Barry Robson can give his first full season as Aberdeen manager a massive boost by securing a third-placed finish in the Premiership.
I was delighted when Robson and assistant Steve Agnew signed two-year deals to manage the Dons until at least the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
They have completely transformed Aberdeen’s fortunes in just three months and thoroughly deserve the job permanently.
Robson took over a struggling team in the bottom six and masterminded a rise up to third in the Premiership table.
It has been a remarkable turnaround.
Next season will be his first full campaign as manager and also the first where he will lead a team he built.
Barry Robson will build his own squad
During the summer transfer window, Robson will make signings to construct a squad who can play his football style.
If he can secure a third-placed finish this season, it would secure European group stage football until December – if Celtic win the Scottish Cup. and third would also bring a European cash bonus of around £3 million.
Should the Dons land that extra cash it would surely result in a bigger transfer budget for the summer window.
The prospect of European group stage action can also help lure signing targets to Pittodrie.
Robson has brought the pride back to Pittodrie this season with seven straight wins to move five points clear in third spot.
If the Dons can finish the job by finishing third, it will provide a launch-pad for next season under Robson.
I am confident winning the post-split games at Pittodrie against Hibs and St Mirren will be enough to finish third.
European group stage qualification would be deserved reward for Robson after getting the Dons back on course after taking over the team in troubled times.
Let’s not forget that little more than three months ago the Dons had suffered three humiliating losses on the bounce to Hibs, Darvel and Hearts under former manager Jim Goodwin.
Robson not only stopped a concerning crash in form, he got them moving quickly the other way – up the Premiership table.
He obviously has a strong relationship with the players as they all look like they are willing to run through a brick wall for Robson.
Robson is getting the best out of the current players, but will also bring in his own signings in during the summer window.
He is a nice guy, but he can also be ruthless as well when needed.
It is a balance that is vital in football management.
Throughout his time as interim manager, Robson spoke really well and calmed the whole situation down.
That calmness was needed as the Reds were in trouble when he took over in late January.
Although Robson brings a calmness, he also gets his players fired up before games.
Again, there is that much-needed balance.
Under Robson, the Pittodrie dressing room is happy, you can see that from the way they play and celebrate goals and wins together.
Having a happy, unified dressing room is absolutely key to achieving success.
Robson has done a fantastic job, but the importance of his No.2 Agnew should not be underplayed.
Agnew has a wealth of experience at big clubs like Newcastle United, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Hull City and West Brom.
When Robson was given the interim job following Goodwin’s dismissal, he was taking on a lot of responsibility – and pressure.
He very wisely secured the experience of Agnew who could act as a valuable sounding board.
A manager needs someone like Agnew to give advice and also tell you if he thinks you are wrong.
That is important.
Together they make a successful team that is on the verge or bringing European football back to Pittodrie.
Dons can overcome Rangers… again
If Aberdeen can keep it tight at Ibrox for 20 minutes or grab an early goal, the Rangers supporters will turn on their team.
Rangers fans are frustrated after back-to-back defeats against Aberdeen and Celtic.
They exited the Scottish Cup at the weekend with a 1-0 loss to Celtic and lost 2-0 to the Dons at Pittodrie before that.
In contrast, Aberdeen are on the up with seven straight wins under Barry Robson and gunning for an eighth at Ibrox.
Rangers are struggling. They will win nothing this season and Celtic are closing in on a treble.
The pressure is on the Ibrox side to win and if the Dons get the early upper hand Rangers supporters will get frustrated.
Rangers will be gunning for revenge after Aberdeen’s recent win at Pittodrie.
However, the Reds are more than capable of getting a result on Sunday.
They have all the components needed. Strikers in Duk and Bojan Miovski who are in form and scoring goals. A midfield that is both combative and creative.
And a defence that has leaked just one goal in the seven-game winning streak – and even that was a penalty against Dundee United.
All or nothing clash for Cove Rangers
Hopefully Cove Rangers can secure their Championship status in what will be a nerve-wracking home clash against Morton tonight.
It is the last Championship fixture, but Cove have their survival hopes in their own hands after a recent revival.
Cove have taken four points from the last six to move second bottom, above Hamilton Accies.
If they win tonight, it could be enough elevate Cove further up the table to secure safety and avoid a play-off. But it depends on Arbroath’s result as well.
It will go down to the wire, but they have the players capable of securing their Championship status.
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