Life tough at top for clubs like Aberdeen

AFC: McDougall sympathy for sides trying to compete with the Old Firm

Former Aberdeen striker Frank McDougall believes the re-emergence of Glasgow’s big two at the top of Scottish football is the reason so many Premiership managers are feeling the strain.

McDougall’s former club Aberdeen host Hibernian at Pittodrie on Saturday in a game where both managers are looking to lift the mood.

Dons boss Derek McInnes wants to bounce back from the heaviest defeat of his career – a 5-0 mauling at Rangers – while Hibs boss Paul Heckingbottom takes his second-bottom side to Pittodrie searching for his second win of the season.

With Craig Levein of Hearts and Kilmarnock’s Angelo Alessio also being scrutinised heavily this season, McDougall believes the challenge of keeping up with Celtic and Rangers is proving a tall order.

The Dons are eight points behind leaders Celtic while Hibs are 14 points adrift of Neil Lennon’s side, who they will face in the Betfred Cup semi-finals next month.

McDougall said: “It’s tough right now and it seems as if managers of most teams are under pressure. Saturday’s game has become a big one for both managers and it is important Aberdeen get back to winning ways going into the international break.

“Aberdeen have had a good run in recent years and been knocking on the door against Celtic a few times but it looks as if Celtic and Rangers are back together at the top and everyone is trying to stay close to them.

“It’s tough to see especially as I wouldn’t say they have great sides at the minute. I’m not sure I have an answer for whether anyone can catch them but I hope Aberdeen can rebuild and come back again although it’s going to be a long haul.”

McDougall is not surprised to see Dons boss McInnes in the spotlight among sections of the support following Saturday’s heavy defeat at Ibrox.

He acknowledges the lengthy injury list at Pittodrie but was still shocked by the manner of the loss to Steven Gerrard’s side at the weekend.

He said: “There is no hiding place, especially after a result like that at Rangers and the manager and his players know that.

“They were bossed all over the park and I’m sure I’m not the only one who thought the days of the heavy defeats like that were long gone.

“Aberdeen are in a tough spot with the injuries they have but that’s football and as a manager you just have to get through it.”