Aberdeen FC captain Joe Lewis says players face test when new manager appointed

Joe Lewis believes Aberdeen’s players will face a test of character when a new manager is appointed – but can show their colours and impress in the remainder of the season.

The Pittodrie club are looking for a new manager after parting company with Stephen Glass, and face a fight to reach the top six in the Premiership, having already suffered disappointment in both cups this season.

Lewis thinks that the appointment of a new permanent boss, whoever it is, will create a little uncertainty within the squad, but that it can be harnessed in a positive manner.

He said: “That’s where you see the true character of players, when you are thrown into uncertainty, can you deal with that?

“Do you worry about it or do you look at it as an opportunity to change your fortunes?

“We need to look at it that way, we need to look at it in a way where we all need to do more and perform better under the guidance of a new manager.

“I’m sure we will look to put our foot down for the last part of the season.

“So yes, it is a mental test, everyone can react differently but I am sure we have a group here who will react in a positive manner.”

The Dons travel to play Motherwell in the Premiership this weekend, with a bruising Scottish Cup exit at the same venue still fresh in the memory.

Lewis wants the team to put that disappointment behind them and concentrate on what they can still achieve, despite no hope of silverware this season.

“It is certainly not the mindset here that the season is over,” he said. “It has barely got going for us yet.

“There is a lot to prove for everyone and with a new manager to be appointed, players are playing for their futures, for new contracts or whatever they think is in their future so the season is far from over.

“We have got good players but we have to earn that right to play and earn the right to show that ability by doing the ugly side first. We really need to show that on Saturday.

“Obviously I wasn’t there last week but it was a very disappointing result and it is a good opportunity for the lads to show what kind of character they have got.”