"Wouldn't be opposed" - Plymouth Argyle backed to appoint "remarkable" 50-year-old Northern Irishman | OneFootball

FLW's Plymouth Argyle fan pundit has given his verdict on the potential appointment of St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson.

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 when he replaced Wayne Rooney, but despite failing to keep Plymouth in the Championship, he inspired a significant improvement in his side in the second half of the season, and that prompted Schalke to pay a compensation fee of €1 million (£840,000) to bring him to the Veltins-Arena.

Former Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt is no longer believed to be in the running to replace Muslic, but Jack Wilshere, Tom Cleverley and Des Buckingham are all on the Pilgrims' shortlist, and final interviews are expected to take place next week.

It seemed as though Argyle were only deciding between Wilshere, Cleverley and Buckingham, but a new name emerged in the frame on Friday when journalist Graeme Bailey revealed that St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson is also under consideration for the job.

After spells with Oldham Athletic, Motherwell and Morecambe, Robinson 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, while his side also featured in the UEFA Conference League last season before being eliminated in the third qualifying round.

Plymouth Argyle reaction given to Stephen Robinson speculation

When asked for his thoughts on the potential appointment of Robinson, FLW's Plymouth Argyle fan pundit Luke Hodge admitted that the reaction of the fan base to the news that the 50-year-old is a candidate has not been positive, but he insisted that he could be a good option after 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 said.

"He certainly wouldn't have been top of many lists given the more popular names that have been mentioned on our shortlist, but, after doing some research and speaking to a couple of friends who follow the Scottish league, it appears the disrespect being shown to him is certainly unjustified.

"Not only did he take Motherwell to a couple of cup finals, only being denied silverware by Celtic, but what he has accomplished with St Mirren is quite remarkable.

"They hadn't been in the top six since 1985, yet with one of the bottom three budgets in the league, Robinson has managed to take them to three straight top six finishes against all the odds.

"Outside of Celtic and Rangers, I believe they are the only club to have managed top six finishes in each of the last three seasons.

"Added to that, he also took them to Europe for the first time in 37 years last season.

"Many say that he is undoubtedly the best manager St Mirren have had since the 80s, and possibly since Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Would I be happy with this appointment? Personally, I would favour Tom Cleverley or Jack Wilshere, but I wouldn't be 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 managed in League One previously with Oldham and Morecambe, but his record at both clubs does not make for good reading, and that should be a concern for Plymouth as they weigh up whether to bring the Northern Irishman to Home Park.

It is slightly unfair to judge Robinson entirely based on his spells with the Latics and the Shrimps given that he was working with one of the smallest budgets in the league on both occasions, and it is possible that he could fare much better at a bigger club like Argyle, but there are arguably safer options out there for the Devon outfit.

Robinson has been linked with plenty of jobs in England in recent years, including Sunderland, Huddersfield Town, Cardiff City and Queens Park Rangers, so he seems destined to be given another chance south of the border at some stage, but he would be too much of a risk for the Pilgrims to take.