The January transfer window is set to be a busy time at St Mirren as Stephen Robinson looks to strengthen his squad.
The Saints boss has been down on numbers since the window slammed shut in August. Kevin Van Veen, Shaun Rooney and Jaden Brown all left the club in recent months due to sheriff court appearances.
And with injuries also a recurring problem, Robbo has had his work cut out — especially in defence with summer signing Alex Iacovitti absent since September and emergency signing Charles Dunne also picking up an injury.
With the window opening three weeks today, Robbo is eyeing up potential signings. The Northern Irishman admits he has a long list which he will work through alongside the footballing board.
We’ve lost three players for various reasons,” he said. “So, certainly we want to strengthen the squad.
“We want to kick on — so there are certain positions we’ve highlighted where we want to see more quality and healthy competition for places.
“We’ve got a long, long list. Myself, Martin Foyle [head of recruitment] and Jim Gillespie [vice-chairman] have spent the whole week locked in offices looking at people.
“That list suddenly dwindles because St Mirren is nobody’s first choice, unfortunately.
“It’ll hopefully be a case of getting in maybe two or three to try and strengthen the squad.”
It is also not a done deal that Robbo will have to move players on before bringing others in due to the circumstances of recent weeks.
With the Paisley gaffer working “way under” the amount of players he would normally have, there is a bit more room for manoeuvre than normal.
Robinson — who turned 50 yesterday — believes the club are well equipped to recruit well as their track record proves.
He also admits that he doesn’t want to bring in players that will block the pathway for young players coming through such as Evan Mooney and Callum Penman.
Asked if he will need to sell players, he said: “Not necessarily. I’m way under because we’ve got three players missing for a long period of time now.
“We spend prudently here. I believe we recruit very well.
“We do our due diligence on what we think will add to the squad or create another asset.
“It’s important that those coming in are here to start, or to make us better, rather than making up numbers.”
