‘Hiding in plain sight’ – but why have Aberdeen moved for Robinson now?

Why have Aberdeen suddenly moved to make St Mirren’s Stephen Robinson their new manager? Enough is enough seems to be the obvious answer.

Saturday’s abject end to their Scottish Cup defence at Dunfermline marked the latest low in a 16-month downward spiral that even lifting that trophy last season cannot mask.

Aberdeen have been going in one direction – the wrong one – for some time.

After talking an age since Jimmy Thelin’s departure in January to flirt with options including Eirik Horneland and Sandro Schwarz, a sudden need for urgency appears to have engulfed Pittodrie.

Under the influence of sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel, all the signals were that a full-time appointment would come in the summer. Taking time to get the right person. Learning from previous errors.

That notion appears to have been thrown out the window.

Having announced they are in talks with Robinson – having met a release clause in his contract – it seems the dotting of i’s and crossing of t’s is all that stands between Aberdeen and the appointment of a new permanent manager.

“For me, he was a candidate right from the start, hiding in plain sight,” Aberdeen legend Willie Miller told BBC Scotland.

“I think it’ll be a surprise to most observers – fans included – that it has taken so long to identify someone that’s right under your nose.

“Atrocious,” interim manager Peter Leven said after their cup exit. “Furious, I can’t defend them anymore. We’re in trouble.”

Unusually blunt words post-match from any manager but who could blame him?

Every time there’s been a glimmer that Aberdeen might be on a path to take something positive from a season of disappointment, they have badly stumbled.

Eighth in the Premiership, with eight wins from 29 league games; out of the League Cup in September; their Conference League adventure a joyless trudge.

Then Saturday’s collapse against second-tier Dunfermline.

“Going out of the Scottish Cup, and the way Aberdeen went out, was getting to an unacceptable stage,” Miller explained.

“Getting a new permanent manager in place is the right thing to do and it’s probably taken too long.

A lot, based on his CV.

St Mirren have consistently punched above their weight to claim three consecutive top-six finishes and a long-awaited return to European football.

Add in a League Cup victory this season, with a Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic to follow.

The former Northern Ireland midfielder also has a detailed knowledge of what it takes to operate successfully in the Scottish Premiership.

Consider two cup finals in one season when manager of Motherwell prior to his time in Paisley and you have a compelling case of consistent over-achievement.

Yet the timing is curious.

The timing is good from his point of view. He would be taking over a club pretty much at rock bottom in terms of expectation, with the sense that the only way is up.

Leaving a club hovering just three points above the relegation play-off spot offers a timely escape on a personal front, but he might feel uneasy with the idea that he is deserting a sinking ship.

In football, these opportunities appear and can disappear fast and the ideal time just never happens.

The chance to work with far greater resources will also no doubt appeal, although working within a different structure under Pfannenstiel will be different and may prove challenging.

Robinson clearly had a strong connection with all at St Mirren and that will have been a key driver of success on and off the pitch. He’ll need to replicate that.

He will know this is a step up, too. When asked after Thelin’s departure about being favourite for the Aberdeen role, Robinson simply suggested he couldn’t control that. He didn’t exactly close down speculation.

It’s a fine opportunity for him personally, although early indications are that he will meet a mixed response from Aberdeen fans.

Craig: This won’t be a popular appointment for fans who like the excitement of a foreign name but it is exactly what is required. After years of being the softest side in the league, endlessly recycling possession with no threat up top, I welcome someone that will bring fight and purpose to the side which presently lacks bite.

Chris: No thanks, would rather take our chances in avoiding the play-off spot with Peter Leven. Have we even asked Jens Berthel Askou?

Bruce: Finally! It’s about time the club realised they need a strong man-manager and effective coach who is seasoned in the SPFL. Robinson has overachieved for years – let’s hope we can entice him to Pittodrie.