Speaking during the construction of today’s trip to Dundee United, the manager of St Mirren, Stephen Robinson, joked that if his players managed to achieve a minor miracle by obtaining European football for the second consecutive season, he will take on him to build statues in their honor.
Yes, it may have been ironic, but it offered an overview of how he thinks. The feeling is reciprocal, without a doubt.
And for a good reason too. Although the players deserve each credit who came their meeting this year, quite simply, they would not be in this position without Robinson in the canoe.
The question is: how long will it be there?
With the greatest respect for the holding of Paisley, there remains one of the great mysteries of life that the Northern Irishman has been plunged by anyone else, either here or south of the border.
Supporters of the saints will not like to hear it, but it can be about to change.
Stephen Robinson guided St Mirren in the top six for the third consecutive season
The 1-0 victory last weekend against Aberdeen made sure that the European dream of players is still alive
Robinson would be an ideal candidate to replace the neil Crichley disappeared in Hearts
After finally relying on the Neil Crichley trigger – a few weeks too late in the eyes of many fans of Tynecastle – the Hearts hierarchy seeks to make their second appointment in the nine months.
Robinson was overlooked for the position in October after the dismissal of Steven Naismith, but there is no doubt that his stock has increased since when he guided St Mirren in the first six.
They are currently based five points drifting today’s opponents with three to play. Fifth place would probably be enough to get a place in the Europa conference league. It is a big demand, but not impossible.
However, even if they had to miss, there is an argument to argue that this season was in fact even more impressive given what Robinson (right) and his staff had to face.
Of course, facing injuries is an integral part of the management, but there was a period at the start of the campaign where it seemed that Robinson himself should dust the boots.
He was not helped of course by out -of -field problems leading to the departures of summer signatures Jaden Brown, Shaun Rooney and Kevin Van Veen.
One of the main criticisms aimed at Critichley was its inability to achieve great results in big games.
Robinson has no trouble. This season, he took over seven rangers points, seven off Hibernian, and nine off the coast of Aberdeen, who saw their long undefeated start for the campaign stop at Paisley.
The boss of Kilmarnock Derek Mcinnes remains the favorite to take over in Tynecastle
Luckily, today’s opponents are one of the two sides in the elite – the other being the Celtic champions – that St Mirren has not yet put a glove.
Of course, Robinson tends to prioritize the substance rather than style, but he does not apologize. Why should he? He constantly obtains results and transforms average players into major assets. Heart fans would bit your hand for someone with this type of skill right now.
Of course, this is not the only name in the hat. It would be fascinating to compensate for the number of times that Derek Mcinnes and Hearts have appeared together in the same sentence over the years.
The boss of Killie has become the favorite to finally jump. Depending on what you read, work is his to lose.
After guiding the club to the fourth time the last time, this season was a bit difficult this season. This time, 12 months ago, Killie fans looked at their passports while thoughts turned to adventures on the continent.
This year, standing was the only target. But as Mcinnes referred to last weekend victory over St Johnstone who almost obtained their safety, his players intensified when it counted the most.
It is always practical to have a manager who knows what he is doing, be careful. And it is common ground that Mcinnes and Robinson both share.
Hearts would make a good price away from their employers. These days, the club does not represent a step in place for one or the other. At least not in the field anyway.
But with the promise of an investment of several million pounds on the horizon, not to mention one of the most passionate fans – although pending – in the country, it is certainly an attractive proposal.
The board of directors of St Mirren should expect a call any day now.
