FORMER Celtic midfielder Barry Robson has signed a two-year deal to become permanent Aberdeen boss.
The one-time Scotland star, who was brought to Parkhead by Gordon Strachan in January 2008 from Dundee United, took charge in an interim capacity after Jim Goodwin had been sacked in January following a series of of terrible results.
The Pittodrie outfit were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by non-league Darvel and followed up with a resounding 6-0 hammering from Hibs at Easter Road which proved to be the ex-St Mirren gaffer’s last match before the axe.
GOOD LUCK…Ange Postecoglou and Barry Robson after Celtic’s 4-0 win over Aberdeen in February.
Robson has guided the Dons to seven successive wins, including a 2-0 success over Michael Beale’s Ibrox side last week when on-loan Celt Liam Scales claimed the crucial opening goal.
The north-east club now sit third – five points clear of fourth-placed Hearts, the Hoops’ opponents on Sunday, and in firm control in the race to secure European football next season.
Robson will continue to be assisted by Steve Agnew, who has also agreed a two-year deal.
The new chief, in a club statement, said: “I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to manage this fantastic football club.
BARRY ROBSON v LIONEL MESSI…the new Aberdeen boss in a Hoops appearance against Barcelona in a European tie on February 20 1986. Robson scored – but the Spanish aces won 3-2.
“I would like to thank the chairman and the wider board for putting their trust in me and together with Steve and my staff we will work tirelessly to match the ambitions of the club.
“Since being asked to take the team at the end of January, the response from the players has been immense, and likewise the supporters have been brilliant and got right behind the team. They have played their part in our recent wins.
“We still have five tough matches remaining this season, but we’re all more determined than ever to deliver European football again for the supporters and longer term, meet the expectations of this great club.”
Robson will bring the Dons to Celtic Park on Flag Day on May 27 for the final league match of the season. He faced Ange Postecoglou’s men in February in Glasgow and lost 4-0 with the champions coasting to three points with goals from Reo Hatate (2), Callum McGregor and Liel Abada.
