SAINTS TIL THE FINISH

SIMO WILL STAY WITH

- By Anthony Brown

SIMO VALAKARI stressed his desire is to remain in charge of St Johnstone regardless of whether they avoid relegation or not, but he conceded his job is at risk if their 16-year stay in the top flight ends this month.

The Finn, left, was appointed at the start of October after a poor start under Craig Levein, but his side are six points adrift at the foot of the Premiership with just three games to play.

Asked if he expected to remain in charge next season, Valakari — who has won 10 out of 32 games in all competitions - said: "You need to ask the owners. I want to be here."

Valakari is in regular contact with owner Adam Webb but he conceded everyone's job at Saints is “on the line” if they go down.

“Of course, we know how football works and there is no hiding from it,” he said. “Everyone is in the same boat. No one is safe.”

Valakari was heavily linked with the vacancy at HJK Helsinki last weekend, but he dismissed the possibility of returning home.