Sunday, December 22, 2024

‘Saints to be very close to top six again’

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[BBC]

BBC Sport Scotland chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering your questions.

Ewan asked: With both Hearts and Hibs managers under pressure, should Saints fans be worried about Stephen Robinson’s position?

Tom answered: Well, Ewan, I would say yes. Robinson has such fantastic energy and is doing such a fine job at St Mirren that if those clubs are in need of a new manager at some point he’s got to be on a shortlist.

Hearts and Hibs have gone for rookie managers and it’s not working out at the moment. If they feel they have to make a big decision then Robinson ticks a lot of boxes.

That said, he’s really happy at St Mirren, feels valued and supported and loves the job. He’s building something there.

Bobby asked: Do you think St Mirren are now victims of last year’s success as playing the four games in Europe has obviously affected their Premiership start? That said, do you think they have enough this season to finish top six again?

Tom answered: Europe can take a toll, Bobby. Jack Ross at Dundee United, Barry Robson at Aberdeen. Smallish squads are suddenly cast into a murderous run of games and the potential for things to go off the rails on all fronts is high. Once you lose confidence it can be very hard to get it back again.

I think they’ll be very close to top six. The start to the league season has been brutally tough, partly because of Europe and in other part because they’ve had to play Aberdeen, Dundee United, Celtic and Dundee – all of whom are going well.

Things will settle down soon, I think. Top six will be harder because Aberdeen are a serious contender again. They were a shambles last season. So, difficult but doable.

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