Aberdeen

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Connor Ronan is confident his previous experience in the Scottish Premiership will help him be successful at Aberdeen.

The midfielder reunited with Stephen Robinson at the Dons this summer with a move from MLS outfit Colorado Rapids after previously spending a season on loan at St Mirren from Wolves.

And the 28-year-old thinks his experience in Scotland's top flight a few years ago will help him settle in faster at Pittodrie.

"It's massive," Ronan told Sky Sports.

"When I came up the first time, I hit the ground running a little bit and started off really well.

"Just knowing the league, knowing different stadiums, knowing what games need what, whether it's going to be a nice game of football or a game you need to grind out a little bit, having that prior experience always helps."

Robinson, who was appointed in March, has overhauled the Pittodrie squad and Ronan is upbeat for the new league campaign which kicks off with the visit of Hearts on Saturday.

"It's obviously never easy with a lot of new players coming in," he added.

"Around the changing room, everyone's been good. I think the lads who are already here have made it easy for the new players coming in, in terms of that transition.

"The manager's been really good with trying to get people minutes in different positions and look at what he wants to look at, obviously.

"Again, the transition's been pretty smooth and the cup games help a lot with that. It's a lot of players coming in, obviously, and it's very different from last year, but we're ready to get going."

Glen Schreuder
Fan writer

Where will you finish in the league and why?

As fans we are looking for a much improved league finish. Top six has to be the bare minimum, if we can achieve that along with a trophy it would mark a good season for me after what we endured last season.

Who is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be?

I think Brad Lyons will be an underrated signing. Dan Happe also looks a solid addition to the back line both offensively and defensively. However, out of who we have signed so far, Connor Ronan could yet prove to be the best.

What do you want from your manager this season?

Stephen Robinson said when appointed he'd make Aberdeen a difficult team to beat and I want him to stay true to his words. Points could mean prizes, we don't always have to play the prettiest football if it isn't going to churn out results. Sometimes we'll have to win ugly and, after last season, I'm okay with that.

Who will be the breakout star in your squad?

I think the breakout star could be new signing Alex Briedl, if he stays fit. Although, after the weekend, the one to watch could well be 15-year-old Andrew Fasanya, who looked very composed on his debut and was unlucky not to score.

What is your one major concern?

If I'm being picky my one concern for us remains in the forward areas. Despite the improvements to his service I feel there remains a heavy reliance on Kevin Nisbet to be the goalscorer. The search for a goal goes on for new signing Ayoub Mouloua and our other two strikers have had no pre-season action.

Glen Schreuder can be found at Red Tinted Glasses, external

Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson hopes to have up to nine players established in his first team after a busy summer of recruitment. (Press and Journal - subscription required, external)

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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Former assistant manager Tony Docherty things Kevin Nisbet could be the goalscorer Aberdeen have been crying out for.

Nisbet scored six goals in the Dons' League Cup campaign helping them finish top of Group A to progress to the last 16 where they will face fellow Premiership side Dundee.

Last season the Dons finished ninth in the top flight and managed to secure their safety after a tricky season during which they scored 40 goals. Only St Mirren, who finished second bottom, scored fewer, while relegated Livingston also finished on 40 goals for the campaign.

But from what Docherty has seen from new manager Stephen Robinson over the summer, this upcoming season could be a lot more positive.

When asked if Nisbet could be the goalscorer Aberdeen were missing last season, Docherty told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast: "Yeah, I think so.

"And I think Robbo's signed well. I was involved for a short period at Aberdeen and the recruitment was really poor.

"I think one thing they've identified is there's a lot of players that have gone out the way that needed to go out for Aberdeen to progress and I think the ones that he's brought in, Tony Yogane from Dundee who had a brilliant season, I really like the young boy Lewis Smith that came from Livingston, that'll be good support for Nisbet.

"I think it's 12 in total that Stephen Robinson's brought in and I think they're all really, really good signings. I think they're probably the ones that have been at the forefront in terms of recruitment this summer period.

"I speak to some of the boys up there, there's a really good feel about the place. Sometimes it's the teams that are not in Europe that go on to have a successful season, the ones that have got the momentum. Hearts did it last year, started the League Cup campaign with real momentum and carried that on. You've seen Aberdeen have started so they could be the ones that maybe carry on that momentum and in Kevin Nisbet they've definitely got a goal scorer at the top end of the pitch."

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Manager Stephen Robinson was delighted as Aberdeen sailed into the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup, but stressed his side are a work in progress as several new signings settle in.

A 3-0 victory over Kelty Hearts on Saturday ensured the Dons took maximum points from the group stage and are seeded in the second-round draw.

"These games are difficult at this stage of the season, but we've won four out of four," said Robinson.

"We're not going to get too carried away. We've done some really good bits. There are things still to improve on, we know that. But we're creating loads of chances and producing some really good play to get into those positions.

"At Aberdeen, you've got to win every game, and it's important that you set out to do that. It's important that the new players that come in here realise that, so that was useful as well.

"These games give you ideas. You see in a competitive game what's right and what's wrong and where you can keep improving. I know what needs to keep improving. It's a work in progress."

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Aberdeen have received a boost in their pursuit of Jadel Katongo after Kayerispor agreed to terminate the 21-year-old defender's contract by mutual consent. Daily Record, external

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Aberdeen head coach Stephen Robinson intends to name his captain for the season ahead of their Premiership opener with Hearts, saying he has "four or five" options.

Robinson has rotated the responsibility so far, with Kevin Nisbet, Brad Lyons and Dan Happe all being handed the skipper's armband during their three Premier Sports Cup victories.

That trend looks set to continue as they complete their Group A fixtures at home to Kelty Hearts on Saturday.

"We will change it again," said Robinson. "We have got four or five boys I believe lead the football club, lead the dressing room, lead the standards and that is the way we want it.

"Obviously somebody will be named for the Hearts game to lead the team and that will stay like that for the season.

"But the boys are all on the understanding that this is somebody that puts the armband on but we have got a leadership group that is going to run the football club, so to speak.

"When the manager makes all the rules, when your mum and dad make the rules you want to break them don't you, so it is important they adhere to what they think the standards are and what we believe the standards are for being successful at this club."

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Nicolas Milanovic says a return to Western Sydney Wanderers from Aberdeen "just felt right" after a disappointing season with the Scottish Premiership club.

The 24-year-old winger has been sold back to the A-League outfit, for whom he won the Johnny Warren Medal - awarded to the league's player of the year - two seasons ago.

"This club has always meant a lot to me and I'm incredibly proud to be back representing Western Sydney," Milanovic told the club website.

"The opportunity to play overseas challenged me in a lot of ways and helped me grow as a player, and as a person. I'll bring those experiences back with me."

Milanovic played 24 times for Aberdeen without scoring, only 10 of them starts.

But, during his absence, Western Sydney dropped from fourth in the league two seasons ago to bottom of the 12 teams last term and he is confident of a resurgence on his return.

"I know what this club is building and I want to be part of it," he said. "We have a real talented group, a passionate supporter base and a real opportunity to achieve something special together."

Western Sydney, who have Scotland cap Ryan Fraser on the other wing, say they are welcoming back a "hometown hero" and "one of Australian football's most exciting attacking talents" who can help them challenge for trophies.

Head coach Ufuk Talay added: "Nic's an exciting player who brings energy, power and quality in the final third.

"He's someone who can create and score goals and he is a fantastic addition to the squad we are building.

"His experience overseas will help him, but for me it's about making sure he enjoys his football again. When Nic is playing with confidence and freedom, he's one of the best players in the competition."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Defender Lewis Mayo has described his move to Aberdeen as "a step up in expectation and pressure".

Mayo arrived at Pittodrie from Kilmarnock on a three-year deal earlier this summer and has settled in well, being deployed at centre half – and right back – helping the Dons to victory in all three of their League Cup group stage games so far.

"It is a fresh start for me," the 26-year-old said ahead of Aberdeen's next League Cup game against Kelty Hearts.

"The ambition of the club and the way the club wants to work and aim for going forward I think there is a lot to be excited about.

"At my point in my career, I have already got a good experience in this league and it is a step up in expectation and pressure but that is something I am excited for."

Before Mayo arrived in the north east, Aberdeen finished last season in the bottom half of the Premiership table and at points found themselves involved in a relegation battle.

The new signing knows that performances will have to be better this term.

"I think there is an understanding that last season the club fell below the expectations for the standards here," he added.

"So I think first foremost we need to finish higher up the table, everyone here knows that.

"I think with the structure of the league and the way the split works we need to keep ourselves, and look at ourselves, as a top six team and keep ourselves on track for that.

"If we do that and we are in the top six come the split then we can start looking at European spots after that."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Aberdeen winger Nicolas Milanovic has re-joined Western Sydney Wanderers for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year contract just over a year after he left the A-League club to move to Pittodrie.

The 24-year-old made the switch to Scotland last summer, bringing with him a big reputation, but he struggled to establish himself and made just 10 starts for the Dons without scoring.

"Milanovic is a great lad, I got on really well with him," head coach Stephen Robinson said.

"He didn't play last season because we didn't play with wingers and he made it clear that he wanted to go and play elsewhere.

"I want people that are 100% committed to Aberdeen and he had an opportunity and we thought it was good for both parties. It is simple as that.

"Scottish football is hard to play in, you need more than a technical ability, you have to have the fight and you have to have the drive and you have to be able to cope in Scotland.

"It is a hard league. A lot of people have come here and failed – not through lack of ability, but sometimes certain situations suit you and sometimes it doesn't."

Milanovic is among a number of players to leave Aberdeen over the summer, with more set to follow, while the 11 new signings are also likely to swelled.

On reports linking Aberdeen with English centre-half Jadel Katongo, who plays for Turkish club Kayserispor, Robinson added: "[He] is one of many that I have looked at, but discussing other people's players isn't something I make a habit of doing.

"There is a long list of players we are looking at. I get new players put to me every day from the recruitment team and [sporting director] Lutz [Pfannenstiel] and I am looking at them all."

Talks have been initiated to take 21-year-old centre-back Jadel Katongo to Aberdeen, according to sources in Turkey, but the finances involved will make striking an agreement with Kayserispor to sign the England Under-20 international very difficult. (Daily Record, external)

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Aberdeen have appointed former Scotland captain Rachel Corsie to their board of directors.

A lifelong supporter of the football club, Aberdeen say she brings "a blend of elite sporting experience, strategic thinking and commercial expertise".

As well as a distinguished playing career, Corsie is also a qualified chartered accountant.

She will oversee the club's women's set-up while providing "practical guidance and mentorship during an important period of transition".

"It is a genuine honour to join the board of Aberdeen Football Club," Corsie said. "As someone who grew up supporting the club, this is an opportunity that means a great deal to me personally.

"Football has given me experiences across the world, and I've been fortunate to see different approaches to leadership, culture and player development. I hope I can bring those experiences, together with my professional background to help the club continue moving forward.

"I'm especially excited about the opportunity to support the continued development of the women's and girls' programme. There is significant potential at Aberdeen and I'm looking forward to working with the board, the executive team and the staff to help build a sustainable, ambitious future that creates opportunities for players at every level.

"This is an exciting time for Aberdeen Football Club and I'm proud to play a part in what comes next."

Aberdeen have expressed an interest in 29-year-old Hibernian right-back Chris Cadden. (Sky Sports, external)

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Kevin Nisbet took his Aberdeen tally to five goals in three League Cup games with a hat-trick in the win over Queen of the South and the striker is aiming to build on such a promising start.

"I'm feeling good," the 29-year-old told Premier Sports at Palmerston Park.

"The big thing for me in pre-season was to stay fit. The last two seasons I've picked up knocks, then you're playing catch-up, and I didn't start kicking on until January last time."

The Scotland international also spoke of taking on "more responsibility", saying departed captain Graeme Shinnie left "a big void to fill".

"The manager has put a leadership group together, four or five of us to run the dressing room, keep the standards high in training," he explained.

And Stephen Robinson was certainly pleased with his centre-forward, adding: "Kevin's a goalscorer.

"We have to provide chances for him and we didn't put enough balls into the box in the first half and moved the ball too slowly. We changed that at half time.

"We created numerous chances and there's no better person in the box to finish."

Aberdeen top Group A on maximum points going into Saturday's last game at home to Kelty Hearts.

"We've won three games and we've created a lot of chances, that's the good thing," said Robinson. "Of course, there are things to improve on.

"We've brought in 10 new players, so it takes time, but you have to pick up results in this competition."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Nesta Guinness-Walker says he can draw inspiration from his great-grandfather, the legendary actor and Star Wars star Sir Alec Guinness, as he looks to create some family headlines of his own with Aberdeen.

The 26-year-old left-back recently arrived at Pittodrie on a two-year deal from Northampton Town.

Unsurprisingly, he has fielded questions about his famous relative, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars trilogy.

Speaking before Wednesday night's League Cup trip to Queen of the South, he said: "I am definitely not sick of it all [being asked about it]. It is not something that, as a family or as a person, we shy away from.

"He did amazing things in his career and was a real idol in our family for how successful he was, and it is something you can take inspiration from.

"I don't know if I would say I am competing with him, but it is definitely a chance for me to create my own form of legacy in my own way and to do something that makes my family proud of me, so it is something that feels natural."

Guinness-Walker made the move to the Granite City after spending two years with Northampton Town, who were relegated after finishing bottom of League One last term.

On his switch to Pittodrie, he said: "The size of the club and the expectations at this football club are what brought me here - the expectation to achieve and do well. That is something I am really looking forward to embracing.

"I have had a few team-mates in England who have played in Scotland, the likes of Dean Campbell and Terry Taylor, who obviously came through at Aberdeen and are close friends of mine.

"So when I heard there was interest, I touched base with them and they told me how big a club it is and what an honour it is to play for Aberdeen. That was a no-brainer for me."

Now the dust has settled on the 2026 World Cup, you can officially review your Predictor results for the tournament.

If you played more than four rounds, BBC Sport has done a deep dive into your predictions, tournament performance and compared you to other players.

Don't worry, though, Predictor isn't stopping at international tournaments! Pre-season has kicked off and there are plenty of friendlies and European qualifiers to keep us occupied before the new season gets under way.

So how do you fancy your chances of correctly predicting the scores for our six selected matches every week?

BBC Sport has launched a new weekly Predictor game to cover the 2026-27 season, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from six fixtures from across the leagues.

There will usually be a Friday deadline and the game will also feature streaks, so make sure to build it into your weekly football habits.

Lock in your first round of predictions before Friday, 24 July here

If you're wondering how to play, here are a few easy steps:

• Click on the link above to take you to the selections page.

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• Then wait for the results to roll in to see how you have done.

• Share your results with your friends and family.

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Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson says goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov is exploring opportunities away from Pittodrie, but although there has been a lot of interest in the 29-year-old, there is nothing concrete. (Press & Journal, external)

Aberdeen would need an offer in excess of the £200,000 they paid St Johnstone for Dimitar Mitov two seasons ago before allowing the goalkeeper to leave. (Daily Record, external)

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Aberdeen head coach Stephen Robinson has hailed the impact of his Summer signings and believes his new-look team is improving game by game.

The Dons have recruited 11 players so far during the current transfer window.

Two of them, Dan Happe and Lewis Neilson, scored as they defeated Queen's Park 2-1 at the weekend, making it two wins out of two in the group stage of the Premier Sports Cup, a game that also saw new goalie Marius Muller catch the eye.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday night's trip to play League One Queen of the South, Robinson said: "It is always nice to see new signings hit the ground running.

"I believe all the new signings have really made an impression, there are a lot of new faces, so it takes time that understanding.

"I believe I can see the understanding coming, relationships building on the pitch as well and off the pitch, but that does take time.

"When you bring that many players in, there is going to be a bedding-in period, but we are doing that by winning games at the same time.

"I feel that there is an improvement in every game we have played, including the pre-season ones, and we are looking for that step forward again on Wednesday night."

While the focus is on the new signings, midfielder Findlay Marshall is hoping this will be his breakthrough season at Pittodrie.

The 20-year-old signed a new deal in April after impressing on loan at Arbroath last term, but he has yet to feature in the two competitive games the Dons have played this time round.

Robinson added: "Marsh has gone out on loan, he has to now come in and be better than what is in front of him.

"That is the reality of being a first team footballer, it is not the democratic society of Aberdeen where everybody gets equal game time.

"You have to be better than the person in front of you.

"Ultimately, they have to play football, developing isn't sitting on a bench, so I think the club do this really well with the loan system they have, and we will continue to do that, and we will look at those boys come the end of August and 'do they need to go out on loan again? Do they need to develop further ?.

"We are talking about very, very young boys with little experience, and to play for Aberdeen you need that mentality, you need that backbone, you need the experience of playing football matches.

"You only gain it by playing, so we will look at that very closely, and Marsh will be one of those players as well."

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Stephen Robinson praised debutant goalkeeper Marius Muller after the German helped Aberdeen overcome Queen's Park in the Premier Sports Cup.

The Dons made it two wins out of two in Group A with Dan Happe netting his first Aberdeen goal early on and another debutant, Lewis Smith, making it 2-0 on 11 minutes.

Jack Hamilton replied for the Spiders in the second half and Muller's triple save kept the hosts in front.

"We shouldn't be relying on Marius to make a triple save," manager Robinson told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.

"It was a fantastic save and that's why we signed him so, on a positive, we've signed a very good goalkeeper.

"We should be out of sight in the game. We start really well with energy and then the game becomes too easy and we start taking liberties and slowing the game down, not doing simple things better than the others.

"We should've scored another two or three goals.

"A lot of positives, a lot of good performances from new players. We get better as we go, no doubt."

Aberdeen travel to take on Queen of the South in Dumfries in their next fixture on Wednesday (19:45 BST) then finish Group A at home to Kelty Hearts on Saturday.