The 2024-2025 season has been a challenging one for St. Johnstone Football Club standings, affectionately known as the “Saints.” As we move into May 2025, the Perth-based club finds itself in a precarious position in the Scottish Premiership standings. This article will delve into their performance throughout the season, analyze the key factors contributing to their current situation, and address some of the questions and discussions surrounding the team that have emerged online.

Current Standings and Season Overview

As of late April/early May 2025, St. Johnstone occupies the bottom rung of the Scottish Premiership table. Having played 33 or 34 matches (depending on the exact date of the data), the team has accumulated around 29 points. Their record reflects a struggle for consistency, with approximately 8 wins, 5 draws, and a significant number of losses (around 20 or 21).

A concerning aspect of their season has been their goal difference, which sits at a substantial negative figure (around -25 or -26). This indicates a significant disparity between the number of goals they have scored (around 33-35) and the number they have conceded (around 58-61).

The season can be characterized by periods of promise interspersed with stretches of disappointing results. While there have been glimpses of the fighting spirit that St. Johnstone fans have come to expect, these moments have often been overshadowed by defensive vulnerabilities and an inconsistency in front of goal.

Factors Contributing to the Current Situation

Several factors have likely played a role in St. Johnstone’s struggles this season:

Defensive Instability: The high number of goals conceded points to underlying issues in the defensive setup. Whether due to individual errors, tactical vulnerabilities, or injuries to key personnel, the inability to keep clean sheets has consistently put pressure on the team to score multiple goals to secure victories.

Inconsistency in Attack: While the team has managed to find the net on occasion, a lack of consistent goal-scoring has hampered their ability to convert draws into wins and to recover from conceding goals. Finding a reliable source of goals has been a persistent challenge.

Injuries and Squad Depth: Like many teams, St. Johnstone has likely had to contend with injuries to key players throughout the season. A lack of sufficient depth in certain positions can exacerbate the impact of these absences, forcing changes in personnel and potentially disrupting team cohesion.

Managerial Changes and Tactics: The stability of the managerial position and the tactical approaches adopted can significantly influence a team’s performance. Any changes in management or shifts in playing style throughout the season can take time for the players to adapt to and may contribute to inconsistency. As of May 1, 2025, Simo Valakari is the manager of the club. It’s important to consider the impact of his leadership and tactical decisions on the team’s performance.

Psychological Impact of Results: A string of negative results can take a toll on the team’s morale and confidence, creating a negative cycle that is difficult to break. Maintaining a positive mindset and a belief in their ability to turn things around is crucial for any team facing a relegation battle.

Strength of the League: The Scottish Premiership is a competitive league, and every season presents its own challenges. The overall quality of the opposition and the tight margins in many matches mean that any weaknesses within a team can be readily exploited.

The Road Ahead: Navigating the Relegation Battle

With the season drawing to a close, every remaining match is crucial for St. Johnstone. Their focus will undoubtedly be on securing as many points as possible to climb out of the relegation zone or, at the very least, secure a place in the relegation playoff.

Key aspects of their approach in the remaining games will likely include:

Tightening the Defense: Addressing the defensive vulnerabilities and minimizing the number of goals conceded will be paramount.

Finding Goals: Identifying a consistent goal-scoring threat and maximizing their chances in front of goal is essential.

Maintaining Team Spirit: Keeping morale high and fostering a strong sense of unity within the squad will be crucial to navigating the pressure of the relegation battle.

Tactical Flexibility: Being adaptable in their tactical approach and being able to adjust their game plan based on the opposition and the flow of the match could prove vital.

Utilizing Set Pieces: Set pieces can be a valuable source of goals in tight matches, both offensively and defensively.

The upcoming fixtures will be closely watched by fans and neutrals alike. Matches against fellow teams in the lower half of the table will be particularly significant, as these represent direct opportunities to gain ground on their rivals.

Historical Context and Fan Expectations

 While they may not always have been challenging for the league title, they have established themselves as a consistent top-flight club and have enjoyed periods of significant success, most 

This recent success has likely raised fan expectations, and the current struggles will be particularly disappointing for the loyal supporters who witnessed those memorable triumphs. The desire to remain in the Scottish Premiership is strong, and the fans will be hoping that the team can find the resilience and quality needed to secure their top-flight status.

Final Thoughts

The 2024-2025 season has presented St. Johnstone with a significant challenge. Their current position in the league standings reflects a season of inconsistency and struggle. The questions and discussions among fans on platforms like YouTube and Google highlight the concern and anxiety surrounding the team’s future.

Johnstone still has opportunities to turn their season around in the remaining matches. It will require a collective effort from the players, the manager, and the unwavering support of their fans. The coming weeks will be a true test of the club’s character and their determination to remain a Scottish Premiership team. Whether they can navigate this difficult period and secure their survival remains to be seen, but their fight will undoubtedly be followed with intense interest.

The focus now shifts to the remaining games, each one carrying immense weight. St. Johnstone will need to draw on all their experience and fighting spirit to overcome the odds and ensure their place in the top tier of Scottish football for the next season. The rollercoaster ride of the Saints continues, and the final destination is yet to be determined.

FAQs

What are some of the key factors contributing to St. Johnstone’s struggles this season?

 Several factors include defensive instability, inconsistency in attack, injuries and squad depth, potential managerial changes and tactics, the psychological impact of negative results, and the overall strength of the league.

What will be St. Johnstone’s main focus in the remaining matches of the season? 

Their main focus will be on securing as many points as possible to climb out of the relegation zone or secure a playoff spot. This includes tightening the defense, finding consistent goals, maintaining team spirit, and being tactically flexible.

What is the overall outlook for St. Johnstone as they navigate the end of the season? 

The remaining weeks will be a significant test of the club’s character and determination to remain in the Scottish Premiership. Their fight for survival will be closely followed.

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