Derek McInnes and Aberdeen Barry Robson’s Chippy transfer talks

A nice stylish touch to get the new players on board before taking the plunge.

However, when it came to Barry Robson joining the Dons, there wasn’t such a luxurious setting.

Instead, McInnes cheekily admits he struck an agreement with the midfielder at a Granite City fish and chip shop.

To rub salt in the wounds, the 51-year-old made Robson pay for the fun.

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The pair have known each other for over 20 years, having first met at Rangers. They then played together at Dundee United.

McInnes had Robson as a key figure in his hugely successful Aberdeen side before appointing him to his coaching staff after his retirement.

However, their friendship will be put on hold for 90 minutes on Saturday when the Dons welcome Kilmarnock to Pittodrie in their final Premiership clash.

And while McInnes believes Robson has done a good job of steadying the ship in the Northeast following the sacking of Jim Goodwin, there will be no love when Killie is on the hunt for her first away win in the league this season.

CONTINUE READING: Kilmarnock trains on grass pitches at Largs ahead of Aberdeen clash

“I first met him as a youngster at Rangers, then became his team-mate at United,” said McInnes. “I’ve seen the difference in him and his maturity, he’s had a really good career.

“He was one of my first signings when I got the job in Aberdeen. I knew exactly what I was getting.

“I signed other players at Gleneagles after discussions with Stewart Milne. I did my book signings with Barry at Ashvale Chippy in Aberdeen. And I made him pay for it!

“Barry is a player who has done a great job for me. He was someone I speak to regularly and he’s still a pal.

“When his playing career was over I managed to find him a coaching role at Aberdeen. Personally, there was actually no role for him. But the club were good enough to support me in that and what a brilliant member of the team he was to me.

“Now he gets a little bit more attention to get the job done. He made some good decisions. He’s got some good people around him. But his best qualities are his personality, his competitiveness, his enthusiasm.”