Aberdeen make next manager move as Hearts and Hibs rival in 'formal talks' for Premiership boss amid big twist

Aberdeen have made their move for St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson, as Premiership rivals of Hearts and Hibs are braced for major change.

The Dons were knocked out the Scottish Cup in humbling fashion by Championship side Dunfermline Athletic last weekend and have endured an alarming run of form that has sparked relegation concerns. Jimmy Thelin was sacked as manager over two months ago and Eirik Horneland, formerly of French club Saint-Etienne, was a strong contender for the role.

Delays over him though resulted in former Mainz and New York Red Bulls boss Sandro Schwarz arriving in Aberdeen for talks with the club over the vacancy. Now in a shock twist, Aberdeen have triggered a clause in the contract of Buddies boss Robinson, who has guided the club to multiple top six finishes and clinched Premier Sports Cup glory last December.

Stephen Robinson to Aberdeen latest

Robinson also delivered European football at Motherwell, finished third, and took the Steelmen to League Cup and Scottish Cup finals. He is now set for talks with the Dons over possibly taking charge at Pittodrie as they host Falkirk this weekend, taking on Hibs prior to the split next month. Aberdeen sit ninth currently and eight clear of play-off fears for now.

A club statement reads: “Aberdeen FC has this morning been officially given permission to enter formal talks with St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson regarding the vacant managerial position. The Club will provide an update in due course.”

St Mirren, who are 10th and three points clear of Kilmarnock in 11th who occupy the relegation play-off spot, stated: “St Mirren Football Club can confirm that we have been approached by Aberdeen FC to speak to manager Stephen Robinson in relation to their managerial vacancy. Aberdeen have met a contractual clause in Stephen’s contract so the club has granted them permission to speak to him regarding the vacancy. We hope for a swift resolution to this matter and will keep supporters updated.”

Could Aberdeen be relegated?

Interim Aberdeen boss Peter Leven did not hide the trouble Aberdeen are in after succumbing 3-0 to Dunfermline as they surrendered their Scottish Cup holders status. He said: “We’re in trouble, we’re in serious trouble, because we’re not picking up wins, we’re not picking up points, and we’re out of the Scottish Cup. There’s a real possibility we can get dragged into the relegation fight, I said that to the players after the game.

“We cannot go on like this, but I can’t protect them any longer. They’ve got to stand up and be counted. They have to show the character because we can’t do anything else, there’s no transfer window, so they’re going to have to pick it up.

“We started okay, we had a chance with Stuart Armstrong, but after that, I can’t defend the players any more, that was unacceptable. I can only apologise to the fans for what they’ve seen. We had so many experienced players on there, but we never won the battle. First balls, second balls, a lack of fight, a lack of confidence, it’s really poor. We’re the holders, and we’ve limped out the Scottish Cup, that’s unacceptable for me. I can take losing, but after going 1-0 down, the fight was gone, and that was so disappointing.”