Barry Robson: 'Difficult' group stage has been a 'learning curve' for Aberdeen

Barry Robson insists there is “no panic” at Aberdeen amid a run of poor form in the league but admits competing in the group stages of the Conference League has been a “learning curve” for the club.

It has been two games a week for most the season as the Dons juggled their league fixtures, a cup run and Europe where they are in a group alongside Eintracht Frankfurt, HJK Helsinki and PAOK.

The Pittodrie side currently sit second bottom of the Premiership following their midweek defeat to Kilmarnock and haven’t had a win in their last six games.

But the under pressure manager says its not all doom and gloom at the club as he praised the backing he has from the board and chairman Dave Cormack.

And with only one game left in Europe they will want to focus on regaining some form in the league.

Speaking ahead of their game against Hearts this weekend, Robson said: “I speak to Dave (Cormack) all the time, I speak to Stewart and the board, I often see Willie in here, I see Alan in here, they eat with us. Obviously when we first came in we managed to do really well by finishing third and getting into Europe.

“We have got a cup final to look forward to. What I will say is that Dave has given us 100% backing in whatever we have done, especially, as you seen, he helped us there in the summer.

“The board have been great. It was the first time we have played in the group stages in Europe in 16 or 17 years and that has been difficult and a learning curve for us all.

“There’s no panic, the board have been terrific and Dave has backed the club as he’s always done since he’s been here. So I’ve no issue from that side of things.”

Aberdeen host Steven Naismith’s men on Saturday as they look to get back to winning ways and start to climb up the table ahead of their League Cup final against Rangers next week.