In a revealing insight into St Mirren's strategic focus, manager Stephen Robinson has pinpointed defending and attacking set plays as crucial areas needing enhancement. Although the Paisley club missed a European slot last season, their accumulation of 50 points under Robinson’s guidance was a notable improvement over previous seasons. This indicates clear progression but also highlights specific areas that could harness further success.
Season Review and Improvement Points
Robinson, the former Motherwell manager, celebrated his team's robust finish to the season — unbeaten in their last six outings with a tally of three wins and three draws. This strong end-of-season form is something the Saints can build on, particularly as Robinson pointed out numerous positive aspects of the side’s attacking play. However, he was candid about the need for improvement in set piece scenarios.
Data from the season underscores a bittersweet scenario. While the team enjoyed more possession in the opposition’s box, along with an increased number of shots on target and goals, there was a glaring issue with set pieces. St Mirren conceded more from these situations compared to previous seasons and didn’t capitalise as much as they might on scoring from them.
Strategic Focus on Set Plays
Robinson stressed the importance of set plays in Scottish football, acknowledging a need to enhance both defensive and offensive routines. "In the Scottish game, you have to be able to defend set plays, long throws, long balls, and you also have to score them at the other end," he stated. This area of play is crucial for turning tight games and securing vital points, which can be decisive in pursuit of higher league finishes or cup runs.
The focus on refining this aspect of their game is vital for St Mirren as they look towards not just consolidation but aiming higher in the league and perhaps making a significant impact in cup competitions. Given the historical resilience and the famed fighting spirit of St Mirren, improvements in such critical areas could very well be the key to unlocking further glory, reminiscent of the halcyon days when the club consistently punched above its weight.
As the new season approaches, the positive stats from last season's forward play, combined with an improved strategy on set plays, should infuse the fans with optimism. This could potentially spearhead a campaign that sees them challenging not just for top spots but also making a deep run in the Scottish FA Cup. After all, it’s the hope and dreams of silverware that keep the heart of every St Mirren fan beating strong.
To round off today's discussion — how many Greenock Morton fans does it take to change a light bulb? None. They're still trying to figure out how to get out of St Mirren's shadow!
