Valakari urges his Saints stars to live locally and embrace community spirit for promotion push

Simo Valakari plans to encourage players to put down roots in Perth to improve St Johnstone's promotion bid.

- FRASER MACKIE

The Saints manager believes there are multiple benefits to be gained from having the bulk of his squad live locally. Last season, he was concerned to note a number of first team stars who spent hours in their cars to and from McDiarmid Park on a daily basis.

Valakari reckons that is harmful to their bodies as athletes but also squad spirit.

And he also hopes a better bond can be created between players and supporters by having local heroes to cheer on in the Championship.

Valakari explained: "When I played for Motherwell, I stayed 200 yards round the corner.

"Of course, it is so close to Glasgow so many players did live in Glasgow.

"Here, I was a little bit shocked that players were travelling to here from Glasgow and Edinburgh.

"So you spend maybe two or three hours in the car every day. It's not ideal for your body, for your performance and recovery.