Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson is targeting Premier Sports Cup success this season after winning the trophy with St Mirren in the previous campaign.
The Dons open their cup group stage away to Highland League champions Brora Rangers, beginning what Robinson hopes is a deep run in the competition.
Robinson was candid about what drives his ambition, saying “Jimmy (Thelin) previously did it (in the Scottish Cup) before me at Aberdeen. That is what people remember you for.”
He added that supporters are not interested in budget constraints or squad disparities, saying “Fans want to win football matches and see their team win trophies.”
Robinson acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the competition, noting he lost his opening game to Arbroath last season before eventually lifting the trophy.
Aberdeen face Brora Rangers, Queen’s Park, Queen of the South and Kelty Hearts in their group, and Robinson believes strong early results can build valuable momentum.
He pointed to Hearts as an example, saying “If you look at Hearts, they built up a lot of momentum in the cup,” adding that winning consecutive games breeds confidence throughout a squad.
Robinson confirmed he has already decided on a new captain following the departure of Graeme Shinnie, though he is not yet ready to publicly announce his choice.
He described Shinnie as “an incredible captain at this football club,” saying the former skipper drove standards both on and off the pitch in a way that rarely comes along.
The manager said the captaincy role may be shared across several players, stating “I have very different views on it being one person” and stressing the importance of player-led leadership groups.
Aberdeen’s tenth summer signing, Lewis Smith, joined the club from Livingston for £300,000, and Robinson expressed clear enthusiasm about the winger’s direct style and quality.
Robinson praised the club’s board for allowing him to complete business early in the window, calling it a significant shift from his previous habit of finalising transfers late in the transfer period.
He was direct about the need to reduce squad numbers, stating “Our squad is too big” and confirming that further departures are expected beyond those already confirmed this week.
Marko Lazetic is the latest player to leave, joining FC Noah after Robinson told him honestly last season that he would not feature in his plans going forward.
Robinson said of his direct communication style: “Don’t beat around the bush. Try and tell the truth,” adding that honesty with players either prompts them to leave or motivates them to prove him wrong.
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