- FRASER MACKIE

St Johnstone chairman Adam Webb insists he was never going to be persuaded to part ways with Simo Valakari despite the devastation of losing Premiership status.

The club owner quickly announced he was sticking with Valakari straight after relegation was confirmed in mid-May.

The Finnish boss has since travelled to the United States for a series of meetings with Webb and his team of investors.

And that's only confirmed to the Atlanta-based lawyer that he's got the right man in charge for a return to the top-flight at the first time of asking.

Webb stressed he never gave a second’s thought to sacking Valakari, who replaced Craig Levein on October 1.

The swell of opinion from the supporters and his closest advisors was overwhelmingly behind Valakari being best for the long-term good of the club.