ROBBOHEADS FORTHEHILLS
Boss bags Munro as he attempts to sink Staggies
Stephen Robinson yesterday revealed he heads for the hills in a bid to keep his mind clear for St Mirren’s top-six push.
The Buddies boss began preparations for this evening’s Premiership trip to Ross County by climbing Ben Lomond with partner Robyn and pet dog Alfie.
The trio spent Sunday putting their best feet forward before tucking into a traditional roast following the 2-0 win over St Johnstone the previous day.
And Robbo insists it’s vital to escape the pressure-cooker environment of football management so his players get the best of him when it’s time to return to work.
He said: “We like to climb Munros and mountains and explore a bit of Scotland.
“We did Ben Lomond on Sunday; me, my partner Robyn and my dog Alfie. He did about three mountains’ worth up in the snow. It’s good for the soul, isn’t it? It refreshes your mind.
“I don’t read a lot, I don’t really listen to podcasts. I’m my own biggest critic, I don’t need to listen to anyone else’s criticism.
“It’s nice to spend time with people that care for you and it resets you for the week ahead. We do that most Sundays, go and have a good walk and then get a Sunday roast somewhere.
“It helps you focus. I’m the one that has to come in and motivate everybody.
“You need to reset your mind. People think managers don’t have mental health, but we do. You have to be mentally strong and that’s the way I deal with it.”
However, Robbo admitted football is never far from his thoughts when he has his head in the clouds.
He laughed: “You pretend you switch off. She’s normally a mile in front of me to be fair, she’s a lot fitter than me.
“You never totally switch off. You’re thinking about training, thinking about the turnaround, thinking about injuries.
“I’ve got our physio Gerry Docherty’s text messages coming through when I hit the top of a mountain.
“You never totally get away from it but it’s important to refresh your mind.”
Robinson hopes to build on Saturday’s convincing win and knows victory over the Staggies will lift them into fourth place.
He added: “The performance was good and professional. Our defence was brilliant and our press was top class.
“When you’re caught up in the emotions of a game, you don’t see all the positives. You’re so focused on the result. We’re evolving as a football team.”
Saints expect skipper Mark O’Hara to be back for tonight’s game in Dingwall which is live on Sky Sports.