ROBYN RELIANT

STEPHEN ROBINSON admits he'll never quite be capable of parking the pain of defeat before he walks through the front door at home.

- BY FRASER MACKIE

But the St Mirren boss says family has been a huge support in his battle to becoming a better loser.

Robinson reckons dealing with defeat has proved easier over the years - even during the recent rotten run of league results.

And that’s thanks to wife Robyn helping to teach the art of escapism with their dogs.

Sons Charlie and Harry chip in with their thoughts too.

Although that pair being aware of the extreme views peddled on social media doesn't always chime well with the mood.

Thankfully Robbo's successful spell with Saints, featuring a trio of top-six finishes, has mostly been a call for celebration.

‘And the biggest of his managerial career will follow if the Buddies can upset Celtic in Sunday's Premier Sports Cup Final:

Saints head for Hampden on the back of a much-needed victory over Dundee United last weekend.

Prior to that, it was a luckless streak of eight Premiership games with just two points gained. When asked how he copes with a poor run like that, Robinson replied: “Badly!

“The one thing I have never learned, in 400-odd games, is how to lose. I really struggle.

“I spoke to other managers when I came up here and people said that, as St Mirren manager, youre probably going to lose 50 per cent of games.

“You can go a month or six weeks without a win.

“That is mentally very, very tough. I don't really look at or read anything. I am my own biggest critic.