Aberdeen launch new manager hunt after sacking Thelin – Daily Business

Aberdeen have started the search for a new manager after sacking Scottish Cup-winning boss Jimmy Thelin.

The 47-year-old has paid the price for a poor run of results, with one point from the last four league games leaving the Dons in eighth place in the Premiership.

Thelin guided Aberdeen to their first Scottish Cup success in 35 years last season with a shock win over Celtic at Hampden Park however the Swede failed to build on that triumph.

“It is with great respect for this historic club that I accept this decision,” he said.

“Results ultimately decide the tenure of this profession, and as such I take my share of responsibility. I believe wholly in the work that was done; however, football doesn’t always allow time for belief to become results.”

First-team coach Peter Leven will take temporary charge of first-team affairs, supported by Craig Hinchliffe and sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel, who will also head the recruitment process.

Among the names being mentioned as possible candidates are St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson, who guided the Buddies to League Cup glory last month, Jens Berthel Askou, who is receiving plaudits for the manner in which he has revitalised Motherwell, and Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill.

Praising Thelin for the cup success, chairman Dave Cormack said: “These memories will last a lifetime, and Jimmy will be forever etched into Aberdeen’s history for delivering such a special day for our supporters, as only one of six Aberdeen managers to win the Scottish Cup in our storied 122-year history.

“However, after significant investment in recent windows, we have not kicked on in the way we hoped or expected following that success.

“We have tried to give the situation as much time as possible, but recent performances have been significantly below the standards we expect, and we believe it is now right to take a different direction.”