Robinson Focused on “Turning Performances into Results” ahead of Hearts Clash
St Mirren have endured three straight Scottish Premiership defeats, but manager Stephen Robinson is confident that “the results will follow” as his side hosts high-flying Hearts on Wednesday evening. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Robinson said,” People only see the result and the end product, and of course, that’s ultimately what matters. But in the last two games, we’ve actually played better than the games that we’ve won this season” “I’m very confident in that we know what we need to do better. We had 35 crosses, we had 13 corners, and we had, I believe, 24 shots, but only three on target,” “which tells you that is where the problem lies. That’s as a team. It’s not as just centre forwards alone or forward players. It’s from set plays, we have to score more.” The Buddies return to the SMISA Stadium, a ground where Robinson believes his side can “compete with every team.” “There’s never a game where we feel we are massively under the cosh. We’ve dominated large parts of possession.” “But we know what we’ve got in the building. We know what we’re working to achieve, and had we won on Saturday, we’d be third. So all this needs to be put into perspective.” “We’ve lost three in a row. I didn’t think we were the best team in the world when we lost one in 18. Certainly, I don’t think we’re the worst team in the world. We’re playing well. It’s now turning that performance into results” Robinson’s side face a Hearts team currently top of the Scottish Premiership, the manager expressed praise for Derek McInnes, but aims to “put an end to that run”, which has seen them move eight points clear. “I love the fact that a UK manager, Scottish manager, has proven that he’s as good as everybody else, which was never any doubt.” “Delighted that Derek has done well, but obviously not tomorrow night. We aim to hopefully put an end to that run. We have to be right at the top of our game; they’ll bring brilliant support. They’ve got a very good squad of players. Their bench is strong. We know that, but so are we.” “We’ve beaten Hearts already this season, went all the way to penalties, so it’ll be a close game, and since then, they’ve had a really good run of form. So it’s a tough game.” St Mirren v Heart of Midlothian The SMISA Stadium 7:45pm Wed 29 Oct 2025
Women’s Rugby at a Crossroads: Momentum Must Now Match Support
The largest Women’s World Cup to date ended in front of 81,885 fans as the Red Roses defeated Canada in a thrilling final — a record-breaking moment that underlined the strength and appeal of the women’s game. Across the UK, the mood is upbeat. The PWR season in England began at the weekend, while the Celtic Challenge fixtures have now been confirmed in Scotland. On the pitch, the standard of rugby continues to rise. Francesca McGhie, Sophie de Goede, Ellie Kildunne, and breakout World Cup star Braxton Sorensen-McGee were among those who lit up the tournament with skill, pace, and flair, scoring some of its most memorable tries. But the next step is crucial. The enthusiasm and momentum from the World Cup must now flow into clubs and grassroots programmes if the sport is to build sustainably. In recent years, a number of incidents have exposed the financial gulf between the men’s and women’s games. Charlie Holland (née Willett) was forced to crowdfund for ACL surgery, while Scotland international Chloe Rollie took to social media in search of boot sponsorship. Even the Canadian national team — finalists this year — had to crowdfund simply to travel to the tournament. Behind the celebrations, the reality is that the average salary for a PWR player remains around £9,000 — a figure that raises serious questions about how sustainable the current structure is, given the time and commitment required to play at that level. Financially, the equation is simple: low attendances mean limited revenue, which restricts what clubs can pay players, coaches, and staff. But with visibility and participation growing, the women’s game is arguably in its strongest position yet. Still, many players balance their rugby commitments with additional jobs. Holland, for example, works as an online personal trainer and partnership executive at Ealing Trailfinders alongside her playing career. In Scotland, the newly introduced Bill McLaren bursaries aim to ease the financial pressures faced by young players. It’s an important initiative that could reduce the need for players to hold down multiple jobs while trying to progress. Yet, without a professional domestic structure, many of Scotland’s most promising players continue to move south to pursue opportunities in England. The Celtic Challenge represents progress, but it will require sustained investment and commitment from the SRU to reach its potential. The union’s recent appointment of a Managing Director for women’s rugby signals intent, though some within the game question the timing and focus given the well-publicised contract disputes. Women’s rugby, then, finds itself at a pivotal point. The sport is developing its own audience and culture, distinct from the men’s game, and offering families and new fans a fresh route into rugby. Next April, Scotland Women will play at Murrayfield for the first time when they host the world champions — a symbolic and potentially transformative moment. For that transformation to take hold, however, it needs one thing above all: fans. Without attendance, sponsorship, and broadcast pressure, the financial engine of the game will stall. This is the moment for supporters to play their part. Attend a local PWR fixture, follow your Celtic Challenge side, or turn up to an international. The standard is high, the atmosphere welcoming, and the passion undeniable. Women’s rugby has never been stronger — now it needs everyone to help it grow further.
