Stephen Robinson reflects on 'three seasons in one' after St Mirren drama
The Buddies gaffer didn't have his troubles to seek in the early part of a campaign which had a happy ending.
Stephen Robinson insists he has come through the hardest season of his career.
The St Mirren manager had multiple problems to deal with during the campaign but still guided the club to a top-six Premiership finish.
From training ground issues which forced the squad to prepare for crunch European games at Neilston's Brig O'Lea and the Garscube complex in Glasgow to the sheriff court appearances of three players, there was a lot of adversity.
Behind-the-scenes documentaries are all the rage in football just now from Salford City's Class of 92 films to the Netflix hit 'Welcome to Wrexham' and Buddies boss Robbo knows there would have been plenty to keep the cameras rolling after 'three seasons in one'.
'It has been the hardest season I've ever had to deal with,' the Northern Irishman admitted. 'The things that have happened make it feel like it's been three seasons in one!
'To a board and a playing staff, these things don't really happen once in your career. For it to happen three times in such a short space of time, it was a lot to deal with.
'All the issues we've had throughout the season as well with training pitches not being available, losing staff and all the things that go with that, it's been really, really difficult.
'The lesson from that is that people kept believing. The players kept believing, the staff kept believing and the board kept believing.
'My wife was asking me, 'Can you believe you're in the top six again? That you're unbeaten in the top six?' And I have to say, back in September, I couldn't see that happening.
'So, that's testament to the players and the staff that we've not only come through all of that, but come through it flying. We've played brilliant football and been an exciting team to watch.'
When times were tough, Robbo knew he had to provide the direction. He added: 'You have to come in on a Monday morning and be the one that puts things into perspective. Sometimes I have to put a brave face on.'
Meanwhile, the Buddies' Premier Sports Cup group stage fixtures have been confirmed.
Saints will travel to face Arbroath at Gayfield on Saturday, July 12 and then are back up to Angus on Tuesday, July 15 for a date with Forfar Athletic.
On Saturday, July 19, Annan Athletic make their first-ever visit to the SMiSA Stadium which also hosts Scott Brown's Ayr United on Sunday, July 27 for a televised clash.
■Saints hero Stephen McGinn has left his academy role to become first-team coach at Premiership new boys Falkirk. The club have announced that Craig McLeish will head a new Under-19s set-up.
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