DEFENDER SOLD OVER TRANSFER BY ROBSON

Defender Nicky Devlin has explained how manager Barry Robson sold him on a switch to Aberdeen.

The Livingston right-back is set to be announced on a two-year deal by Aberdeen this summer, having penned a pre-contract agreement.

Devlin insists discussions with boss Robson and the positive direction of the club were key factors in his decision to join.

He revealed Robson and the club “pushed the boat out” more than other interested parties in a bid to sign him.

Devlin, whose deal is set to expire at the end of the campaign, also admitted the potential of European football was a major lure.

Aberdeen are in pole position to finish third in the Premiership and secure European qualification.

Devlin hopes they can finish the job so he can play in Europe with the Dons.

He said: “Aberdeen looks like a club on the way up, especially from recent seasons.

“I spoke to the manager a few times and I know one of his backroom staff up there, Liam Fox.

“Speaking to him (Robson) it felt like they were a club pushing the boat out more than any other.

“For me, it was a very similar feeling to when I signed for Livingston.

“When I spoke to the manager here at the time, David Martindale, they obviously made it clear they wanted me to come here.

“That makes it a wee bit easier.”

Devlin knocked back the offer of a new contract from Livingston.

He said it was a difficult decision to move on, but insisted he would have been “silly to turn my nose up” at a move to Aberdeen.

Devlin said “The style of play Aberdeen have adopted since the new manager came in suits me.

“And hopefully everything going well we will be in European football next season.

“That is obviously a big lure.

“It is a massive football club, one of the biggest clubs in the country, and I think anyone would be silly to turn their nose up at that.”