Aberdeen sack Barry Robson after one year in charge
He is the fourth manager to be sacked in less than three years
Last updated 31st Jan 2024
Aberdeen have sacked manager Barry Robson after one year in charge.
The Dons have not won any of their league games in 2024 and sit 8th in the Premiership.
Robson is the fourth manager sacked by Chairman Dave Cormack in less than three years.
A disappointing performance in Tuesday night's home draw against Dundee proved to be the final straw with fans chanting "we want Robson out" at full-time.
A statement from chairman Dave Cormack read: “Although it has been a difficult call, the Board felt the change was necessary and in the best interests of Aberdeen FC.
“Barry earned the right to be Aberdeen manager and knew the high level of expectation we had when he took the role. We gave Barry as much time and support as we possibly could in the hope, and expectation, he could return us to the league form we witnessed in the spring of last year.
“There is a talented squad of players at the Club which makes our current league position unacceptable.
“With 17 games left in the league and still in the Scottish Cup, this change is necessary to help us refocus on our ambitions for the rest of the season.
“It’s important we thank Barry for his significant contribution to Aberdeen as a player, a coach and manager. He’s a good man who worked extremely hard in everything he did for us, and it goes without saying that we wish him, and Steve, our very best.
“The Club, as a business, is in good shape. We have no bank debt, significant commercial growth, record season ticket and AberDNA membership sales. We also have an evolving player trading model that is allowing us to invest significantly more in the football operation than the operating income we generate.
“But, as chairman I accept responsibility, along with the board, for the managerial upheavals. It’s exhausting for everyone to go through, not least our fans and the managers who gave their all and lost their jobs.
“We have asked First Team Coach Peter Leven, assisted by Scott Anderson, to lead training on an interim basis.”
The campaign began full of optimism after last season's third place finish clinched European group stage football for the first time in 15 years.
There was also heavy summer investment in the squad.
However, despite some highs like impressive performances v Eintracht Frankfurt and PAOK and reaching the League Cup Final, there were plenty lows as well.
The Pittodrie side's form has, at best, been patchy.
Aberdeen's hopes of repeating last year's third place finish were killed off when a 2-0 defeat at Hearts left them 19 points adrift.
They have won just six of their 21 league games so far - with Celtic then Rangers to face next.