Stephen Robinson says St Mirren need to be back in the winners’ enclosure before more new deals are handed out.
The Buddies have 13 players out of contract this summer. The list includes Dennis Adeniran, Jonah Ayunga, Caolan Boyd-Munce, Elvis Bwomono, Lewis Jamieson, Declan John, Luke Kenny, Mikael Mandron, Conor McMenamin, Kieran Offord, Toyosi Olusanya, Fraser Taylor and Richard Taylor.
Fresh deals have been offered to defender Richard Taylor and striker Olusanya while one-year options can be picked up for both John and McMenamin. Protections are in place for the club for those coming through the academy.
Saints ended a four-game losing streak with victory over Queen of the South in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup on Saturday while boss Robbo is currently navigating this month’s transfer window and trying to complete “two or three loan deals”.
However, the Northern Irishman is holding fire on tying down more of the current crop until results in the Premiership improve.
“It’s important that we get back to winning ways first and foremost before we offer any new contracts,” Robbo said.
“We’re in a decent position, we’ve got a good base of the squad contracted. There will be obviously a turnaround.
“When you’ve been here three years, you need to freshen things. It’s either the same voice to the same people or you freshen it up around the club.
“That will be new players coming in. Some players here will stay and will be offered contracts accordingly when the time is right. But I don’t feel the time is right at the moment. We need to get results and get a positivity into the club again.”
Charles Dunne’s short-term deal has now expired but the centre-back, who has worked with Robbo for several years, remains at Ralston having been offered continuing use of training facilities.
The 31-year-old and the club are considering their options but the results of Alex Iacovitti’s scan for a hamstring injury picked up against Queens could open the door to new terms.
“He’s still training with us,” Robbo explained, “but that’s because I’ve got a very good relationship with him and he’s been very good to me and St Mirren.”
Meanwhile, the gaffer says there have been no bids for either Richard Taylor or Olusanya with the influential pair looking set to leave in the summer.
“Both boys are fully committed to the end of the season,” Robbo said. “We’ve made our best offers that we possibly can from the football club. They have indicated their careers may be elsewhere from here and we respect that.”
Saints have recalled young striker Offord from a loan spell with Northern Irish Premiership side Crusaders. The 20-year-old has scored 10 goals for the Shore Road outfit and is rumoured to be a target for their Belfast rivals Glentoran.
Meanwhile, the Buddies have been drawn at home to face Hearts in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup. The tie will be played on the weekend of Saturday, February 8.
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