Robinson Calls on Aberdeen to Make Hampden Moment Count

Stephen Robinson knows a thing or two about lifting trophies. After guiding St Mirren to victory in the Premiers Sports Cup last season, he’s now urging his Aberdeen squad to channel that same energy this Saturday against Rangers. The Dons head into this semi-final riding a rough patch, with just one win in their last five outings. But Robinson is optimistic, pointing to his experience and the strong spirit he sees within the squad. "There’s no room for self-pity here; a semi-final at Hampden is the perfect chance to set things right," he said. "As footballers, you always get another shot, but as a manager, those chances can be rare. Playing in front of a full crowd with our supporters backing us is exactly what we need. We’re confident we can do this." Robinson reflected on his previous semi-finals with Motherwell and St Mirren, where his teams were often underdogs. "I know how to inspire teams and my staff are great at instilling belief in the players," he added. "This is a big opportunity for us, and all the pressure will be on Rangers." The Dons’ recent 1-0 defeat to Falkirk was met with a wave of boos from the home fans, leaving them languishing in ninth place in the Premiership, just three points above the relegation zone. "We have a fantastic group eager for success, and everyone acknowledges that our results haven’t been good enough," Robinson said after the match. "The players are united in wanting to improve. There are no divisions among them; they all want to turn things around." Robinson admitted that while there was a decent performance hidden in the loss, the criticism was warranted. "We can’t shy away from it. I’m not one to pass the blame; it’s on us to respond." Since taking charge in March, Robinson has been in regular contact with Aberdeen’s leadership, including CEO Adrian Bevingston and chairman Dave Cormack. He has not sought any guarantees about his position, focusing instead on the task at hand. Rangers' manager Derek McInnes, who enjoyed a lengthy spell at Aberdeen, has expressed confidence in Robinson’s potential for success, given he’s afforded time. "Derek knows firsthand how tough this job can be and the constraints we face," Robinson said, acknowledging McInnes’s support. "I have immense respect for him; he’s among the best managers in the league. Everyone desires time, but results are what ultimately dictate outcomes in football." After the Falkirk match, captain Kevin Nisbet stressed the importance of delivering a strong performance for the fans and the club. "The fans’ reaction post-game was completely justified. We didn’t perform well, and the blame rests solely on us players," Nisbet explained. "The gaffer has taken a lot of heat this season, but that last match was on us. We owe him, the fans, and the club a big performance." For all the latest updates and insights on Aberdeen, be sure to check our dedicated page.