MOBILE TARIFF

Buddies fined for using their phones in changing room as boss takes a stand to get his players talking face to face

- FRASER WILSON

STEPHEN ROBINSON insists it’s good to talk – that’s why he’s banned mobile phones in the St Mirren dressing room. 

The Buddies boss is a big believer that communication is key to success as the Saints look to march on to a top-six finish for the second successive season.

But it’s mouths rather than messages that are moving at the Ralston training base where Robinson has even brought in weekly stand-up sessions for his players to take turns in the spotlight and recount their life journey to Paisley.

It’s a method the Northern Irishman stole from his old Bournemouth team-mate Eddie Howe whose modern approach at Newcastle has got the Magpies chirping again.

And it's one Robinson hopes can help turn chat about the top six into reality with his side just two points off fourth spot despite Saturday's defeat at Livingston.

He's changed the daily routine so his players have to report for work an hour earlier than in previous years.

That first 60 minutes in the canteen is for serving up banter with breakfast.