Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson has stressed that player departures are a necessity after completing the signing of Lewis Smith, and has revealed he has selected a new captain to replace the departed Graeme Shinnie ahead of the Dons' Premier Sports Cup campaign.
The Dons kick off their group stage away to Highland League champions Brora Rangers on Tuesday, aiming to defend the trophy Robinson won last season with St Mirren. Aberdeen have made 10 summer signings, including Smith for £300,000 from Livingston, but Robinson admitted the squad is too large and further exits are required.
Robinson's ambition to retain the trophy
Robinson said: "I won it last year. The experience will stay with me a long time. It is something every manager dreams of, to win silverware. It is difficult in Scotland with the level of competition. I have good memories of the competition and I would love to do it again."
He added: "Jimmy (Thelin) previously did it (in the Scottish Cup) before me at Aberdeen. That is what people remember you for. They don't care about budgets or the disparities between teams. Fans want to win football matches and see their team win trophies. That is what I have come to Aberdeen for."
Confidence in new signings and tough group
Robinson is confident his squad is ready after a tough pre-season. "We are as prepared as much as we can be," he said. Aberdeen face Brora, Queen's Park, Queen of the South and Kelty Hearts in the group stage. Robinson noted the importance of building momentum, referencing Hearts' four consecutive group wins last season: "Winning games at any level gives you confidence. Aberdeen did not win enough games last season to breed that confidence."
New captain chosen but not named
Robinson has chosen Shinnie's successor but will not reveal the name yet. "I have, but I won't reveal it yet," he stated. "We put it to the players, we want a group of boys that lead the football club. Great teams have the players leading them. That's what we're trying to create here, a group of boys that drive the dressing room, drive standards." He added that the captaincy role should be split: "I'll name a captain when the time's right, but I have very different views on it being one person."
Lewis Smith signing and transfer necessity
Robinson praised Smith: "He is someone who is proven in the Scottish League. He brings a lot of quality and pace. He is direct and I am delighted to get him on-board." However, he stressed the need to offload players: "Our squad is too big. We're starting to do that. You've seen that happen in the last week. There will be a few more to leave as well."
Marko Lazetic recently departed to FC Noah. Robinson explained: "We just felt that Marko wouldn't be part of my plans going forward. I made that clear to Marko last season. Marko obviously agreed with that. I think it's best for both parties that Marko's moved on and we wish him nothing but good luck." He added that honesty is the best policy: "By being honest with people, I've always found that it's usually the best policy. Don't beat around the bush. Try and tell the truth."
Robinson is still seeking another winger and could add more players once departures are completed.
