ST MIRREN manager Stephen Robinson insists the club will be aiming high next season after recording its best league finish since 1985.

The Buddies, who suffered a 3-0 defeat at home to Rangers on Saturday, ended the campaign in sixth place.

There was a tinge of disappointment for Saints supporters after the team failed to win any of its last seven fixtures, with five defeats and two draws – albeit those stalemates were an impressive 2-2 result at champions Celtic and an identical scoreline at home to Hearts in a match which saw them concede a stoppage time equaliser.

That poor run of results meant a potential European place was ultimately out of reach for the Paisley club.

However, Robinson is keen to put a tough end to the season into context.

The Northern Irishman said: "Maybe people only remember the last few games but I want people to remember just how close we took Hearts – a club much bigger than ours – and how close we took Celtic in every game we played them.

"We have fallen short for Europe but that's understandable. It's a building block and I think the fans appreciated that.

"My job is to run the football club prudently to make sure we don't get into the debts we had previously but also try to build a successful squad.

"That is the challenge and it's one we are right up for and I will get plenty of support."

Robinson, who said a "clinical" Rangers side punished St Mirren for "three mistakes" on Saturday, will now focus on bringing in some new recruits ahead of the 2023/24 campaign but knows he is also set to lose a few key players, with the likes of top striker Curtis Main out of contract this summer.

"Curtis is very unlikely to stay," he added. "When you are getting double and triple your money offers in England's League One and Two then you need to just admit that you are not going to get there."

Robinson also praised Main post-match after the striker played through the pain barrier as Saints were hit with a string of injuries at the top end of the pitch.

He said: "Curtis has been absolutely excellent for me. He's been terrific every time he has played and he's earned the right for possibly one big move.

"Even today he was playing with an injection in his foot and he's given absolutely everything, so that's the kind of quality people we have inside this building and I wish him nothing but the best if he moves on."