It’s not very often you hear about managers being inspired after a 4-0 defeat at Celtic Park. But that is exactly how Barry Robson was after goals from Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Liel Abada dealt him his second defeat as Aberdeen’s interim manager.
Robson was given temporary charge of the club after the dismissal of Jim Goodwin in February and after being permanently appointed this week, BBC reporter Kheredine Idessane revealed the conversation he had with the former Celtic man after the defeat at Paradise.
Idessane said, “He got a couple of defeats in his first couple of matches when he took over as interim. He lost 3-1 to St Mirren, beat Motherwell.
“And then I interviewed him on the end of a 4-0 defeat at Celtic Park. And he looked me in the eyes and says, ‘I was born for this job. I can do this job. I just need time. I need to get a certain steel and resilience into the guys. There’s a good group of players here. And I know that I can do this.’
“And he’s not been wrong. Because since then, they’ve gone on a fabulous run of seven straight wins. He was interim until the end of the season but they have now basically said that’s it. The audition is over. The job is yours, well done, two-year contract.” [BBC Scottish Football Podcast]
Robson has done wonderfully well since taking over the reins at Pittodrie. Flirting with relegation, the former Celtic midfielder has transformed the Dons season after going on a seven-game unbeaten run which included the impressive 2-0 win over Rangers at home.
They now sit third in the league table five points clear ahead of Hearts and in pole position to qualify for Europe.
Well done to Barry. The appointment was well deserved and it will be interesting to see where he can an Aberdeen side that has arguably been underachieving for the last ten years.
In other news, Jeremie Frimpong opens up on his Celtic debut in class UEFA interview
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