Marshall deal a smart move as Robinson looks to future

For the 10th time since the inception of the split in Scotland's top flight, Aberdeen will take part in the bottom six.

The fact they are facing a battle to preserve their unbroken top-tier status has almost thrown a cloak over their failure to finish in the top half of the table. They still have bigger fish to fry after all.

However, on Saturday they welcome 11th-place Kilmarnock to Pittodrie knowing a win would surely vanquish all thoughts of being sucked into a play-off against Partick Thistle, Arbroath or the Dons' Scottish Cup conquerors and finalists Dunfermline.

Stephen Robinson secured the services of midfielder Findlay Marshall, who is currently on loan at Arbroath, for next season and beyond as the club signed the Stonehaven youngster on a two-year extension.

It was an announcement the supporters were hoping would be made by the club after his outstanding campaign in the Championship this season where he has scored 15 times and set up four. Marshall's Dons career looked over before it had started under Jimmy Thelin.

It was a smart move and it is now up to Marshall to step up and become a first-team regular next season.

Aberdeen's post-split fixtures look favourable with Killie and St Mirren both due in the Granite City and now Robinson has had more time with the players.

The Northern Irishman is addressing issues within the squad as he seeks more togetherness that seemed to have been lost.

If they can chisel out an eight-point lead over Killie by Saturday evening with an already superior goal difference, he can start planning for next season in earnest.