Niall McGinn believes Stephen Robinson can transform Aberdeen FC into a major Scottish Premiership force — and says Northern Ireland midfielder Brad Lyons will be key to driving standards at Pittodrie
Niall McGinn believes that with adequate financial support, Stephen Robinson has what it takes to restore Aberdeen as a dominant force in the Scottish Premiership.
The ex-Dons player has previously worked alongside the current Aberdeen manager.
Robinson joined Michael O’Neill’s coaching team for Euro 2016, where Northern Ireland progressed to the round of 16.
McGinn is convinced he’s an excellent coach and accomplished manager who, with the proper resources, can revitalise Aberdeen’s prospects, reports the Daily Record.
He said: “I think he’ll do well, but it’s like anything. He obviously needs the backing, which he seems he’s going to get.”
“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. He knows what he’s come up against every week.”
Robinson has already begun reshaping his Aberdeen squad. He’s secured agreements to bring in Brad Lyons, Lewis Mayo, Alexander Briedl and Dan Happe. A transfer for Connor Ronan from Colorado Rapids is also expected to be finalised once the window opens.
The Aberdeen manager has emphasised his desire for greater physicality and strength, combined with substantial British experience.
“It’s not going to be pretty at times,” McGinn stated. “It’s going to be hard graft.
“He’s been saying that over the course of the last six weeks of how the games are and moments such as set-pieces.
“Just really fine moments over the course of 90 minutes which games can be won or lost.
“You want to play free-flowing football and you want to excite the fans.
“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 was delighted to see his fellow countryman secure the top job at Pittodrie, following his success in guiding St Mirren to Premier Sports Cup triumph.
He said: “He was assistant coach at the 2016 Euros. I just knew how brilliant of a coach he was. Obviously, I haven’t worked under him as a manager, which is a wee bit different.
“But from speaking to other players and knowing how he is, I’ve spoken to him a few times since he’s arrived.
“He’s just wanting to do very well, first and foremost for himself and more importantly for the group of players and obviously the fans as well.
“It’ll be a united effort. Yes, he’ll need a bit of time.
“He’ll need a bit of adaptation regarding pre-season, regarding the players coming in, regarding everyone gelling together, with the current squad and the players he’s bringing in.
“He will be looking to do that over pre-season.”
McGinn is equally pleased to welcome another Northern Irish international to Aberdeen, with midfielder Lyons arriving from Kilmarnock.
He said: “First of all, delighted to see somebody from the north coming into the Aberdeen squad.
“Looking from the outside in and knowing him briefly but not too much. 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. He’s just a hard working, honest guy.
“He’ll work box to box, he’ll maybe chip in a goal or two but he’ll just drive standards.”
Lyons brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Aberdeen captain. McGinn understands the value of recruiting such personalities, particularly as the Dons look to fill the void left by departing skipper Graeme Shinnie, who has headed back to Inverness.
“Brad is a good honest footballer and a good type,” said the former Dons star, who featured in the Craig Brown charity Cup game at the weekend.
“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.
“He’s one of those boys who will drive standards.”
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