Barry Robson continues 'pure focus' as Aberdeen manager search continues

Aberdeen interim boss Barry Robson says he’s just kept his focus on the team as the club continues its search for a new manager.

The Pittodrie club has vowed to take time to find the right person to succeed Jim Goodwin and Robson has a chance to stake a claim for the job while he works as caretaker manager.

The former Scotland international says he hasn’t been spending his time thinking about the long-term as he keeps his attention game to game.

“The club made it clear at the very start they were going to take their time,” he said.

“You could imagine me preparing this week, the last thing I have been doing is chatting to the board with the amount of stuff I have got on at the minute.

“I am just really looking forward to the game and I know how difficult a game it’s going to be.

“When you’re in this position the amount of work and thought that needs to go into things, the days and weeks fly by.

“For me it’s about pure focus until I’m told different.”

Next up is a test against Hearts, whose comprehensive 5-0 win over Aberdeen was the start of a three-game run that ended Goodwin’s time in charge.

Robson rejected any suggestion that the team had extra reason to put in a performance against Robbie Neilson’s side.

“A point to prove on the last Hearts game? It’s not something I have thought about it all.

“It was six weeks or two months, it’s a long, long time ago. My focus has been on what we achieved in the last few weeks.

“I think we have gradually got better with how we want to play and got a few good results and I think we are in a place where we are all right.

“There’s lots of room for improvement, I’m sure all the players would agree. We are getting better every day in training but that doesn’t guarantee you will win a football match.

“But what we need to do is try our best to make sure we perform to our best levels and that gives you every chance of winning a football match.”