Most enjoyable season since Wright years – how Saints stormed to title

St Johnstone’s triumph in the Scottish Championship has been hailed as their most satisfying campaign in years, with fans only fully embracing the victory after Ruari Paton’s decisive header against Dunfermline on Tuesday. Despite dominating the league from the opening match, where they defeated Partick Thistle 5-1, the Saints’ supporters remained cautious until the final weeks of the season. Their seamless ascent to the top of the table, punctuated by a flawless run of form, has culminated in a title win that feels earned and celebratory.

A campaign defined by dominance

The Saints’ season unfolded with remarkable consistency, securing 20 victories from 24 matches while keeping losses to just three. They outperformed Thistle in both goal tally and defensive efficiency, netting 64 goals compared to their rivals’ 52, and conceding only 25, a figure 10 goals lower than the competition. This dominance was particularly notable after a strong opening, where they accumulated 28 points from 30 available in their first fixtures, setting the tone for the campaign.

“Being top throughout has brought a strange sort of comfort, we’ve never been chasing or anything like that,” said Danny Williams, a Saints fan and Dogger Saints podcaster. “It’s probably quite a natural reaction for football fans to get a bit nervy, especially after having four difficult seasons like we have – I think we’ve been carrying a bit of scar tissue.” “But, what a feeling enjoying going every week and being confident every week has been, this has just been a lovely way to top it all off.”

The turning point, according to Williams, came on 4 April when the Saints clinched a 4-2 victory over Arbroath, a match that marked a decisive shift in their favor. “That was a day when you thought, it’s totally in our hands,” he recounted. “We were 1-0 down but equalized just before half-time. The momentum from that game was unstoppable.”

Rebuilding through adversity

St Johnstone’s recent history has been one of resilience, navigating challenges such as relegation and the play-off limbo. Following their 2021 cup double, the club found itself in a cycle of near-misses, with successive managers struggling to stabilize the squad. However, the act of being relegated provided a fresh start, allowing new signings to step into roles that revitalized the team.

“The squad had gone a bit stale – not to have a pop at the guys before!” Williams noted. “But it’s that old Sir Alex Ferguson saying, ‘you never let a team grow old together,’ and I think that’s what happened a little bit under successive managers. “Relegation gave the squad a clean break. There was barely anyone who stayed last summer, and the guys that have come in have all played their part and made a positive impact.”

Owner Adam Webb’s steadfast support for Valakari, the Finn who took charge on 1 October 2024, proved pivotal. Despite a 25-day delay due to work permit issues, Valakari quickly established himself as a fan favorite, blending strategic insight with charismatic appeal. His ability to unite the team and fans alike has been a cornerstone of St Johnstone’s success this season, with the club’s response to setbacks showcasing renewed vigor.