Barry Robson's Aberdeen rebuild explained from Ross McCrorie replacement dilemma to plugging loan stars holes

Barry Robson has finally been given the reins at Aberdeen after a very successful spell as interim manager, but now the hard work begins for the Aberdonian.

The Dons are currently on a seven-match winning streak and head to Ibrox on Sunday hoping to make it two wins out of two against Michael Beale's Rangers side. After Celtic's 1-0 win over the Light Blues at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-final Beale admitted there was a huge rebuild at Ibrox, but it's not just in Govan where a revamp is needed. Robson, who is the first Aberdonian to take permanent charge of the Dons since Jocky Scott in 1988, will look to secure a third place finish in the league in order to secure European football at Pittodrie next season.

Once this rollercoaster of a season ends against Celtic at Parkhead, Robson's attention will swiftly turn to the rebuild on and off the park. Five players are currently out of contract at the end of the season, while the loans of some influential players are set to come to an end, add that to the Ross McCrorie hole to fill and who will make up his backroom staff?

Record Sport has looked at the huge rebuild Robson has to undertake and how if he gets it right, the Dons could be competing on all fronts next season.

Aberdeen's vice-captain has been heavily linked with a move to Bristol City in the summer, and talks are believed to have already taken place between his representatives and the English Championship side. McCrorie joined the Dons in 2021 after a successful loan spell in the north-east from Rangers, and has been a constant since he arrived.

If he leaves in the summer then Robson will need to find a player to replace his leadership, versatility but most importantly his energy. His marauding runs down the