Stephen Robinson insists there remains massive belief at St Mirren despite their recent collapse in form.
After a formidable start to the season, the Buddies’ 1-0 defeat at St Johnstone in midweek means they have lost three cinch Premiership games in a row with only one win in seven, which has seen them drop from third to fourth in the table, one point behind Hearts.
Ahead of Saturday’s home game against Ross County – who beat them 1-0 in Dingwall less than two weeks ago – the Saints boss stressed that the “spirit hasn’t changed”.
Robinson said: “I am experienced enough in management now to know everything doesn’t need to be thrown out when you go on a run like this.
“That is the biggest mistake I made before, to scrap everything, rip the script up and start again, that doesn’t need to happen.
“It is about turning those small percentages around. It is up to me to get that back.
“We spoke about it (belief) after the Ross County game because that was our biggest disappointment. We didn’t play.
“We have a plan at the football club that we stick to.
“We are trying to develop players, boys we bring in at 22, 23 and the boys from the academy and you have to stick to your plan otherwise you have to rip the whole script up and then they start doubting you.
“I don’t think we have done that in any shape or form. The players know that they are small margins away from winning football matches again and the belief is massively there.
“Our home form has been fantastic and we have a group of players who haven’t lost belief.”
Already without Ryan Strain following his groin operation which keeps him out for three months, Robinson had mixed news to report on the injury front.
The Northern Irishman said: “Ryan Flynn has torn his hamstring and is getting assessed and scanned but we are hoping it is not too bad, maybe two to three weeks (out).
“Richard Taylor is back in training, the artificial surface aggravated his ankle a little when we trained in the bad weather.
“Scott Tanser is fine. It was a precaution to take Scott off (head knock) but he has reported with no symptoms today.
“Ryan Strain is back in, the first day after his operation (groin), obviously a long-term injury. It is a test but it is a chance for others to stand up.”
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