Lessons must be learned from one of Aberdeen's worst campaigns
[BBC] [BBC] Stephen Robinson didn't hold back as Aberdeen's season ended with failure to defend a corner, an issue that has riddled their woeful season. It was their year in microcosm. Starting as Scottish Cup holders, hope was high that Jimmy Thelin would be able to move the club to the next level.
Unfortunately for the Dons it was back to the bottom six, insipid cup exits and a lowest points tally in 15 years that threatened a first-ever relegation. The Swede's successor admitted after the loss at Dundee on the final day he has told those he doesn't want to work with next season and you'd imagine that is a fairly lengthy list. In 2026, Aberdeen have played 19 league games and lost 12 of them, an atrocious record they were fortunate not to drop into the relegation play-off because of.
They also haven't won a single away game in the calendar year. Given the outlay on the squad these facts are quite the underachievement. There will be many at Pittodrie who have to take stock after what has to go down as one of the worst campaigns in the club's history, certainly in the modern era.
It is difficult to find a single positive from the wreckage of their 2025/26. Robinson's job over the next few weeks is massive with what Hearts have done this campaign showing the way for clubs like the Dons, Hibernian and Dundee United. There will need to be an increase in the ambition of those three and arguably others as Derek McInnes' men have altered the landscape and could potentially be stronger next season with Jamestown Analytics behind them.
Darren Mowbray's return as recruitment guru appears to be a positive step given his success in his previous Pittodrie spell but the game has changed on that front if Aberdeen want to emulate what is going on at Tynecastle. As for the season that has just finished, it can finally be consigned to the darkest corner of Aberdeen history by the club's supporters, but lessons will have to be quickly learned for a repeat to be avoided.