Neil Warnock bins Aberdeen gloom as boss with a 'busy mind' maps out plan to save season

Neil Warnock insists he is remaining upbeat about his chances of reversing relegation-threatened Aberdeen's fortunes and has urged his players to go out and perform "without fear".

Since taking up the mantle as interim boss earlier this month, the Dons run without a Premiership victory has been extended to nine games, with Warnock losing three and drawing two of his five matches in charge - shipping 11 goals in that timeframe. Fans were quick to vent their anger towards both the players and the club's hierarchy in Wednesday night's dismal 2-0 home defeat to St Johnstone, with cries of "you're not fit to wear the shirt" and "sack the board" heard loud and clear from the Red Shed in the Merkland Stand.

Aberdeen claimed a third place finish last season, but their woeful run of results has left them five points adrift of the top six and even more worryingly, just four points above Ross County in the relegation play-off zone. Despite the negativity surrounding the club at the moment, the 75-year-old says he is trying to stay positive and believes one victory could spark an upturn in form.

Speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow's clash with the Buddies, he said: "From my point of view, I have got to be as positive as I can. You go to bed as a manager and toss and turn because you are not winning games. But the next morning you have got to be ready for it and look at where you can do better.

"I have had a busy last 48 hours in my own mind, but that is what you get paid for. We have had a lot of demoralising goals against us that have knocked our confidence.

"It's amazing how confidence can change at the slightest point. We have got to regain some confidence and that comes with results."

Warnock has came under fire from some