Ten months ago, Stephen Robinson could have walked into a Paisley pub to a standing ovation and free drinks all night after leading St Mirren to a League Cup triumph over Celtic. On Wednesday night, however, a deflated Aberdeen manager faced the cameras following a home defeat by Falkirk—marking the fourth time in six home league games his side failed to score—with only three wins in 11 to start the Premiership season. Now, Robinson and his Aberdeen squad head to Hampden for a crucial Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Robinson’s Cup Record Offers Hope
Despite his current struggles at Pittodrie, Robinson remains unbeaten in semi-finals at Scotland’s national stadium as a manager. Pointing to his strong record in major occasions during his pre-match press conference, the Northern Irishman looks to draw on past successes against familiar rival Derek McInnes. Last season, Robinson’s St Mirren knocked out McInnes’ Hearts on penalties in the same competition, while his 2017-18 Motherwell side reached both national cup finals by defeating McInnes’ Aberdeen and Pedro Caixinha’s Rangers. A year ago, Robinson also engineered a dominant 4-1 semi-final win over Motherwell before capturing the trophy against Celtic.
Acknowledging his underdog status, Robinson stated, “I have done it before – every semi or final I have been in the teams that I was with, Motherwell and St Mirren, were not expected to win. So I know how to motivate teams, the staff know how to get teams to believe.”
Aberdeen’s Struggles and Rangers’ Pressure
The key question is whether the current Aberdeen squad can replicate the toughness, organization, and direct attacking style of Robinson’s previous teams. Aberdeen has struggled to establish a clear identity, frequently changing formations and tactics at half-time. While defensive set-pieces have improved, creativity and goalscoring have faltered, and the absence of defender Mats Knoester presents a severe challenge against an unbeaten Rangers side. A victory at Hampden would not only be a remarkable achievement but could also serve as a pivotal turning point in Robinson’s Aberdeen tenure.
At the same time, Rangers manager Derek McInnes faces immense pressure to deliver silverware following significant investment under the club’s American owners. With just one major trophy—the 2014 League Cup with Aberdeen—in 14 years, McInnes must capitalize on an opportunity made brighter by dispatching Celtic 3-0 in the quarter-finals. McInnes noted the inherent pressure of semi-finals, explaining that matches can be fraught with nerves and tension.
Live commentary for the semi-final will be broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland, with full coverage available on the BBC Sport app and website.
