Aberdeen midfielder Findlay Marshall says confirmation he would not be sent on loan this season delivered a major boost to his bid to become a first-team regular. (Press & Journal, external)
Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSAberdeen manager Stephen Robinson hailed "a great week" for his side after they picked up a well-earned draw at managerless Hibernian.
Former Hibs striker Kevin Nisbet - who has now scored 12 goals this season - gave the visitors a first-half lead with a well-taken goal before Martin Boyle levelled from the penalty spot after the break.
Despite not being able to hold on for the win, Robinson was still satisfied after seeing his team negotiate a demanding three-game run on the road.
The Dons reached the Premier Sports Cup semi-final last weekend with a penalty shoot-out win against Kilmarnock before thrashing Motherwell on Tuesday.
And after a difficult start to the campaign, Robinson is seeing clear signs of progress. He said: "It's been a great week.
"I think the fixture list was very, very unkind to us with the travelling, the turnaround and we've managed to finish this mini-block of games two points off fourth and with a semi-final.
"So it's credit to the players and the staff.
"I think they've worked tirelessly to implement what we're trying to do. And probably a point was deserved by both teams today.
"First and foremost the boys need a break, that's been six games in 18 days."
Robinson admits referee Nick Walsh was left with no option but to award a penalty after Aberdeen defender Jack Milne dragged Jason Kerr to the ground.
He added: "It was a penalty. And I feel if you defend that deep you're going to make a mistake and get punished at some stage of the game."
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Hibernian draw their first game since head coach David Gray's departure against Scottish Premiership visitors Aberdeen (UK only).
Aberdeen fans, we asked for your opinions on the 1-1 draw with Hibernian at Easter Road. Here's a taste of what you had to say...
Stuart: Under normal circumstances a point at Hibs would've been okay, however given the opportunities it was two points lost.
Andy: A bit mixed really. Certainly the team has turned a corner and Kevin Nisbet's finish was clinical but they should not have allowed Hibs back into the game.
Struan: Four points from two tough away games is a good haul, no denying that. However, Hibs were there for the taking and maybe with a more developed squad we could have pushed for all three points. Jack Milne needs to look more at Mats Knoester as a role model, rather than Dan Happe, as his development stalls once more with an error-strewn performance.
Bob: After some ridiculous abuse Stephen Robinson is slowly gelling a decent team. However, the last three games have proved Happe and Milne are liabilities - both are so lazy and prone to switching off.
Darren: The past week has been more positive, not sure last season's team would have managed those results. That's all the 'bigger' teams played already, so hopefully we can be a bit more attack-minded in the coming weeks, get our wingers back in and have a go.
Ross: Well, the ship is steadying. A point at Easter Road is never the worst result, yet the hope is always to get three. Marginal improvements should be recognised rather than focusing on any negatives.
Scott: Disappointing. After taking the lead, we allowed Hibs to take control. In the end, we were fortunate to get a point, as Hibs dominated the second half. Why Robinson continues with Toyosi Olusanya is beyond me. He causes as many problems for us as he does for the opposition. The international break may prove a blessing, as it'll allow Robinson three weeks to work on improving things.
Mark: What a brilliant signing Chris Cadden has been. Another great performance from him today. An upgrade on Nicky Devlin.
Image source, SNSAberdeen manager Stephen Robinson: "I thought it could have been three, but a point is fair. We knew Hibs would have some sort of bounce in the second half, and they did.
"We sat a little bit too deep, but some of our counter-attacking play was really good. We probably have the best chance to win it with Jack Milne.
"But if you sit so deep, there is always going to be a mistake at some stage and we got punished for that. But the week as a whole has been very productive and positive.
"We've played [last season's] top five in the first seven games and we're three points off fourth and in a semi-final so we have to be pleased with that, but know there is still a lot of improvement.
"This was always going to be a transition season. Expectations are very, very high here. But when you bring 13 players in and lose 16 it's hard to get consistency and stability.
"We've got a template, but there is a lot of improvement still to come."
Managerless Hibernian showed some determination and fight to come back and earn a draw in the Scottish Premiership against improving Aberdeen at Easter Road.
Image source, SNSHibs will be under the charge of interim boss John Potter following David Gray's midweek sacking.
Kanayo Megwa (thigh) joins fellow defenders Marko Ivezic (illness), Rocky Bushiri (Achilles) and Jordan Obita (calf) on the sidelines, while Jamie McGrath (calf) remains a doubt.
Aberdeen pair Stuart Armstrong and Lewis Mayo are fitness concerns, while Brad Lyons (knee), Emmanuel Gyamfi (thigh) and Kristers Tobers (knee) are still out.
Image source, SNSStephen Robinson has been speaking to the media before Aberdeen's trip to face managerless Hibs on Saturday (15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines:
Robinson says that while Aberdeen's clinical finishing "carries the headlines" from their 4-0 midweek win at Motherwell, the "hard work and organisation is the big thing to take away from it".
The Dons boss has the "utmost respect" for David Gray, who was sacked by Hibs on Wednesday, and says he did a "fantastic job" at Easter Road with third and fifth-place finishes.
Robinson adds: "It just shows you how ruthless the game is now. We're six games in and he's in a semi-final so I have nothing but admiration for David as a player for Hibs and a manager for Hibs."
Robinson doesn't expect Hibs to be "that much different" under interim boss John Potter - "they haven't changed players" - and wants the "exact same form and attitude" from Aberdeen's past two games as they seek a third straight win.
On what has changed amid Aberdeen's mini revival, Robinson says: "Results. Results change everything. Results change the narrative. Sometimes you don't play as well as the results suggest, but if you win, it hides all faults. If you lose, every fault is opened up for scrutiny."
Gavin Molloy, who made just his second league start of the season at Fir Park and scored the opener, is praised by Robinson as a "manager's dream".
"Gav has had to be patient but I thought he was super," says the Pittodrie head coach. "He reminds me of Marcus Fraser at St Mirren. They just get on with it, they don't complain about anything. You can play them in any position. If they're not in the team, they train harder. He's going to get a lot of stick after me calling him a manager's dream now from the players, but he's just an ultimate pro and he got his just rewards on Tuesday night, so I'm delighted for him."
The Dons have "real high hopes" for 20-year-old Findlay Marshall, who made his first league start in midweek and "gives us legs and energy, which we don't particularly have in midfield".
Lewis Mayo and Stuart Armstrong are doubts for the game at Easter Road. Emmanuel Gyamfi will play in the KDM Cup next week and fellow long-term injury absentee Kristers Tobers is set to begin full training, which is a "real milestone for him".
Robinson has met with new chief executive Adrian Bevington, saying: "We had a really good chat. Adrian comes with a really good reputation and obviously worked at really good levels, so I'm looking forward to working with him."
Hibs, who sacked head coach David Gray in midweek, have lost six successive home games in the Scottish Premiership. In the 21st century, just two sides have lost seven in a row at home in Scotland's top flight: Ross County (Oct 2014 to Jan 2015) and Dundee (May to Oct 2018).
Aberdeen scored as many goals in their 4-0 win at Motherwell last time out as they had in their previous seven league games combined. The Dons have kept two consecutive Premiership clean sheets, last keeping three in a row in May 2024 (5).
Hibs (26y 325d) and Aberdeen (27y 325d) are the two sides with the oldest average ages of their starting XIs in the top flight this season.
Hibs have only lost one of their past 10 home league games against Aberdeen (W7 D2), a 4-0 defeat in May 2024.
After their 2-0 win in April, Aberdeen could win back-to-back league meetings with Hibs for the first time since November 2020 (3 in a row).
Aberdeen head coach Stephen Robinson has ruled out sending Findlay Marshall on another loan as the 20-year-old is now an integral part of his plans after the midfielder was handed his first start in Tuesday's 4-0 win over Motherwell. (Press & Journal, external)
Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator
Image source, SNSWhen Ayoub Mouloua hammered home Aberdeen's third goal in their 4-0 rout of Motherwell in Lanarkshire, you couldn't help but think of the late Hicham Zerouali.
Zerouali provided a light during a dark period for Aberdeen upon his arrival under Ebbe Skovdahl in 1999 and scored some magnificent goals for the Dons.
Among them was a thunderous strike at Fir Park into the top left corner in front of the stadium's south stand.
Almost exactly a quarter of a century on, his Moroccan compatriot Mouloua found the very same target as Aberdeen cantered to a crucial first away league win in nine months.
For Mouloua personally, it capped a productive few days, coming after his audacious penalty helped his team into a League Cup semi final in their shootout victory at Kilmarnock.
Zerouali was the epitome of a cult figure during his time in the Granite City, scoring goals and enthralling the fans on a Saturday afternoon before helping out in a city-centre kebab shop in the evening where he was more than happy to sign napkins as mementos for his adoring public.
Mouloua has been visibly transformed by his kick-starting week as he attempted all kinds of flicks and tricks after his goal and could prove extremely useful to Stephen Robinson going forward. The manager was the first person he went to after he found the back of the net.
For Aberdeen generally, it has been a massive week. Having come through the tie in Ayrshire, they have backed that up and next face a trip to a Hibernian side who don't have a manager after sacking David Gray.
The bottom line is wins breed confidence and while it'll take a more extended run than two victories to convince everyone they have turned the corner, the Dons head to the capital with a further opportunity to prove the doubters wrong.
Highlights: Motherwell 0-4 Aberdeen
We asked for your views after Aberdeen ended a nine-month wait for a Premiership away win by thumping Motherwell 4-0.
Here are some of your comments:
Scott: A performance from out of nowhere. There has been absolutely no sign of that level of performance all season, and then we get both barrels. Once more, Ayoub Mouloua turned that game. The lad is class and should be the first name on the teamsheet. The standard has now been set, and so must be maintained.
Jimi: Great result, but same as Stephen Robinson was saying early doors where one or more losses don't make a season, a win doesn't either. Completely dominated off the ball. But at least we got shots away, which we have been screaming for since the cup win under Jimmy Thelin.
Neil: Well done Aberdeen. Maybe all the negative fans will realise it is a work in progress and will get behind the manager and team. No doubt they will be on moaning next time a result doesn't go our way.
Joe: Brilliant performance all round, well done. How quickly things change in football, the goal now must surely be to kick on with consistency, no more ups and downs. Robinson and the squad deserve credit, three more points before the break and the mood lifts all round.
Justin: Great to see the team playing with a bit of guile and swagger. Play like that every week and we'll be right up the table. Great stuff.
Peter S: Another good shift from the boys. The fire is there. The belief is growing. But all of this goes for nothing should we not take anything at Hibs.
Highlights: Motherwell 0-4 Aberdeen
Watch the pick of the Fir Park action as Aberdeen thrash Motherwell 4-0. (Available to UK users only)
Image source, Getty ImagesAdrian Bevington is eager to "immerse" himself in the Granite City after joining Aberdeen as chief executive.
The former English FA managing director and group communications director replaces Alan Burrows, whose departure was announced on Tuesday.
Bevington has also held roles at Aston Villa and Middlesbrough and worked with Nottingham Forest and the Welsh FA.
"This is a great football club with a long history, and I'm delighted to be given this exciting opportunity," he said.
"My wife and I are looking forward to relocating to Aberdeen and getting to know everyone connected with the club, particularly the loyal supporters, commercial partners, stakeholders and the wider community.
"Aberdeen FC means so much to so many people and I'm excited to immerse myself in the city and build strong relationships across all areas of the business."
Chairman Dave Cormack says 55-year-old Bevington was the "outstanding candidate" for the position.
"I've known Adrian for many years, and he has always impressed me with his calm and clear thinking about the game, as well as his ability to handle a high-profile role as a chief executive in professional football," said Cormack.
"The board's belief that he possesses the passion, leadership qualities, understanding of the game, commercial acumen and communication skills required for the role was reinforced by his impeccable references from across the highest levels of the sport.
"He has all the credentials needed to drive Aberdeen forward."
Former Aberdeen captain and manager Willie Miller praises the character shown by the Dons in Tuesday's 4-0 win at Motherwell - but still sees room for more quality. (Press and Journal - subscription required, external)
Aberdeen secured their second Scottish Premiership win of the season - and their first at Motherwell since March 2024 - with a terrific four-goal victory at Fir Park.
Image source, SNSAberdeen Head Coach Stephen Robinson tells BBC Scotland: "I thought we were very, very good tonight considering the efforts the boys put in with ten men on Saturday. Great energy, good organisation and we set out to try and dominate the middle of the pitch and break on them and it worked well.
The players have to carry that out and they did it with energy and quality and winning games breeds confidence, and you could see that grow as the scoreline went up. The players believed in themselves and believed in the ability that we know they have.
"I think the discipline, the energy, the quality when we did break. We picked the passes, we bought passes at the right time to give us ownership, and we were clinical. We haven't been clinical, that has been an issue with us. When we had our opportunities we scored, and that's the difference between winning and losing games.
There was a few that surprised me, I haven't seen Gavin [Molloy] score many but I thought he was terrific throughout tonight. Some really good performances and good goals. I'm delighted to see Ayoub [Mouloua] follow on from his penalty and you can see the confidence growing in the squad."
Image source, SNSAlan Burrows is stepping down as Aberdeen chief executive for family reasons, the club have announced.
Burrows departs after three-and-a-half years in the role, having held a similar position at Motherwell previously.
Chairman Dave Cormack said: "It goes without saying that Alan leaves with our very best wishes. Personally, I've enjoyed working with Alan, who has been a lead-from-the-front chief executive and someone who has put his heart and soul into the role.
"The club is in a much better commercial position because of his leadership. Thanks to Alan's drive, determination and enthusiasm, we've made significant strides in many areas, most notably fan engagement, creating a stronger platform on which to build for the future.
"On behalf of the board, I'd like to thank Alan for all his efforts and reiterate that he will always be welcome at Pittodrie."
Aberdeen won the Scottish Cup for the first time in 35 years during Burrows' tenure, twice played in European group stages and reached the League Cup final.
The club also recorded a 40% increase in commercial revenue and twice set records for season ticket sales.
There has also been managerial churn at Pittodrie, with Barry Robson, Neil Warnock, Peter Leven, Jimmy Thelin and current boss Stephen Robinson all having spells in charge since Burrows' arrival.
Burrows highlighted the 2025 Scottish Cup win as one of his highlights.
"I've had so many fantastic memories, none more special than that unforgettable weekend of 24 May 2025 - that will live with me forever," he said.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed being at Aberdeen and want to place on record my sincere thanks to Dave and the board for giving me the opportunity to lead this great club.
"I've had the privilege of working with a phenomenal group of staff, past and present, across Pittodrie and Cormack Park. Their achievements, on and off the pitch, are something I'm immensely proud to have been a part of."
Glen Schreuder
Fan writer
Silverware remains in sight for Stephen Robinson and his Aberdeen side.
The pressure players and manager were under on Saturday was reaching boiling point, even if he'll tell you otherwise.
The performance at Rugby Park might not have been convincing but cup football is about progression, and progress we did, showing character to prevail on penalties after playing for over an hour with 10 men.
We need to take elements of the performance from Saturday into our league matches with Motherwell and Hibs this week.
If we can replicate the passion, determination and effort then maybe some points - and a goal from open play - could follow.
If not, the celebrations from Saturday will be quickly forgotten.
