Dave Cormack places Aberdeen's Euro fate in Barry Robson's hands as he reveals trio of candidates held talks

Dave Cormack insists Aberdeen’s best chance of a return to Europe is with Barry Robson as boss.

The interim gaffer has been given the gig for the rest of the season after topping a six-man shortlist. Robson, named Glen’s Premiership Manager of the Month for March, has taken the Dons from seventh to fourth in two months, seeing them four points off third-placed Hearts. Third spot would mean continental football in either the Europa or Conference League until Christmas should Rangers or Celtic win the Scottish Cup.

Fourth and potentially fifth would see entry into Conference League qualifiers. Chairman Cormack said director of football Steven Gunn and chief executive Alan Burrows, together with non-exec directors Willie Garner and Stewart Milne, conducted interviews “once the potential manager pool was down to six candidates”.

He added: “Three candidates, including Barry, met with this group in person for further, in-depth discussions over the last week. The board met to debate the outcomes of these interviews and discussions.

“It was unanimously agreed Barry should continue in his role initially through to the end of the season. We believe that continuing the momentum, high standards and energy Barry has instilled in the squad, with only nine league games to go, is critical to the club achieving its goal of European football next season.” Aberdeen missed out on Europe last season after eight qualifications in a row.

Assistant Steve Agnew stays while Robson will look to add Liam Fox as first-team coach once his severance from Dundee United is finalised. Robson said: “Steve and I are delighted and honoured to be asked by the board to continue in our current roles and to demonstrate our ability to lead the team in the longer