Mattie Pollock dedicates Aberdeen goal to auntie as defender missed funeral to star against Hearts

Mattie Pollock paid tribute to his late Auntie Sue as he dedicated his first Aberdeen goal to her.

The on-loan Watford defender netted the third in this convincing win over Hearts to put Dons firmly in the fight for third spot. Pollock revealed he’d been through the wringer and missed his aunt’s funeral because it was 24 hours before this vital clash.

The 21-year-old admitted: “I’ve had a really tough week. My auntie passed away and I want to dedicate that goal to her. I missed the funeral on Friday so I could play in the game. To get a goal for her was great and also to have my family in the crowd. Just to see my mum and dad and my sister, with her boyfriend, I had everyone there. I’m just buzzing. It’s funny how football works. I got the goal ruled out against Motherwell but it has made this one sweeter.”

This victory was just as sweet for interim manager Barry Robson. He made it three wins from three and that has seen the Dons rise from top six to top four. Robson has been left in temporary charge while the Pittodrie board continue to interview potential managerial candidates.

The current boss has really strengthened his hand and surely must be the main contender? You wouldn’t bet against Aberdeen taking third place if he was to remain.

Do they really want to gamble on that, by bringing in a candidate who doesn’t have the same grasp of the club or maybe even Scottish football?

A lot of Aberdeen fans say he is too inexperienced. As a manager – yes. As a top-level footballer – no. He also has brought in an experienced No.2 in Steve Agnew beside him. Why not leave him in charge until the end of the season?

It is less of a gamble than appointing out with. The Red Army were chanting: “There’s only one Barry Robson”, while