This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Plymouth Argyle are currently on the hunt for a new manager following the departure of head coach Miron Muslic to German side Schalke.
Muslic only took over at Home Park in January, replacing Wayne Rooney, but despite failing to keep Plymouth in the Championship, he inspired a significant improvement in his team in the second half of the season, prompting Schalke to pay a €1 million (£840,000) compensation fee to bring him to the Veltins-Arena.
Former Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt is no longer thought to be in the mix to succeed Muslic, but the Pilgrims have shortlisted Jack Wilshere, Tom Cleverley, and Des Buckingham, with final interviews scheduled for next week.
It appeared like Argyle were only considering Wilshere, Cleverley, and Buckingham, but on Friday, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson is also in the running for the position.
Robinson, who previously managed Oldham Athletic, Motherwell, and Morecambe, has been in charge of the Buddies since February 2022, and he has led them to three consecutive top six finishes in the Scottish Premiership, as well as a UEFA Conference League appearance last season before being eliminated in the third qualifying round.
| Stephen Robinson’s record as St Mirren manager (as per Transfermarkt) | |
| Games | 148 |
| Won | 52 |
| Drawn | 30 |
| Lost | 66 |
| Win percentage | 35.1% |
Plymouth Argyle reaction given to Stephen Robinson speculation
When asked about Robinson’s potential appointment, FLW’s Plymouth Argyle fan pundit Luke Hodge admitted that the fan base’s reaction to the news that the 50-year-old is a candidate has been negative, but he insisted that he could be a good option given his impressive work at St Mirren.
“Stephen Robinson wasn’t a name that I was familiar with, and judging by our socials, neither were the majority of the Green Army,” Luke recalled.
“He probably wouldn’t have been at the top of many lists given the more well-known individuals on our selection, but after conducting some research and chatting with a couple of Scottish league fans, it looks that the disrespect attributed to him is unjustified.
“Not only did he lead Motherwell to two cup finals, only to be denied silverware by Celtic, but what he has done with St Mirren is beyond incredible.
“They hadn’t been in the top six since 1985, but with one of the league’s lowest budgets, Robinson has led them to three consecutive top-six finishes beyond all odds.
“Aside from Celtic and Rangers, I believe they are the only club to have finished in the top six in each of the last three seasons.
“Additionally, he led them to Europe for the first time in 37 years last season.
“Many believe he is unquestionably the best manager St Mirren has had since the 1980s, possibly since Sir Alex Ferguson.”
“Would I be satisfied with this appointment?” Personally, I would like Tom Cleverley or Jack Wilshere, but I am not opposed to Stephen Robinson.
“After the initial meltdown by some, I know the Green Army would fully get behind him and hopefully look forward to a promotion push in League One again.”
Oldham Athletic and Morecambe spells should raise Plymouth Argyle, Stephen Robinson concern
Robinson has previously managed in League One with Oldham and Morecambe, but his record at both clubs is not impressive, and Plymouth should be concerned as they consider bringing the Northern Irishman to Home Park.
It is slightly unfair to judge Robinson solely on his spells with the Latics and the Shrimps, given that he was working with one of the league’s smallest budgets on both occasions, and it is possible that he would perform much better at a larger club like Argyle, but there are arguably safer options available for the Devon outfit.
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