KNOCKBACKS HURT ROBBO EURO VISION
STEPHEN ROBINSON has revealed he’s suffered disappointment in his attempts to sign up some of his St Mirren high-fliers for a potential crack at Europe next season.
But the Buddies boss is wasting no time in identifying replacements.
The Paisley side will end their 37-year wait for a return to UEFA competition if they can cling on to fifth.
However, Robinson confesses they may have to embark on their overseas adventure without a number of the men who helped get them there.
Saints have 12 players heading into the final month of current deals, including star men Keanu Baccus, Ryan Strain, Alex Gogic and Scott Tanser.
Fresh terms have been offered to those Robbo wants to keep but some have already responded with knockbacks.
He said: “There are lots of ongoing talks. We have offered players who have made it clear they won’t be able to sign, which is fine.
“I understand that and in the coming weeks – once we see what our final position is – I will very much start preparing for next season.
“But we have a European battle on our hands, first and foremost.
“So all the players who are not signing will be fully committed to the football club and be fully involved.
“We have made contract offers to two or three other players outwith the squad and that’s ongoing.”
Saints’ Euro ambitions face another huge test on Saturday when they go up against Tony Docherty’s Dundee at Dens.
The Dark Blues boss has already pipped Robbo to a place on this season’s top manager shortlist with PFA Scotland and now hopes his team – who trail St Mirren by two points with four games remaining – beat the Buddies to the final qualifying berth.
However, Robinson is delighted to see Docherty and his former dugout partner Derek McInnes receiving recognition after they were nominated with John McGlynn at League One champs Falkirk.
Asked if the old Aberdeen coaching duo’s success, plus that of his side this season, highlighted the best of British bosses, he said: “Yeah... but that’s not the narrative people want to hear.
“I’m very confident in my coaching ability and how I deal with human beings.
“You have guys like Derek and Tony who are very experienced and do exactly the same.
“It’s testament to the coaching staff here that players keep coming back and wanting to play for us.
“We treat people properly and that’s the way it should be.
“There are a lot of good Scottish managers, a lot of good British managers.
“But if you don’t have a sexy name, it doesn’t sell as many newspapers or stimulate social media.
“British managers are every bit as good as any foreign manager who has come into the country.”