Talking within the build-up to right now’s journey to Dundee United, St Mirren supervisor Stephen Robinson joked that if his gamers handle to drag off a minor miracle by securing European soccer for the second consecutive season, he’ll take it upon himself to construct statues of their honour.
Sure, it could have been tongue-in-cheek, but it surely provided an perception into simply how extremely he thinks of them. The sensation is reciprocal, little doubt.
And with good purpose, too. Whereas the gamers deserve each little bit of credit score which has come their manner this yr, merely put, they might not be on this place with out Robinson within the dugout.
The query is: how lengthy will he be there?
With the best of respect to the Paisley outfit, it stays considered one of life’s nice mysteries that the Northern Irishman hasn’t been swooped up by anybody else, both right here or south of the border.
Saints supporters received’t like to listen to it, however which will simply be about to vary.
Stephen Robinson has guided St Mirren into the highest six for the third consecutive season
Final weekend’s 1-0 win over Aberdeen ensured the gamers’ European dream remains to be alive
Robinson could be a perfect candidate to switch the departed Neil Critchley at Hearts
Having lastly pulled the set off on Neil Critchley — a number of weeks too late within the eyes of many Tynecastle followers — the Hearts hierarchy wish to make their second managerial appointment inside 9 months.
Robinson was neglected for the job again in October following Steven Naismith’s dismissal, however there’s no query his inventory has risen since then having guided St Mirren into the highest six once more.
They presently sit 5 factors adrift of right now’s opponents with three to play. Fifth spot would doubtless be sufficient to safe a spot within the Europa Convention League. It’s a tall ask, however not inconceivable.
But even when they had been to overlook out, there’s an argument to be made that this season has in actual fact been much more spectacular given what Robinson (proper) and his workers have needed to deal with.
Certain, coping with accidents are half and parcel of administration, however there was a interval early on within the marketing campaign when it seemed like Robinson himself must mud off the boots.
He wasn’t helped in fact by off-field points resulting in the departures of summer time signings Jaden Brown, Shaun Rooney and Kevin van Veen.
One of many main criticisms aimed within the route of Critchley was his lack of ability to select up large ends in the large video games.
Robinson has no such hassle. This season, he has taken seven factors off Rangers, seven off Hibernian, and 9 off Aberdeen, who noticed their lengthy unbeaten begin to the marketing campaign grind to a halt in Paisley.
Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes stays the favorite to take over at Tynecastle
As luck would have it, right now’s opponents are considered one of simply two sides within the high flight — the opposite being champions Celtic — that St Mirren have but to put a glove on.
Certain, Robinson tends to prioritise substance over fashion, however he makes no apologies for it. Why ought to he? He constantly will get outcomes, and turns common gamers into main belongings. Hearts followers would chunk your hand off for somebody with that kind of skillset proper now.
After all, his isn’t the one title within the hat. It will be fascinating to tally up the variety of instances Derek McInnes and Hearts have popped up collectively in the identical sentence through the years.
The Killie boss has emerged because the favorite to lastly make the bounce. Relying on what you learn, the job is his to lose.
After guiding the membership to fourth final outing, this season has been a little bit of a battle. This time 12 months in the past, Killie followers had been searching their passports as ideas turned to adventures on the continent.
This yr, staying up has been the only goal. However as McInnes alluded to following final weekend’s win over St Johnstone which all however secured their security, his gamers have stepped up when it mattered most.
It’s all the time useful having a supervisor who is aware of what he’s doing, thoughts you. And that’s widespread floor that McInnes and Robinson each share.
Hearts would do effectively to prise both away from their employers. Nowadays, the membership hardly represents a step up for both. No less than not on the pitch anyway.
However with the promise of multi-million pound funding on the horizon, to not point out having some of the passionate — albeit expectant — fanbases within the nation, it’s actually a horny proposition.
The St Mirren board needs to be anticipating a name any day now.
