On loan defender Mattie Pollock insists every Aberdeen player loves working with interim boss Barry Robson.
Pollock says Robson has delivered a “real kick” to the team and is driving standards since taking on the reins.
Robson has masterminded an upsurge in form since being installed as interim boss following the sacking of Jim Goodwin on January 28.
A 3-0 win against third-placed Hearts was the fourth win in the last five games under Robson.
Interim gaffer Robson has led the Dons out of the bottom six to within four points of Hearts in the race to finish third in the Premiership.
Pollock, on loan from Watford, netted the third goal against Hearts in a win that elevated the Reds up to fourth in the Premiership table.
The 21-year-old dedicated the goal to his aunt Sue who sadly passed away recently.
Pollock missed his aunt’s funeral on Friday so that he could play in the game against Hearts.
Players ‘buzzing’ under Robson
Pittodrie chief executive Alan Burrows is overseeing the search for a new manager along with director of football Steven Gunn and director Willie Garner.
A shortlist of candidates has been compiled.
Pollock insists Robson is now getting his football philosophy across to the squad who are “buzzing” to play for him.
He said: “Everyone in the changing room is buzzing to be working with the gaffer and genuinely loving working with him.
“The gaffer knows what this club is about and he drives standards, whether that is on the field or off it.
“He has us working. The training has been tough but we needed it.
“We have had a real kick.
“It is starting to show on the field with the ideas he is beginning to get across.
“We are starting to do that now.
“From what I have heard, we haven’t played like this for a while.
“This is what the clubs needs to do and the players need to do it for the fans.
“I love working under him, Aggers (Steve Agnew, assistant) and the other staff.”
‘Special feeling’ at club under Robson
Aberdeen will continue the interview process in the hunt for a new manager this week.
The Dons are not in action next weekend due to the international break with the next match away at St Johnstone on April 1.
In the aftermath of the Hearts win, interim gaffer Robson confirmed he has had no fresh discussions with the Pittodrie hierarchy.
However he hopes for talks with Burrows and Gunn some time this week.
Asked if it would be difficult for the Dons’ board to overlook Robson, Pollock said: “The club has to make the decision it has to make.
“I am not going to comment on that.
“From working with him, Aggers and the other coaches, even the people behind the scenes, there has been a real special feeling.
“I haven’t felt something of this nature for a long time.
“I am loving every second of it.
“The gaffer has got us all going and has got us playing with a smile on our face.
“That is massive because when it comes to a game you want to be relaxed and be able to play your football.”
Goal dedicated to Pollock’s aunt
Signed on loan from Championship Watford until the end of the season Pollock played a key role in the defeat of Hearts with a goal, assist and clean sheet.
He delivered the cross for Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes’ second goal and then fired in a diving header to make it 3-0 in the 29th minute.
Pollock dedicated the goal to his aunt Sue who recently passed away.
“I’ve had a really tough week,” he said.
“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.
“It is funny how football works.
“I got the goal ruled out against Motherwell but it has made this one sweeter.”
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