Former Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson is anticipating an odd experience when he returns to Fir Park as St Mirren boss.
The eighth-placed Steelmen take on Saints in the Premiership’s ninth spot this Saturday for what is a huge match.
Level on points and holding the same goal difference, both teams sit a point outside the top six with two games to go until the split.
Robinson was appointed St Mirren manager in February after leaving his position at English League One club Morecambe once Jim Goodwin departed Paisley for Aberdeen.
The Northern Irishman guided Motherwell to two cup finals, a third place finish and European football during his time as ‘Well boss before leaving in December 2020 after almost four years in charge. He also served as Ian Baraclough’s assistant and a coach under Mark McGhee.
But Robinson is determined to win points for St Mirren.
He said: “It will be a strange one. Your old allegiances go out the window as we need a win.
“It will be nice to go back to Motherwell as I have so much respect for the club, and the fans who were fantastic with me.
“But my sole concentration for 90 minutes will be to get three points for St Mirren. Nothing surprises me in football but I would like to hope I get a positive reaction!
“You never know. I had a fantastic time at Motherwell and I’ve made it very clear my feelings for the club. Hopefully it’s a good reception.
“Because I was there seven years, you do get pigeonholed a wee bit. But I am the St Mirren manager now and I want to be here for the long-term.”
St Mirren have lost five of their six games in all competitions since Robinson arrived.
He explained: “It’s been a tough period. It’s been game after game so it’s been difficult to put any kind of stamp on things. This is the first break we’ve had.
“We’re not making excuses. At half-time against Dundee United we were fourth. By full-time we were ninth and now United are fourth. Nobody has really put a run of games together for whatever reason.
“There’s been a lack of consistency for most teams which is exciting coming down to these last two games, but disappointing that we haven’t already got into the top six.”
Motherwell’s old gaffer has already been linked to one Fir Park player.
Midfielder Mark O’Hara is reported to have signed a pre-contract with the Buddies, but Robinson won’t comment on individuals, focusing on the bigger picture.
He added: “The links don’t surprise me. I think it’s wrong of me to speak about any of Motherwell’s players. There’s lots of players I am interested in at this moment in time.
“I want to turn St Mirren into a top six football club, on and off the park. I want to give young players a chance like we did at Motherwell.
“We haven’t been in the top six for a long time but the infrastructure is there. We have a big task to build a squad that’s capable of the top six for next year, and be consistently there
“I’ll hopefully be judged when I get my players in the building.”
Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.
