Robson says Aberdeen manager hunt is ‘keeping players on their toes’

Aberdeen caretaker manager Barry Robson believes there is nothing wrong with keeping the players on their toes as the Dons’ search for a new boss continues.

Chairman Dave Cormack this week stressed they would take their time with the process and carry out due diligence before any serious talks with candidates after sacking both Stephen Glass and Jim Goodwin in the past 12 months.

Incoming chief executive Alan Burrows will be involved in the process after he completes his move from Motherwell on February 27.

Robson was appointed to his interim role with the assistance of coach Steve Agnew after Goodwin’s departure on January 29 and he recorded victory over Motherwell in his second game.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Celtic Park, Robson countered suggestions that the lengthy process could cause damaging uncertainty among the players.

“You could argue that but you could also argue it’s going to keep players on their toes,” the former Celtic, Dundee United and Aberdeen player said.

“You are always getting watched, you are always getting judged. Another manager is going to come in here, whoever it is, everyone is watching, so you need to be on your toes and be a good professional. If you are that, you will always succeed in this game.

“There’s a lot of good professionals in there and they have been a joy to work with over the past few weeks.

“You have got to be careful, we had players come off a lot of big games that never went well for them so you can’t just come in and really try and hammer down what we are going to do, it doesn’t work like that. We are just trying to keep building on the positives.

“Myself and Steve are actually looking forward to the game. I think we’ve been positive in the last couple of games. I think everyone can see that.

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s a difficult game, you’re going down to play the best team in the country but we’re positive and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Robson has earned praise from his players over his training methods but he remained coy when asked whether he had thrown his hat in the ring.

“I’ve been working a lot over the years, in the background on building models on how I want to play,” he said.

“I have visited clubs and followed managers. I sat and watched Derek McInnes for a few years and went to see how other clubs do things.

“I was offered a position to be a manager on the day I retired but I turned it down because I wanted to go and learn, I wanted to work and build my own ideas.

“I’m glad the players have enjoyed training because I knew that they would.

“But in terms of you wanting me to come out and say ‘I am going to want to be the next Aberdeen manager’, I don’t think it’s the right time for me to be saying that.

“The club have made it clear where they stand. I spoke to the board last week so nothing’s really changed.

“All we want to do is build on the positive of last week where we had two really good performances, I thought.”