LOTS FOR ROBBO TO STEW ON

New Pittodrie gaffer watches Barney wreck debut

- BY SCOTT BURNS

STEPHEN ROBINSON is ready to scour the free-agent market to solve Aberdeen's defensive crisis.

The new Dons manager played his only three fit centre backs in yesterday's 1-1 draw against Falkirk but with Tom McIntyre, Nicky Devlin, Kristers Tobers and Mats Knoester all out long-term, he has little room for manoeuvre.

Robinson said: "If there is something there then the club will back it but at this stage it is a difficult one.

"I would love to if the right player is available. It is a real problem I have inherited."

Kevin Nisbet put the Dons ahead but Barney Stewart's last-gasp leveller saw the Pittodrie men collect just their second point from their last six league games after they were knocked out the Scottish Cup last week by Dunfermline.

Robinson is confident better times are ahead.

He said: "It is a start. We looked a lot more structured.

"We looked like we gave them solidity. That was one training session and there was a decent understanding on the press. We got the goal from the press. "There were good performances within that. Liam Morrison had his best performance for the club and Dennis Geiger was excellent at times in midfield.

"We were organised against a very good Falkirk team but if everything was rosy I wouldn't be here, I am here for a reason.

"It wasn't working and we had just been beaten 3-0 by a Championship side.

"There were a lot of positives in terms of out of possession but in possession we're a lot better than we showed today.

"We have to show more composure but that will come. We have a structure and we will improve."

Robinson is still to finalise his coaching staff. Brian Kerr is his No.2 and lan Burchnall was in the stands but former first-team coaches Tony Docherty and Peter Leven weren't at the game.

Falkirk boss John McGlynn refused to point the finger of blame at Scott Bain after the keeper's blunder gifted Nisbet his goal,