Stephen Robinson ‘not surprised’ as Aberdeen slip to Dundee defeat

Stephen Robinson admits Aberdeen need to find more characters and add a stronger spine to their team this summer after the Dons lost their final game of the season 3-2 against Dundee.

The Dark Blues took the lead through Drey Wright with Aberdeen bouncing back thanks to goals from Liam Morrison and Toyosi Olusanya.

However, home striker Joe Westley equalised with Ryan Astley scoring a dramatic last-gasp winner.

The result means Aberdeen end the season in ninth place with Robinson insisting the defeat summed up their disappointing campaign.

The manager said: “The last two games have been indicative of the season and it tells you where we are and the work that needs done. The last five minutes is probably the season as a whole.

“When we needed to stand up, when we needed to do the basics right, be brave and win the ball, then that’s what happens.

“That’s probably been a tiny microcosm of our whole season.”

Robinson added: “We need more characters, we need a spine to the team.

“Hearts have just come very, very close to winning the league from a spine of players from the UK that know how to win football matches. So the template’s there.

“Getting that’s not going to happen in one window, I can assure you, but it’s certainly the direction of travel. I’m not surprised today at all.

“There’s nothing for me to say to the players now. They’ve had every opportunity.

“It simply hasn’t been good enough all season.

“I don’t need to say any more. Everybody can see that for themselves.”

Robinson admitted he has already had frank conversations with some players and said: “It’s very, very difficult to get people to walk away from four and five-year deals.”

Mats Knoester was stretchered off in the first half and Robinson added: “We’re just praying and hoping that it’s not as serious as we fear.”

Steven Pressley was delighted that Dundee had finished with a flourish in what has been a rollercoaster season.

He said: “I think the day very much typified our season in respect that we have to deal with a bit of adversity.

“We wanted to finish the season in a positive vein and we also wanted to get that eighth spot.

“Eighth for the club financially is a very important thing and I think it is a terrific finish for us.”

Astley signed a contract extension with Dundee last week and Pressley was delighted with the former Everton defender’s contribution.

He added: “The goal not only typified what we’ve been. I think it very much typified the individual that scored it.

“He’s had an outstanding season. He’s continued to grow. He’s taken great responsibility.

“And it was certainly a fitting player who scored the winning goal.”