Aberdeen in contract talks with 'culture setter' Shinnie

Stephen Robinson is determined to keep Graeme Shinnie at Aberdeen on a new deal, hailing the 34-year-old as "arguably the best captain I have ever worked with".

Shinnie's contract is up in the summer, but Robinson believes he could still have a significant part to play at Pittodrie and revealed talks are under way.

"I am very determined to keep Graeme Shinnie at the football club," said the Dons boss.

"I think Graeme Shinnie is arguably the best captain I have ever worked with and I have been very to lucky to work with some top top people at international and club level.

"He is a culture setter and there are not enough people in this building that set cultures. What we are trying to do at the moment is speak to Graeme about where he sees himself and where he fits in.

"Graeme won't play every game for me next season, he knows that, he accepts that stage of his career. But I think it is vital we keep somebody like Graeme at the football club in a playing capacity that guides younger players and sets the standards who also will play a part in games at times when you need that leadership.

"I don't give contracts or offer jobs to people as a token gesture to keep fans happy or as a sympathy vote, I don't work like that.

"I give people jobs or opportunities that will make me successful and make Aberdeen successful and I believe Graeme will play a part in that whatever role we decide."

Robinson says he has decided on the players he would like to keep and those he is keen to move on in the summer.

In terms of bringing new faces in, he was asked if there will be cash to spend in the close season.

He said: "I think we will have to generate money. The board have put a lot of money into the squad over the last three or four years, millions and millions of pounds and that can't be continued.

"We are going to have to work smart and clever but I have done that on a lot less money so we are confident we can put a very competitive squad together."