McGinn has expressed strong confidence that Stephen Robinson can transform Aberdeen back into a serious top-flight contender with the right financial support.
The former Aberdeen winger worked closely alongside Robinson when the Northern Irishman served as one of Michael O’Neill’s coaches during Euro 2016.
Northern Ireland reached the last 16 of that tournament, and McGinn witnessed firsthand just how impressive Robinson was as a coaching operator.
“I think he’ll do well, but it’s like anything. He obviously needs the backing, which he seems he’s going to get,” McGinn predicted.
“He knows the league very well, so that’s a big plus straight away. Stephen is coming into a league where he knows what the standards are.”
Robinson has wasted no time in reshaping his squad, agreeing deals to bring in Brad Lyons, Lewis Mayo, Alexander Briedl, and Dan Happe ahead of the new season.
A move for Connor Ronan from Colorado Rapids is also expected to be completed once the transfer window officially opens this summer.
The Aberdeen manager has been vocal about wanting more physicality and British know-how throughout his squad as he looks to build a harder, more competitive unit.
“It’s not going to be pretty at times,” McGinn insisted, adding that Robinson has spoken extensively about the importance of fine margins and set-pieces across 90 minutes.
“He’ll obviously do well, but more importantly, he’ll want to win games. Ultimately, he’ll just be wanting to win games straight away,” McGinn continued.
The former Dons star was particularly pleased to see Robinson land the Pittodrie role following his success in guiding St Mirren to Premier Sports Cup glory.
McGinn acknowledged there would be an adaptation period, with pre-season crucial to getting new arrivals and existing players gelling together as a cohesive group.
“It’ll be a united effort. Yes, he’ll need a bit of time, regarding pre-season, regarding the players coming in, regarding everyone gelling together,” he said.
McGinn also welcomed the arrival of fellow Northern Irish international Lyons, who makes the switch to Aberdeen from Kilmarnock after a strong spell in Ayrshire.
“I have watched him closely over the years to see his progression from Coleraine and Kilmarnock. He then made his international debut and has won a few caps, so he has quality,” McGinn said.
Lyons is seen as an important character signing, particularly given the need to replace departing skipper Graeme Shinnie, who has returned to Inverness.
“It’s going to be important because when you lose the likes of Graeme Shinnie you need characters to come in and get up to the standards straight away,” McGinn noted.
“He’s one of those boys who will drive standards,” he added, painting Lyons as exactly the type of energetic, box-to-box presence Robinson wants at the heart of his midfield.
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