Warnock in the frame as Dons sack boss Robson
8th Aberdeen’s position in the Premiership table
Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack is braced for the “exhausting” process of recruiting a fourth new manager in the space of three years after Barry Robson was sacked yesterday.
First-team coach Peter Leven and under-18s coach Scott Anderson have been placed in temporary charge while the Dons board begin the nowfamiliar task of searching for a new boss.
Neil Warnock has reportedly been sounded out over the prospect of taking over until the end of the season, while Alex Neil, Neil Lennon, Robbie Neilsonandstephenrobinson have also been linked with the Pittodrie vacancy.
Almost 12 months to thedayafterstepping up from his role with the under-18s totakechargeofthe first team – initially on an interim basis – Robson was relieved of his duties along with assistant Steve Agnew.
Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at home to Dundee, in which the 45-yearold came under fire from sections of the Dons support, proved to be the final straw, with a club statement saying this season’s results and performances in the cinch Premiership “have been well below the expectations set”.
Robson was appointed Aberdeen manager on a permanent basis last May after overseeing impressive form during his stint as caretaker, with a run of seven successive wins helping the Dons overhaul Hearts to claim third place and a crack at European group-stage football. Cormack lamented the fact the Dons were unable to replicate such form this season as he described the current league position of eighth as “unacceptable”, even allowing for the demands of trying to juggle domestic matters with competing in the Conference League.
“Although it has been a difficult call, the board felt the change was necessary and in the best interests of Aberdeen FC,” the Dons chairman told the club’s website.
“Barry earned the right to be Aberdeen manager and knew thehighlevelofexpectationwe had when he took the role.
“We gave Barry as much time and support as we possibly could in the hope, and expectation, he could return us to the league form we witnessed in the spring of last year. “There is a talented squad of players at the club which makes our current league position unacceptable. “With 17 games left in the league and still in the Scottish Cup, this change is necessary to help us refocus on our ambitions for the rest of the season.
“It’s important we thank Barry for his significant contribution to Aberdeen as a player, a coach and manager. He’s a good man who worked extremely hard in everything he did for us, and it goes without saying that we wish him, and Steve, our very best.”
Aberdeen’s next two league games are at home to Celtic and away to Rangers before they host League Two side Bonnyrigg in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup.