How St Johnstone stormed Scottish Championship to make immediate Premiership return

When Don Robertson’s whistle blew – almost audible over the celebratory cheers of the 3,000-plus strong traveling support – Valakari let it all out.

The energetic coach looked emotional, ecstatic and a bit exhausted as he became engrossed in the post-match scenes.

The fans were chanting his name from the 80th minute and several of his players pulled him to his feet, as they would in the Championship cup after playing Raith Rovers live on BBC Scotland on Friday night.

He masterminded what Williams called “the most enjoyable season going and watching the Saints since Tommy Wright has been there.”

Wright, of course, oversaw the landmark 2014 Scottish Cup win during his impressive seven-year tenure.

Williams’s sentiment was by no means a trophy double achieved under Wright’s successor Callum Davidson, but this was a league campaign built on sheer consistency; The first 10 games were “completely perfect”.

“It was nice to feel that feeling again, but I think the novelty will wear off after one season,” he added, not wanting to become too familiar with second base.

Fortunately, Perthshire-Saints converts can turn their notifications back on for the Premiership. After two matches, all their attention will return to the top flight.

So how do they think they’ll be successful when they get there?

“We’re in a better place than last time,” Williams said.

“There will be a lot of players looking for more opportunities elsewhere next season, but hopefully the core of the team can stay because it would be nice to see them get a chance in the Premiership because they’ve done really well for us this season.”

What they have. Now they join the party even more closely…