Stephen Robinson has confirmed he will adopt a leadership group approach at Aberdeen, inspired by Arsenal's model, following the departure of captain Graeme Shinnie. The Dons manager plans to appoint four or five players to share captaincy duties rather than relying on a single individual.
Leadership group to replace Shinnie
Graeme Shinnie turned down a new contract and returned to Inverness, leaving a significant void. Robinson acknowledged that Shinnie was unique in handling all aspects of captaincy but believes the role is now too demanding for one person. "Graeme Shinnie was quite unique in that he was able to fulfil all the facets of being a captain," Robinson said. "He could run the dressing-room, pass on tactical messages on the pitch, and did a lot off the pitch. You don’t often get that, and I don’t believe one single person should be lumbered with it on their own."
The leadership group will comprise four or five players who will manage the dressing room, relay tactical information, support teammates off the pitch, and assist the club. Robinson noted that Arsenal employs a similar system, with Martin Odegaard as captain supported by Declan Rice, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka, and Mikel Merino.
Potential candidates for the armband
Robinson has yet to decide who will wear the armband. Vice-captain Nicky Devlin and new signing Brad Lyons shared captaincy duties in the first pre-season friendly against Cove Rangers, while Kevin Nisbet also captained the team at the end of last season. Mats Knoester and Latvia international captain Kristers Tobers, who is returning to full fitness, are also contenders.
Robinson emphasized the need to adapt to changing times: "Society has changed now; the days of a captain shouting and screaming, kicking doors down to get their point across are long gone. We have to move with the times, and having a group overseeing the dressing-room is the best way to do that."
Brad Lyons adds steel and leadership
Brad Lyons, who joined from Kilmarnock, is expected to bring physicality and leadership to Aberdeen's midfield. Robinson praised his compatriot: "Brad will bring a vast amount of experience from his time at Kilmarnock and as a Northern Ireland international. He’s a very underrated player; he does the dirty bit of the game very well – winning headers and winning tackles. He’s a strong, strong boy, and when I looked at our midfield last season, I felt we missed that. We didn’t have enough physicality in the middle of the pitch; we got pushed around way too much. Brad doesn’t get enough credit for his technical ability; he will give us real forward running power. He’s a leader, so will give us a big help on that side of things."
Recruitment drive adds physicality
Aberdeen's summer recruitment has focused on adding steel and pace. New signings include Lyons, Alexander Briedl, Dan Happe, Toyosi Olusanya, Ayoub Mouloua, Connor Ronan, Tony Yogane, and Lewis Mayo. Robinson highlighted Mayo's pace as a key addition: "Lewis has a lot of potential; he is still young for a centre half and adds versatility to the squad. He brings something we didn’t have enough of at the back last season, which is pace. He is very, very quick."
Further departures are expected, with Record Sport reporting that Elfsborg are in talks for Alexander Jensen and Debrecen want Topi Keskinen.
