Scottish Premiership manager immediately joins rivals after clause is met

Aberdeen have weakened Scottish Premiership rivals St Mirren with the appointment of former Buddies boss Stephen Robinson.

The Dons were granted permission to speak with Robinson over their vacant managerial position on Wednesday.

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Why did Stephen Robinson leave St Mirren?

“St Mirren Football Club can confirm that we have been approached by Aberdeen FC to speak to manager Stephen Robinson in relation to their managerial vacancy,” the club posted on X.

“Aberdeen have met a contractual clause in Stephen’s contract so the club has granted them permission to speak to him regarding the vacancy.

“We hope for a swift resolution to this matter and will keep supporters updated.”

And 24 hours later, the Buddies confirmed that Robinson has departed for Aberdeen.

“St Mirren Football Club can confirm that Stephen Robinson has departed the club to join Aberdeen,” St Mirren wrote on Thursday morning

“The board of directors and everyone at St Mirren would like to thank Stephen for the role he has played at the club during his four years in charge and wish him well for the future.”

The appointment comes just days after the Scottish Premiership came under the microscope following the post-match scenes between Rangers and Celtic last weekend.

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill was forced to separate players in the aftermath of the Old Firm while Scott Brown took aim at ’embarrassing’ fans following the on-field incidents.

Where are Aberdeen in the table?

Robinson leaves St Mirren with the club 10th in the Scottish Premiership following their 2-1 defeat to Dundee United, a result that extended their winless run to five matches.

Aberdeen, meanwhile, sit just one place and five points above Robinson’s former side.

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The Dons are winless in six after their rearranged 2-1 home loss to title chasing Celtic last time out.

Robinson takes over the reins from Peter Leven, who was named interim coach earlier this year following Jimmy Thelin’s departure in January.

What did Stephen Robinson say?

And on his Aberdeen appointment, the 51-year-old said: “When this opportunity arose, there was no way I could turn it down.

“Aberdeen has a tremendous history and there’s no mistaking it is a huge club.

“The facilities and resources that will be at my disposal are excellent and more importantly, the fan base is tremendous so I’m excited to work for a Club of this size and strive to take it forward.”

Robinson’s first game in charge of Aberdeen comes on Saturday as they welcome Falkirk to Pittodrie in a bid to beat the drop.