Rangers nine-in-a-row hero leaves SPFL club after NINETEEN years amid major backroom changes
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SIMO VALAKARI will shake up his coaching staff after splitting with number two Andy Kirk and long-serving coach Alex Cleland.
The Finn has decided to make major changes to his backroom team following relegation to the Championship.
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Alec Cleland pictured taking training at McDiarmid Park
Credit: Perthshire Picture Agency
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Cleland (right) celebrates a Rangers goal with McCoist and Durrant
Valakari inherited Kirk from former boss Craig Levein, who brought him in from Brechin City when he got the job in 2023.
Cleland has served Saints since 2009, after joining as U20s manager under Derek McInnes and then stepping up to become assistant boss to Tommy Wright.
The ex-Rangers and Everton star has stepped in as caretaker several times over the years and was part of the first-team coaching staff under Valakari last term.
Saints will now bring in a coach/analyst from abroad, with a domestic-based number two being targeted.
Valakari's son Paavo, who joined the staff mid-way through last season, will remain in his post as performance manager.
Saints said: 'The club can confirm that there will be a restructuring of the football department as we look ahead to the 2025/26 season.
'Assistant manager Andy Kirk and first team coach Alex Cleland both depart. We thank them greatly for all of their contributions.
'Andy arrived at McDiarmid Park as assistant to Craig Levein and during his time with us, also took on the role of interim manager.
'He operated with professionalism throughout, and we wish him all the very best for the future.
'Alex joined in the summer of 2009 to work alongside Derek McInnes and Tony Docherty for our return to top-flight football.
St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari on loving 'crazy' club owners, his Motherwell days and run-in with a Celtic hero
'While managers moved on through the years, Alex remained a constant.
'He played his part in us winning three pieces of major silverware – the Scottish Cup in 2014 and 2021, as well as the League Cup in 2021.
'Alex was also first team coach throughout numerous top six finishes and memorable European adventures, including advancing beyond both Rosenborg and FC Luzern.
'He stepped into the role of interim manager on more than one occasion and always went about his business with the utmost professionalism.
'Not just a positive influence on first team senior squad members, Alex has also helped shape the careers of countless young footballers who transitioned through our academy.
'Again, we thank Alex for his major contribution to St Johnstone Football Club and wish him the very best for the future.'
Meanwhile, defender Sam McClelland, who is out of contract this summer, has undergone another operation on his injured achilles.
The Northern Ireland international suffered the injury on the opening day of last season's Premiership so has been out of action since.
Saints will give him facilities to continue his rehab while he builds up his fitness.
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