Devlin 'as big a part as anyone' in difficult Aberdeen campaign

Aberdeen defender Nicky Devlin says he felt as responsible as anyone for the poor season to Dons have had.

The 32-year-old has only just returned to action after two and a half months out with a knee injury.

While the Dons eventually managed to secure their Premiership status, there were some nervy spells in the north east.

Devlin admits not being able to play was made even harder by the fact he was unable to help the team in their battle for top division survival.

"That was probably the hardest part because you know you can't really contribute too much," he said.

"I went to all the games, travelled with the team every time. When you are there you hate every minute of it but you almost feel like you can't not be there because the position we were in has not been good enough and I am as big a part of that as anyone this year.

"That was a big a reason why I felt I had to go with the team because I was as big a part as anyone this year. I have played just about as much as anyone even with the injury."

Aberdeen round off their campaign at Dundee on Sunday.

Devlin insists he has seen enough from head coach Stephen Robinson – who was appointed in the middle of March – to suggest next season will be a whole lot better.

"I think the results probably show that as well," he added.

"We have, in terms of form, picked up quite a bit since he came in and we have managed to pull ourselves away from what was looking at one stage a really difficult situation for us.

"I think you would find all the players in there would say they are on board with what he wants. He makes his messages very clear in terms of what he wants and expects from us and he has made it very clear that next year, what happened this year won't be acceptable and the standards will have to go up everything will have to be raised. That is something as players you have got to embrace and look forward to."