Aberdeen

Dons fans, we asked for your views on the departure of Sivert Heltne Nilsen and arrival of Elvis Bwomono until the end of the season.

Here's what some of you said:

Mark: Nilsen started really strongly and was a vital part of that unbeaten run last season. I think his form dipped after a few months because he arrived after a full season in Norway without a break. The freak eye injury disrupted things last year and I'm glad he is able to see, never mind still play, after that. The move may be right for both parties, although I wonder if his experience may have been useful until the end of the season, given the experienced players we have missing in defence.

Ian: Commitment was there but a player in the twilight of his career with little pace left. In retrospect a bad signing.

Chris: It's a good move for Nilsen. His lack of pace made him a liability in defence and midfield as the bookings became more likely than anything else. Bwomono I don't remember at St Mirren, I just hope Stephen Robinson's player assessment/memory is better than Lutz Pfannenstiel's as his has been pretty poor. Let's wait and see but we need something at the back to plug the leaking goals.

Brian: Not only letting experience and leadership go but another likeable player. Add to Shayden Morris, Leighton Clarkson, Dante Polvara - players who seemed to care/fight for the club. Now we're left with a team of strangers, most of whom don't seem to give a damn. Genuinely the least connected I've ever felt to my team in over 50 years.

Alan: Nilsen no doubt had a sound enough football brain and was a decent guy in and around the squad but his lack of pace and movement on the pitch was a severe handicap. Signing anyone with some SPFL experience and increased pace and mobility at this time is sensible.

Joe: Desperate times, desperate measures. Who can say what the next few weeks will bring, all that's left is hope. Any confidence in the club to scramble away from the play-off place has long gone. Sad and frustrating times for a club like Aberdeen

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Midfielder Sivert Heltne Nilsen is "incredibly grateful" for his Aberdeen career after departing to join second-tier Norwegian side FK Haugesund.

The 35-year-old, a Scottish Cup winner with the Dons last season, has only been used sparingly in recent months and was keen to return to his homeland.

The Dons have swiftly added to their squad following Heltne Nilsen's exit, with former St Mirren defender Elvis Bwomono, 27, joining until the end of the season after a short trial.

Uganda international Bwomono, who has been without a club since leaving the Buddies last summer, reunites with his former Paisley boss Stephen Robinson at Pittodrie.

"I'm delighted to be here and looking forward to working with the manager again," he said.

"I want to help the team as much as I can. Even in the short time I've been in, you can see the quality in the group. Training has been intense and, even in the bounce game, you could see the players taking on what the manager is asking for.

"We've got seven big games ahead and my focus is on doing everything I can to help the team finish the season as strongly as possible."

Sivert Nilsen, meanwhile, said he and his family "truly loved" their time in Aberdeen but it is time for a "new chapter".

He added: "The start we made last season, and of course being part of the group that won the Scottish Cup, was amazing. The scenes in May are something my family and I will never forget.

"This season has been disappointing, but I am confident that, with Stephen [Robinson] leading the team, we will finish strongly and build momentum again for next season."

Dons fans, is it the right call to let such an experienced player depart amid a fight for Premiership survival? And is Bwomono a good addition? Let us know your thoughts.

Aberdeen's Sivert Heltne Nilsen has been told he can leave the club, with Haugesund emerging as front-runners to sign the veteran. (Daily Record, external)

And the Dons are considering signing former St Mirren defender Elvis Bwomono on a short-term deal until the end of the season. (Press and Journal, external)

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Image source, SNS

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Robbie Neilson says Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson has "taken a gamble" by calling out his players just two games into his tenure.

Having begun with a draw at Falkirk, Robinson revealed he delivered "home truths" in the dressing room after the 4-1 weekend defeat by Rangers at Ibrox.

The relegation-threatened Dons, who occupy ninth place, are just three points above St Mirren and Kilmarnock before a trip to Paisley to face the Buddies following the international break.

Former Hearts and Dundee United boss Neilson says such heavy criticism from a new manager can backfire, citing the example of Russell Martin, who lambasted his Rangers players just three games after taking charge and was sacked two months later.

"It's very, very difficult because Stephen's teams have always been built on that aggression and the battle right to the end," Neilson told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Straight after the game he's probably super frustrated with what he's seen, he's maybe taken that into the interview after it but he felt it needed to be called out.

"He's made a decision. It's a gamble in my opinion because, do the players come with you or do they throw the toys out the pram?

"The only way we'll find out is when they go down to St Mirren and see if they can fight, but they haven't proved this season they can do that.

"It was a big call to come out and hammer them. We saw it with Russell Martin at the start of this season. He made the gamble to go after the players and it didn't work. He eventually moved on but you have to do something."

Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

The realisation of the position Aberdeen find themselves in has now surely hit even those who didn't think the club could be dragged into a battle for survival.

Saturday's perfect storm culminated in them losing heavily at Ibrox after both St Mirren and Kilmarnock won earlier in the afternoon to further slice the gap between the Dons and 11th down to just three points.

It was the latest listless performance from a side who looked beaten before kick-off.

The only positives to be taken by an ashen-faced Stephen Robinson were the fact the team finally broke their away scoring duck in 2026, and that they won't have to travel to a top-six side again this season.

For a new manager to be so critical of his players after just his second game in charge shows you how concerned he is.

"I told them a few home truths," Robinson said after the game. "Maybe if that had been done six, seven months ago, people would have stepped up. But I told them the truth tonight.

"Aberdeen football club have been very good to a lot of these players, it's payback time now."

Those words were a damning indictment of what had gone before Robinson was appointed and it remains to be seen whether the "home truths" will have the desired effect.

Robinson will return to St Mirren with his new players in what could be a momentous afternoon at the bottom with Killie facing Hibernian in Edinburgh at the same time.

Depending on fixture balances post-split, Aberdeen should face both Saints and Killie at home which could be crucial to the outcome as they protect an unbroken top-flight history.

When asked how perilous a position they now find themselves in, Robinson said that was "stating the obvious". He's right, it's now one win in 15 in the league.

The Dons board are gripping on to their seats and hoping this current Aberdeen team can limp across the finish line with their top-flight status intact so that they can perform major surgery in the summer.

They are in a dogfight, the question is does Robinson have the breed capable of winning it?

Glen Schreuder
Fan writer

A few months ago on Red Tinted Glasses, external I confidently predicted Aberdeen wouldn't need to worry about those behind us.

Well, after last weekend it's safe to say I am nervously looking over my shoulder and the looming trip to Paisley is definitely a 'six-pointer'.

We have found ourselves in this position due to poor results, poor performances and poor recruitment. The club need to take a long hard look at themselves, from players right up to the boardroom.

It's harsh to judge Stephen Robinson based on two games, however he called out the players after the weekend defeat at Ibrox.

While I don't think he is wrong in his overall assessment, it's a brave move for a manager just in the door.

Robinson joins Jimmy Thelin and Peter Leven in voicing similar concerns this season about performances being unacceptable. Ultimately the buck stops with the players.

Robinson wants a reaction and the trip to face his old club St Mirren after the international break is the perfect place to get it - but do the players have what it takes?

The message is simple. Do your talking on the pitch, fight for this club and get us out the mess you have played your part putting us into.

Glen Schreuder can be found at Red Tinted Glasses, external

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Departed interim Aberdeen manager Peter Leven says he has "confidence that the club will continue to move forward and succeed".

The 42-year-old exited Pittodrie after his third spell as caretaker came to an end after the arrival of Stephen Robinson from Scottish Premiership rivals St Mirren as their new head coach.

After a 1-1 draw with Falkirk and Saturday's 4-1 loss to Rangers in their first two games under Robinson, Aberdeen are now just three points above St Mirren and Kilmarnock, who occupy the relegation play-off place.

Responding to his departure for the first time, Leven said in a statement on LinkedIn: "After three memorable years at Aberdeen FC, the time has come for me to move on.

"I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone connected with the club - the players, staff and, most importantly, the supporters.

"Together, we've shared memorable moments that I will carry with me for the rest of my career.

"Coaching the team into the European group stages twice and I'm incredibly proud to have been part of this club that lifted the Scottish Cup, a moment l'll never forget.

"It's been an honour to represent Aberdeen. I leave with immense respect and appreciation for Aberdeen FC and confidence that the club will continue to move forward and succeed."

Former Kilmarnock, Chesterfield, Milton Keynes Dons and Oxford United midfielder Leven joined the Pittodrie coaching staff after a two-year spell as assistant with Russian club Orenburg.

He had started his coaching career with Middlesbrough's academy before becoming assistant with Kilmarnock and Dynamo Brest in Belarus.

Watch Scottish Premiership title-chasing Rangers put four goals past struggling Aberdeen at Ibrox.

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We asked you Aberdeen fans for your views on the 4-1 loss to Rangers at Ibrox. Here's a taste of what you had to say...

Martin: Simply must win against St Mirren or it's definitely play-off for us as Killie are picking up points at the right time. I'm holding off on season ticket for now until I find out what league we're going to be in. Don't fancy playing any of the top four in the Championship either, if I'm being honest.

Andy: I'm tempted to say there is an improvement, certainly more intensity, but the same soft centre in defence. That is the area that needs most attention. Unfortunately, we are now in serious trouble with a must win game against St Mirren up next.

Lindsey: Ultimately, our downfall this season is due to catastrophe summer recruitment, end of. We lack creativity, speed and awareness in attacking play and therefore will likely be playing in the Championship next season. Thank you Nuno de Almeida [head of recruitment until his recent departure] and to whoever selected him.

Alehandro: No surprises with this result. In fairness, we defended alright in the first half and went down to a quality goal, but we lost composure as we chased the game. We are a very disjointed team and lacking in confidence. We seriously need a set-piece coach because we can't defend them and are absolutely useless with corners/free kicks. Will the misery ever end?

Graham: Same old story, yet another manager with no reaction from the players, most who will leave at the end of the season. Let's hope we stay up and ship out the old dogs and get young talent in that will fight for the badge.

Chris: Don't think the substitution of Dylan Lobban helped at all, Ante Palaversa is and was poor. The defence was under constant pressure and Alexander Jensen forgot he was a wing-back. We really need to get the selection right... against Rangers, I don't think we did. Topi Keskinen really made an impact should have started.

Jock: Absolutely dire! God help the Dons when the split comes as Killie, St Mirren and Dundee will certainly be up for a relegation scrap. This is not just based on Saturday night game, it's been coming for a while. Relegation looms and the players are not good enough to stop it.

Gordon: Yet again we are far too soft and give away stupid goals. Nobody seems confident enough to hold the ball and move forward. Going to need a huge team effort to get us out this mess now. Massive game against St. Mirren .

Rangers got back to winning ways in the Scottish Premiership to keep up the pressure on Hearts as they earned a convincing victory over Aberdeen that deepened the visitors' relegation worries.

Read the full match report here.

You can have your say on the match here.

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Aberdeen head coach Stephen Robinson told BBC Scotland: "We were too easy to play against and the goals we concede were too easy, which has been the story since before I came in here. That has to stop.

"We're in a relegation fight. If that wasn't clear before it certainly is after tonight. I've reiterated to the players that there's no hiding place now.

"People need to stand up. Aberdeen Football Club has been very good to this group of players but maybe home truths should have been told six months ago. They've been told now.

"I want a reaction soon and we need to have a reaction soon.

"I'm not angry, I'm disappointed. I see talent but people aren't putting their bodies on the line to stop goals and that's the biggest frustration.

"We have to do that. We have to work with what's here at the moment and we have to step up. We have to work on the training pitch and make sure that we make them better and give them that belief to do that.

"It's a bad run, and it was before I came in but you can't come to Ibrox and defend like that.

"I'm part of the group and I have to take responsibility but it has to improve."

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Bristol City are likely to listen to offers for Scotland international Ross McCrorie this summer, with former club Aberdeen holding a 20% sell-on clause. (Daily Record - subscription required), external

Former interim manager Peter Leven's departure from Aberdeen is nothing personal, says new boss Stephen Robinson. (Daily Record - subscription required), external

Dinamo Zagreb chief scout Tomislav Sokota claims the Croatian league leaders have had offers of £10m for Scotland defender Scott McKenna, although the 29-year-old former Aberdeen player insists he is very happy at the Maksimir Stadium. (Aberdeen Live), external

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Rangers defender Derek Cornelius has been allowed to leave early for international duty with Canada.

Danny Rohl hopes Mohamed Diomande will be fit following a shoulder injury and is confident Tuur Rommens will shrug off a knock while there are doubts over Andreas Skov Olsen and Mikey Moore.

Aberdeen's loan midfielder Lyall Cameron cannot play against his parent club. Mats Knoester (concussion) could be back before the end of the season.

Nicky Devlin (knee), Kristers Tobers (knee) and Nick Suman (ankle) remain out.

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Aberdeen boss Stephen Robinson is urging his side to "be brave" and have "no fear" when they travel to Ibrox tomorrow evening.

The former St Mirren manager took charge of a 1-1 draw at home to Falkirk last week in his first game since joining the Dons.

The north east club are currently ninth in the Premiership table, six points above St Mirren and Kilmarnock below them and 15 points clear of Livingston on the bottom.

And up next in their mission to avoid being dragged into a relegation scrap, Aberdeen travel to title-chasing Rangers on Saturday evening.

The Northern Irishman knows what it takes to overcome the Glasgow giants though - he was at the helm in February last year when St Mirren were 2-0 winners in Govan.

"I've gone to Ibrox and won games," Robinson said.

"I don't ever go into a game with any kind of fear. None of my teams ever go with any kind of fear. I think you only go with fear if you're not organised.

"We know Rangers are a good side with good players. We know we have to be at the top of our game, of course we do. We can lose the game on one moment of brilliance, that happens. But we'll go with the belief we can get a result.

"We've had a week now to work on things. There were good aspects of the game last week, especially out of possession.

"We looked more organised, we looked harder to break down, and we'll need that.

"When you go to Ibrox, you have to defend very, very well as a team and as units. We've continued to work on that. There's lots of things to keep doing, of course, but we want to be more positive on the ball.

"I believe they've got more of an understanding of what I want now after the last three or four training sessions.

"When you go to Ibrox and Celtic Park, you have to defend really well, that's a given, but you also have to be good on the ball.

"You have to be brave, you have to buy your passes and play in areas that are going to hurt the opposition.

"We've worked on that this week, so I'm looking for progression."

As Rangers and Aberdeen prepare to go head to head at Ibrox on Saturday night, relive a classic meeting between the sides - a 3-3 draw in 1997.

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• Rangers have won their past three league games against Aberdeen by an aggregate score of 8-0; only from January 2001 to August 2002 have they ever won more in a row against the Dons without conceding (six).

• New Aberdeen boss Stephen Robinson has lost nine of his past 10 league visits to Rangers, with the exception a 2-0 win with St Mirren in February 2025.

• Aberdeen have lost their past four league visits to Ibrox, the latest three without scoring. Only in August 2002 have they lost four in a row away to Rangers without reply.

• Rangers are unbeaten in all 13 of their league matches played since Christmas Day (W9 D4), picking up 31 points in this time, at least five more than any other Premiership side.

• Aberdeen have only won one of their past 14 league games (D3 L10), a 6-2 victory over bottom side Livingston in January. They have only scored six goals in the 13 matches they failed to win in this period.

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Former referee Steve Conroy thinks it is "mission creep" with VAR in Scottish football before new changes to the laws for the upcoming World Cup.

VAR was introduced in Scotland almost four years ago but has frequently been criticised by fans, players, managers and former players.

Now there could be more changes to the scope of technology as football's law-making body the International Football Association Board (Ifab) backed plans to increase the powers of VAR.

For this summer's World Cup in America, VAR will be allowed to intervene on second yellow cards and the awarding of corners, provided the process doesn't slow down the flow of play.

Ifab has also expanded the countdown rule around goalkeepers where they have eight seconds to release the ball from their hands to include goal kicks and throw-ins.

But former referee Conroy thinks involving the technology in more decision-making is bad news for the game.

"It's inescapable that there is more and more mission creep with VAR," he told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"The authorities seem hell-bent on using it more and more and relying on it and I think that is to the detriment of football.

"I know Ifab are talking about getting them involved for corners and second yellows and all that sort of stuff. As [Celtic interim manager] Martin O'Neill said, soon enough we'll just referee from a port-a-cabin somewhere.

"And this is all happening at the same time as every football supporter survey tells you that they just want it binned."

Aberdeen boss Stephen Robinson will opt for pragmatism to ensure Premiership survival before making changes in the summer. (Press & Journal)

Read the rest of Thursday's gossip.

Glen Schreuder
Fan writer

Nobody was expecting Stephen Robinson to work miracles and a point against Falkirk is not to be sniffed at.

It could prove to be a crucial point in the context of the season, or for those of a negative mind it could be two dropped of course.

It was nice to see us use two strikers - Kevin Nisbet and Marko Lazetic - in a show of attacking intent. I don't necessarily think it worked but it's clear new ideas are going to be tried.

Both full-backs - 20-year-olds Mitchel Frame and Dylan Lobban - looked good and showed no signs of mental scarring from the Dunfermline defeat.

Robinson is now in the midst of a full week working with his new charges. I'm not expecting a reinvention of the wheel at Ibrox on Satureday, but slow, continued improvement in performance would be welcomed prior to a game in Paisley that is taking on huge importance after the international break.

Glen Schreuder can be found at Red Tinted Glasses, external

Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

The constant ringing sounds across the north east of Scotland are those of alarm bells.

The hastily arranged ascension of Stephen Robinson to the Pittodrie throne was proof the Aberdeen board are concerned about the spectre of relegation.

The results at the weekend did little to silence those alarms. Barney Stewart's late equaliser for Falkirk at Pittodrie, which the visitors deserved, could be incredibly damaging with Kilmarnock's victory over leaders Hearts on Saturday night slicing the gap between the Dons and 11th spot down to just six points.

And while Killie host basement dwellers Livingston on Saturday, Aberdeen face Rangers in Glasgow before a quickfire return to Paisley for Robinson after the international break.

The bottom line is the Dons are potentially in deep trouble and to suggest otherwise would be tantamount to foolishness.

There was more resilience to the Aberdeen performance against Falkirk, there appeared more appetite, but once again, the quality was in short supply as Robinson pleaded with his players from the sidelines to get the ball forward more often.

In all likelihood, two or three wins from their remaining eight games should be enough to avoid hovering over the trapdoor where finishing 11th would leave them.

But this is a side that have won once in their past 14 Premiership outings. Having posed the question here several weeks ago, we still ask where the next Aberdeen win is coming from?

I doubt the Dons players would relish a trip to Firhill, Gayfield or a dreaded return to East End Park in order to help save theirs and the club's skins.

Had it not been for Jimmy Thelin steering the side through a purple patch of one defeat in 10 during the autumn into early winter, the situation would be even more grave.

And so it is Ibrox on Saturday teatime when they could be just three points above the water line. The next few weeks won't be for the faint hearted.