Coaching is mentally tiring: Robson

BARRY ROBSON admits he got a major surprise when he hung up his boots this summer and took the step into coaching at Aberdeen.

He couldn’t believe how tiring it is – but the former midfielder insists he’s loving his new role.

Robson was part of the Pittodrie coaching staff this week in Latvia as they comfortably disposed of Ventspils on their way to a 4-0 aggregate Europa League win.

The ex-Dundee United, Celtic and Middlesbrough midfielder retired in the summer and moved on to Derek McInnes’ coaching staff.

But if the 37-year-old thought he’d get a rest after a 20-year career that saw him collect 17 caps for Scotland, he admits he’s been shocked at the mental intensity of his new role.

He explained: “I miss playing but I’ve been so busy I don’t have too much time to think about that aspect. A lot has been about sitting back and learning.

“I’ve been watching the gaffer, Tony Docherty and Paul Sheerin and learning about how much attention to detail goes into things.

“I’ve been in the game a long time but you don’t realise the work that goes into it.

“I’m enjoying it and, obviously, wins help. It’s been hard work and different from what I’m used to. It’s something I always wanted to get into but I’ve had my eyes opened a fair bit.

“It’s been no problem making the transition from player to coach. To go in and coach players that I know isn’t an issue for me.

“But I’ve found it more tiring than playing. It’s mentally a lot more tiring.

“There are more hours. You can’t switch off. You’re studying the game more, there’s video work and planning.

“I haven’t switched off for a while but that’s the nature of the game and why we’re in football – we’re obsessed with it.

“It hasn’t changed in that sense but the difference is you used to think about yourself and how you could make yourself better. Now you are thinking about how you make players better and make yourself better, so it’s a double dunt.”