Robinson questions League Cup timing as Aberdeen win again

Aberdeen made it two wins from two in Premier Sports Cup Group A with a 2-1 victory over Queen's Park at Pittodrie on Saturday, but manager Stephen Robinson used the result to raise concerns about when the competition's group stage is played.

Robinson, who lifted the trophy as St Mirren manager last season, told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound that he does not like the format, arguing that competitive fixtures arrive only about three weeks into pre-season. He acknowledged the pressure that comes with the job, saying an Aberdeen or Premiership manager simply has to win these games.

He added that the early schedule is complicated by squad turnover, with a large number of new signings still settling in and fitness levels varying across the group. In his view, the matches function as pre-season friendlies that carry an obligation to win.

Format under scrutiny

The first-round group stage was introduced in 2016 and features 40 clubs split into eight groups. Scottish sides competing in Europe are exempt until the knockout rounds begin from round two. Aberdeen opened their campaign with a 2-0 win away at Brora Rangers on Tuesday before overcoming Queen's Park.

• Aberdeen have won both Group A matches: 2-0 at Brora Rangers and 2-1 at home to Queen's Park.
• Stephen Robinson, who won the competition with St Mirren last season, says the group stage starts too early in pre-season.
• The group format, introduced in 2016, uses 40 clubs in eight groups, with European entrants joining at round two.
• St Mirren have also won twice, scoring eight goals without reply, a start former St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson cited as evidence the format can build momentum.
• Dundee United and Falkirk were among the Premiership clubs beaten by lower-league opposition in midweek.

What's next

Aberdeen travel to Dumfries to face Queen of the South on Tuesday at 19:45 BST, another long trip Robinson flagged as a challenge, before finishing the group at home to Kelty Hearts on Saturday.

Robinson said his focus remains on winning trophies at Aberdeen, describing cup competitions as the club's most realistic route to silverware, while still needing to manage minutes and try different things. Davidson, meanwhile, suggested a strong start can carry into the league season, though he conceded the intense opening schedule makes upsets common.