Scottish League Shock: Perth Teams Plummet After 16-year Run in Top Division
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, St. Johnstone's prolonged 16-year stint in the Scottish Premiership meets its demise, as Ronan Hale's controversial late penalty for Ross County seals their relegation fate. With Hearts leading at Tynecastle, Saints still clung to hopes of prolonging their survival battle after Dundee took a 1-0 lead against County at the 55th minute.
But after St. Johnstone had already gone down 2-1 at Gorgie, Hale's penalty in added time ensured a 1-1 draw for Ross County, leaving them four points ahead with just one game left. Dundee were incensed by the award of the penalty, accusing Antonio Portales of handball.
Now, both Dundee and County find themselves embroiled in a desperate fight to steer clear of the Premiership play-off. County needs to beat Motherwell at home on Sunday and hope Dundee lose away to doomed St Johnstone.
Battered and broken, St. Johnstone manager Simo Valakari can't hide his emotions. "It's agony," he told BBC Scotland after delivering his post-match address, "It's really, really hurts."
Today marks the end of a tumultuous season for St. Johnstone, one that saw them flirt with relegation for much of it. "We need to change things and get this beautiful club back to winning ways," continued Valakari, "This season is history. We need to change and get this club back to its former glory."
As questions circulate about Valakari's future, he made it clear that he's preparing for the fight in the Championship next season. "Numerous things need to change, some big, some small," he assessed. "We can't have off days. This big, big job will require a lot of effort every day."
The ballad of St. Johnstone's tumultuous journey will continue into the Championship, a fight they've shown resilience in before. Manager Valakari has expressed his determination to stick with the club and steer them back towards Premiership glory. But, with several aspects in need of adjustment, St. Johnstone faces a colossal task ahead. The uphill battle to rebuild and reclaim their spot among the Premiership's best awaits.
[1] St. Johnstone's 2-1 loss to Hearts - BBC[2] Ross County secures a 1-1 draw against Dundee - Daily Record[3] Valakari's appointment as manager (October 2023) - St. Johnstone FC official website
The St. Johnstone's heart-wrenching 2-1 loss to Hearts, cited in the BBC report, sealed their fate in the Scottish Premiership, pushing them into the Championship next season. Meanwhile, Ross County secured a 1-1 draw against Dundee, as stated in the Daily Record, putting them four points ahead with just one game left, leanings toward Premier League play-off battles. Manager Valakari, in his interview with BBC Scotland, expressed his determination and plans for change, hinting at a colossal task ahead in rebuilding and reclaiming their spot among the Premiership's best.
