At the end of the season, Dave Cormack and the Pittodrie board will be searching for a new manager.
Starting Aberdeen in the face last weekend, according to Lee Mair, may have been the solution to their managerial problems. However, he thinks that Dons might not be the only team considering overachieving St Mirren goalie Stephen Robinson.
Robbo’s tenacious Saints surprised the gloomy Dons with a late performance to maintain their European hopes. In Paisley, the Northern Irishman is once again displaying his top-six skills. Mair thinks Aberdeen’s problems can only be solved by including a proven Premiership performer in the mix.
Furthermore, it is obvious why Robinson should be considered for the position after going above and beyond with Motherwell a few years ago. Aberdeen has engaged consultants to carry out an in-depth analysis of the football department. However, Mair asserts that Dons shouldn’t have to ponder too much about the upcoming 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 fairly inexperienced, and their tenure was only a year or so. The Aberdeen board must make a significant choice.
“The patience of fans is eroding rapidly. Choosing the next manager is something I would not want to do. They must tackle this head-on. There is some unrest at the club. Since Derek McInnes left, there has been a great deal of unease and instability. They have gained some time by bringing in Neil Warnock.
It’s not going well at all. Will they therefore desire someone who is well-versed in the league? McInnes and Stephen Robinson both understand what it takes to propel teams 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 chairmen.
After the Paisley club’s 12th league victory of the season, Mair saw them pass Killie and move 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. Fighting relegation and constantly looking over your shoulder were the main themes when I was there.
“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 forth the most effort of any team 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 best team performances I’ve seen 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 very well-prepared and challenging to defeat. I’ve seen a lot of them this season, and they’re also enjoyable to watch.
Robinson raised the bar, which is why he got into a fight with the crowd 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 leave. This year is almost in Europe, last year was in the top six. Can they move forward now?
