Pressure grows on Stephen Robinson after Hampden semi-final defeat
The Football Show panel was split on whether Aberdeen will sack Stephen Robinson after a 1-0 Premier Sports Cup semi-final loss to Rangers.
By Peter Martin,
Stephen Robinson's future at Aberdeen was the main talking point on The Football Show LIVE after his side lost 1-0 to Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden. Peter Martin was joined by Alan Rough, Tam McManus and Alex Rae, and the panel did not agree on what comes next for the manager.
The best team won
There was little argument about the result itself. "I thought the best team won. No doubt about that," was the verdict from the panel. They felt Aberdeen had set up hoping for "a counterattack or a set piece", and they looked at Robinson's back five and the role of Nicky Devlin.
The panel also discussed Ryan Naderi's eighth goal and Penrice's role in midfield. Badredine Bouanani was singled out as "the best player on the pitch".
The Penrice tackle
A tackle by Penrice was also debated. One view was clear: "I think it was a yellow card. I don't think it was a red card." Another described the decision as finely balanced: "I think it's borderline."
Robinson's future
On the question of whether Aberdeen will sack Robinson, the panel was split. One view was that "I don't think they're going to sack him", with the point made that "January is usually decision time for boards". There was some sympathy for Robinson too.
Not everyone was so patient. "I don't think they're good enough, Peter. I just think they look a poor side," was the bluntest assessment of the night.
The panel also asked whether Aberdeen had given Jimmy Thelin time, and talked about Adrian Bevington and the possibility of another transfer window.
A testing run
Aberdeen's fixtures to December will decide a lot. They face Hibs, then Kilmarnock away, Rangers away, Dundee at home and Hearts at Tynecastle.
Elsewhere
The show opened with Falkirk, who have now won four in a row under John McGlynn. It closed by asking whether this is a big chance for Derek McInnes to win silverware.