I owe Del a lot but that’s in the past. We need a bright future
Lewis: Dons’ only focus is strong finish to season
JOE LEWIS has claimed there is still time for Aberdeen to use the negatives and ensure their stalling season ends on a positive note.
The Dons travel to Dundee United for their first game since Derek McInnes stepped down as manager.
Caretakers Paul Sheerin, Barry Robson and Neil Simpson will take the team in the interim, until a new boss is appointed.
McInnes paid the price because Aberdeen didn’t hit previous heights. Lewis knows they can still be achieved by clinching third and making an impact in the Scottish Cup.
The keeper said: “When I signed for this club my career wasn’t going anywhere. I needed to find my way and get going again and Derek and Tony Docherty gave me that opportunity. I’ll always be grateful for that.
“But I’m keen not to dwell much on the past now. We had last week to put that all away. There is still such an opportunity for this squad to achieve something this season.
“And turn a season which has been very disappointing so far into something really positive. My motivation will be third and what that can bring us and the Scottish Cup which is a trophy.
“They’re my motivations, I can’t speak for everyone else but I don’t think anyone is looking to try to vindicate anything.
“I think we’re looking to perform well on the pitch because there is a massive amount to play for this season so hopefully we can look back at the season as a whole as successful one, whereas, right now it doesn’t feel like it has been.”
Hibs are six points ahead of Aberdeen but Lewis is confident their rivals can still be caught. He said: “We’re looking at them as well and we’ve got to play them again which will be a huge game.
“We’re confident in what we can do here and what they do is out of our hands, apart from when we play.
“They’re a good team and we respect them and at the moment they are deservedly ahead of us.
“But there are six games and 18 points to play for so hopefully we can turn around the deficit.”
The Red Army will be hoping the change of boss can spark their team into life. Lewis added: “We’ve not put a run together, it’s hard to put a finger on why.
“With Paul coming in and trying to change a couple of things everyone’s focus has been on that really and trying to win the game against Dundee United.
“It’s a huge game for ourselves, it’s a big game for the supporters and we need to show the desire, passion and composure to do what’s being asked of us.
“We have not had a great run throughout the season – now’s the time to do it.”