Lee Mair reckons an answer to Aberdeen’s managerial woes was starting them in the face last weekend. But he believes Dons might not be the only ones looking in the direction of over-achieving St Mirren gaffer Stephen Robinson.
Robbo’s relentless Saints stunned dismal Dons with a late show to stay on track for Europe. The Northern Irishman is working his top-six magic for the second year running in Paisley. Mair believes a cast-iron Premiership performer must be in the mix to cure Aberdeen’s problems.
Furthermore, it is obvious why Robinson should be considered for the position after going above and above with Motherwell a few years ago. Aberdeen has engaged specialists to carry out an in-depth analysis of the football department. However, Mair thinks that Dons shouldn’t have to ponder too much about the next appointment. “Aberdeen have gone down the route of younger manager – Stephen Glass, Jim Goodwin, Barry Robson,” stated former Dons and Buddies defender Mair.
“Those three were quite inexperienced, and their tenure was about a year or so. The Aberdeen board must make a significant choice.
“Fans’ patience is quickly wearing thin. It is not something I would want to do, selecting the future management. This needs to be addressed head-on. The club is a little uneasy right now. There’s been a huge deal of uneasiness and instability since Derek McInnes left. They have gained a little bit of time by adding Neil Warnock.
It’s not at all going well. Will they thus be looking for someone who knows a lot about the league? Stephen Robinson and McInnes are both aware of what it takes to get a team to the top of this league.
“I’ve now seen St. Mirren and Aberdeen three times. Three times, St. Mirren has outworked and outplayed them. Kilmarnock has done that against Aberdeen as well, in my opinion.
“I attribute that to seasoned managers who understand what it takes to succeed in this league. These teams’ budgets are far smaller than Aberdeen’s. Then you start to wonder: What could big-budget guys like Stephen Robinson accomplish?
It was amazing how he led Motherwell to two Cup finals and placed third. He has led St Mirren to their best result in many years and they are vying for a spot in Europe.
But it’s not just Aberdeen that could be keeping an eye out. Though it’s not what supporters of St. Mirren want to hear, he will be seen by many chairs.
After the Paisley club’s 12th league victory of the season, Mair saw them pass Killie and go up to fourth place. He claims that since taking over for Goodwin two years ago, who was headed to Aberdeen, Robbo has been the main reason for Saints’ ascent up the standings.
“A few years ago, Tony Fitzpatrick stated that the goal was to enter Europe,” Mair stated. Ninety-nine percent of football players in Scotland chuckled.
“It’s the top six now, aiming for Europe.” The club currently operates with that mentality, and Stephen Robinson plays a significant role in it.
They put in the most effort of any squad in the league. They simply never give up and wait until the very last minute.
Superstars don’t exist. St Mirren has put on some of the better team performances I’ve witnessed this season.
Aberdeen has Miovski, Hibs has Boyle, and Hearts has Shankland. Simply put, St. Mirren’s players know their roles, roll up their sleeves, and stand up for one another.
They’re really well-prepared and challenging to defeat. I’ve watched a bunch of these this season, and they’re very enjoyable to watch.
Robinson increased the bar, which is why he got into a fight with the fans the other week. Going to Livingston a few years ago would have made you think, “Tough game, oh I’m not sure on that turf.” Fans, however, came expecting to win, and he is the one who has changed all of that.
Robinson has a contract with Paisley that runs through 2026, and according to Mair, there are many benefits to being successful and settled. “What St. Mirren has going on right now makes it an appealing place to be,” he continued.
“He deserves to be considered a true hero if he can get them into Europe. If a position does open up, it might take a very generous offer to get him to go. Top six last year, almost there this year
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