This piece is from yesterday's Buddies Briefing newsletter, which is emailed out at 6pm every Thursday. To receive our full, free St Mirren newsletter straight to your email inbox, click here.
Alright, I'll admit it. For a fraction of a second, my faith in Stephen Robinson being the right appointment at St Mirren wavered.
I can pinpoint the moment.
Locked in a horror stalemate at Dens Park, it appeared St Mirren would extend a winless run.
It was only Robinson's fourth match in the dugout for St Mirren - the previous three losses to Celtic, Hearts and Ross County.
But, the tide had turned on supporter enthusiasm as weary fans lost hope of the City of Discovery being the location where the Buddies rediscovered their form.
The fans were defeated, Robinson was understandably frustrated - but then it all changed, and it hasn't stopped since (if you ignore the four consecutive losses that followed...)
Deep into stoppage time and a seemingly aimless cross into the box by Jay Henderson was expected to float into the arms of the Dundee keeper, only it was different - this cross was pinpoint and found Conor Ronan who nodded home for an outrageous snatch and grab.
Post-match, Robinson was relieved. You could see the stress draining as a grin stretched across his face with a chuckle over how events unfolded.
Right then. That's where Robinson launched his assault on the norm in Paisley. Alright, ninth that term was underwhelming but ever since, well it's been better than anyone could have reasonably expected.
Back-to-back top-six finishes are a stunning achievement, and European qualification would only increase Robinson's rising stock in Paisley. It would be a little greedy to ask for a better cup run on top.
In the column measuring success on the pitch Robinson is passing with flying colours.
More importantly, he's making waves with supporters and playing a vital role in the swell of support for the club in Paisley.
Robinson has united the players, staff and support through the results on the pitch and paying tribute to - but never patronising - the work of those active in the fan base.
After all, the seismic shift in supporter enjoyment and expectation doesn't come just from Robinson - but he absolutely was the catalyst.
It's little wonder that attendances during the Robinson era have soared far above his predecessors.
As Cairters Corner noted on X at the weekend, the match against Hearts was the second-highest attendance at the SMiSA Stadium.
Of the 15 attendances over 7,000 at the stadium, no fewer than 11 of them have come under Robinson. That's more than coincidence.
This manager has galvanised the team - on and off the pitch. The supporters have picked up the momentum and ran with it - in and out of the stadium.
Regardless of results from here on out, Robinson's appointment has been a monumental success and should be celebrated.
AND ANOTHER THING
I've written multiple times this season that results against Celtic or Rangers won't prove decisive in St Mirren's season.
Now, though, I will go back on my previous words of warning, ever-so-slightly.
With five points of a gap to Kilmarnock and the likelihood Derek McInnes will conjure up another - less and less - unlikely win against either of the title candidates, St Mirren must pick up points against the odds if fourth is a serious ambition.
Victory over Dundee (assuming they finish sixth) in their new stadium that doubles as a scuba centre on away weekends is vital, the head-to-head against Kilmarnock will be crucial and snatching points against Hearts would likely be required.
The season hasn't been decided by results against Celtic, Rangers or even Hearts but, come the split, you've got to play the best and make something happen.
AND FINALLY
A brief mention of the defeat to Hearts last weekend.
It certainly wasn't a memorable performance as Steven Naismith's charges sauntered in and out of Paisley with all three points.
Toyosi Olusanya's brilliant solo goal aside, there wasn't a lot to shout about.
However, there is no need for concern - rather with a top-six finish secured and the chase for Europe ongoing, there is huge reason for optimism.
If you're booing that, then you haven't been a St Mirren supporter for very long!
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