COMPETE, SLEEP AND BREATHE

Valakari's rituals give him energy to drive Saints' promotion quest

- BY FRASER WILSON

IN his own words, Simo Valakari is no “football nerd”.

The Finn puts in the necessary hours to drive St Johnstone's promotion bid which, he says, is ahead of schedule but “not even close to where we want to go”.

But after working hours? Don't expect him to be jumping on the 24/7 televised football conveyor belt.

Valakari loves to listen to music, an eclectic mix of anything from classic rock and roll to stuff from back home in Finland. He works out. And likes to lose himself in a book.

He is fascinated by art too, particularly of the tattoo variety, and the 52-year-old has an impressive covering over his body that documents his well-travelled life journey in football.

“Every place I have lived I have a tattoo but I've still to decide on a Perth one,” the Saints boss admits.

Maybe there could be the inking of a trophy come May? He'd love nothing more.

Because while he might not be a football obsessive, the beautiful game is still his No.1 passion.

And it’s fuelled by yet another out of the norm - in the football world at least — routine.

Meditation. Morning and night.

Breathing exercises that give Valakari the energy he says is his responsibility to transmit to his players every day.

Given that St Johnstone are currently embroiled in a breathless race for the Championship title it might just be the most useful tool in the former Motherwell, Derby and Finland midfielder's bag.