Barry Robson told a press conference post-match at Tynecastle that Aberdeen’s game on Tuesday night against Dundee was a tough one, and so it proved as the Dons were held 1-1 at home and manager Barry Robson was relieved of his post hours later.

Boos rang out at Pittodrie on the final whistle and Robson paid the price as the North-East club sit in eighth spot in the 12-strong table and chairman David Cormack said: “The board felt the change was necessary in the best interests of Aberdeen.”

Robson, who replaced Jim Goodwin on an interim basis in January, signed a two-year contract in May. He has been in charge for nine months and guided the Granite City combine to the recent League Cup Final, losing to Rangers, but they have won only 11 of 34 games this season.

Cormack added: “We gave Barry as much time and support as we possibly could in the hope, and expectation, he could return us to the league form we witnesses in the spring of last year.

“There is a talented squad of players at the club, which makes our current league position unacceptable.”

Aberdeen have 24 points from 21 starts and have 17 games left in the cinch Premiership. They host Bonnyrigg Rose in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup in the Granite City on Saturday, February 10 (15.00),

First-team coach Peter Leven assisted by Scott Anderson will take temporary charge as assistant manager, Steve Agnew, has also left Pittodrie.

PICTURE: A section of the ground at Pittodrie

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