Stephen Robinson is determined to transform Pittodrie into a fortress as Aberdeen prepare for a key home match. The manager believes winning home games is the key to turning boos into cheers and harnessing the power of the 12th man.
Robinson said he hears other managers talk about the 12th man but insists the concept is genuine and invaluable, especially when fans encourage young players. He wants to replicate the positive energy seen in the away support during a recent unbeaten run. The aim is to rebuild fan confidence after a difficult spell on home turf, where the last outing was a goalless draw against Kilmarnock that saw players booed off the pitch.
Recent form and home struggles
Aberdeen's form has been a tale of two stories. They sit 7th in the Premiership with 8 points from 7 games. While they have struggled at Pittodrie, their away form has provided a platform, with a five-game unbeaten run that includes a 4-0 win at Motherwell and a 4-1 victory at Dunfermline just last week. That result at Dunfermline, with goals from J. Milne, a double from A. Mouloua and one from L. Smith, extended their recent sequence to two wins and three draws.
Squad fitness boost
A significant boost for Robinson is the state of his squad. For the first time since he joined the club, almost every player is fully fit and available. Defender Kristers Tobers is back in full training after a long absence but is not expected to be involved in matchday squads for the next two or three weeks. Midfielder Brad Lyons trained all week and was involved in a recent practice game, as was Emma Gyamfi for a short period. This depth provides Robinson with options he has previously lacked.
The St Johnstone challenge
The immediate test of this renewed home resolve comes this weekend against St Johnstone. Managed by Simo Valakari, the promoted side currently sit 6th, one place and a few points above Aberdeen. Robinson praised Valakari for doing a fantastic job and building a squad that has troubled every team in the league. He stated that Aberdeen can overtake St Johnstone in the table with a victory, but acknowledged there are no easy games and standards must be maintained to avoid being 'unstuck'. The match at Pittodrie on Saturday represents a direct opportunity to climb the table and change the narrative around their home performances. Fans can check the latest squad news ahead of the match.
While results and goals can quickly shift perceptions, Robinson stresses that consistency is the essential ingredient for sustained progress. Aberdeen host St Johnstone at Pittodrie on 11 October, aiming to secure three points and finally turn home boos into cheers.
This story first appeared at aberdeenlive.news
