Aberdeen’s new head coach Stephen Robinson has issued a rallying call to his squad ahead of the Premier Sports Cup semi‑final against Rangers, insisting that the match at Hampden Park is a vital chance to reverse a poor start to the season. The Dons, who have won only one of their last five league games, are looking to use the cup tie as a turning point, according to Robinson, who guided St Mirren to the trophy last year.
Robinson, who took over at Pittodrie in March, said that the pressure will be on Rangers and that Aberdeen have “the right place to do it” with a full house of supporters behind them. He reminded his players that as a footballer you always get another chance, but as a manager you may not, and that the semi‑final is an opportunity to prove themselves. “Every semi‑final that I’ve been in with Motherwell and St Mirren, we were not expected to win. So I know how to motivate teams,” he told reporters, adding that the staff are ready to instil belief in the squad.
The Dons’ league form has left them ninth in the Premiership, just three points clear of the bottom. A 1‑0 defeat to Falkirk on Wednesday had sparked boos from the crowd and left the team in a difficult position. Robinson admitted the result was disappointing but praised the group’s attitude, stating that the players “know it needs to be better” and that there are no factions within the squad. He also accepted responsibility for the loss, saying he would not “throw players under the bus” and that the criticism was deserved.
Robinson has maintained open lines of communication with club hierarchy, noting that he has “normal conversations” with chief executive Adrian Bevingston and chairman Dave Cormack. When asked whether he had sought assurances about his role, he said he had not, and that he respected the club’s decision‑making process. He also acknowledged support from former Rangers boss Derek McInnes, who has spoken favourably of Robinson’s potential to succeed if given time.
Ahead of the semi‑final, Robinson handed the captain’s armband to striker Kevin Nisbet during the summer and has urged the players to deliver a performance that satisfies fans, the club and the coaching staff. “We owe the gaffer a performance, we owe the fans a performance and we owe the club a performance,” he said, highlighting the collective responsibility that lies on the team as they prepare to face Rangers at Hampden.