Aberdeen have made a dramatic move to appoint Stephen Robinson as their new manager after a disastrous Scottish Cup exit at Dunfermline. The Pittodrie club's 16-month slump reached a new low when they crashed out to second-tier opposition, prompting urgent action after months of deliberation. Sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had initially planned a summer appointment but accelerated the process.

Robinson, who led St Mirren to their first League Cup in 40 years this season, was described by Aberdeen legend Willie Miller as "hiding in plain sight" - a candidate who should have been considered from the start. The Northern Ireland coach has consistently overachieved at Paisley, securing three consecutive top-six finishes and European qualification. His appointment comes despite St Mirren sitting just above the relegation zone themselves.

Aberdeen fans appear divided on the choice, with some welcoming Robinson's proven track record in the Scottish Premiership while others question why the club didn't pursue bigger names. The timing is particularly curious given Robinson's own team's struggles, but the opportunity to manage with greater resources at Pittodrie proved irresistible. With Aberdeen languishing eighth in the league and facing a relegation battle, Robinson's arrival signals a clear break from the past and a desperate attempt to arrest their alarming decline.