Stephen Robinson admits the League Cup format has left him with a growing injury list ahead of Sunday’s top flight opener against Motherwell – and insists he’s not the only one.
Saints exited at the group stage after defeats to Arbroath and Airdrie in a disappointing start.
The St Mirren boss reckons playing competitive fixtures so early means players are more likely to break down.
Robinson told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “Whatever I say at the moment people will think I’m only saying it because we didn’t qualify.
“But I have said it before. I’ve also been to a cup final in this competition.
“Speaking to other managers, it just doesn’t work for the Premiership sides.
“It’s set up against us because if you play your strongest side in the four group games you only get 11 players fit, you don’t get your squad of 20 fit.
“It’s so early, it’s two weeks in and we’ve picked up numerous injuries because of it.
“Alex Greive and Scott Tanser to name a few, and the other clubs are the exact same because you’re going into games where usually you’d take them off after 45 or 60.
“I don’t think anyone enjoys it. It’s so early in the competition and it’s not conducive to good football or building for the season. I’d like it looked at. Hibs were struggling to qualify before the ruling, St Johnstone didn’t qualify and Livi were close.
“I was at the Motherwell game and you speak to other managers and it’s so false, you have so much possession of the ball.
“That’s not an excuse, it’s just not how we’ll play.
“We will be a team that’s hard to break down hopefully and a team that plays on the counter.
“We’re all in the same boat. It’s certainly not an excuse. I said it from the first day, it’s not conducive for us to prepare for the season.”
Robinson also believes clubs can be at a disadvantage in a financial sense with lower crowds for the early games.
Only 1,047 were in attendance for the Buddies’ 3-1 win in a dead rubber against FC Edinburgh in Paisley on Saturday.
The Northern Irishman guided Motherwell to the final of the League Cup back in the 2017/2018 campaign and he feels clubs need to go deep in the tournament before you make any serious money.
Robinson said: “The club actually loses money in the group games because the crowds aren’t big and you have to put on staff.
“You have to put on all the things that come with hosting a game, so there are no financial gains to the group stages and playing this early.
“If we got to a final it would affect the club as a whole.”
