Aberdeen sack Scottish Cup-winning manager Jimmy Thelin

Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack paid a warm tribute to departing Dons manager Jimmy Thelin but believes it is the right time for a change.

The Dons confirmed the departure of Thelin, who led the club to Scottish Cup glory last season, on Sunday evening.

Thelin, who was appointed Aberdeen boss 18 months ago, leaves Pittodrie with the club languishing in eighth place in the Scottish Premiership with one point from their last four matches.

Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Falkirk proved to be the 47-year-old’s final game in charge.

The Dons confirmed Thelin’s assistant Christer Persson will also depart the Dons.

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 lead the process to appoint the club’s next permanent manager.

Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack thanked the Swede for ending the club’s long wait for Scottish Cup success but felt the club had to take action after the recent run of form.

He said: “In wishing Jimmy and Christer the very best for the future I want to thank them for delivering our first Scottish Cup win in 35 years last May.

“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.”

“I believe wholly in the work that was done; however, football doesn’t always allow time for belief to become results.

“I would like to thank the players for their commitment and effort during my time as their coach, and the staff who worked every day with loyalty and pride.

“I would also like to thank the supporters. Your passion for your team never waivers, even in disappointment.

“Aberdeen will forever be a part of my journey, and it has been an honour to lead this great club and share that memorable day together at Hampden.

“I leave wishing success to everyone involved both on and off the pitch.”

A failure to build on cup success

Thelin made a terrific start to his tenure at Pittodrie, winning his opening 13 matches and going on an unbeaten 16-match run, but a miserable 14-match run without a win led to the Dons dropping down the table.

Aberdeen eventually finished fifth but salvaged their season by beating Celtic in a penalty shootout to win the Scottish Cup for the first time in 35 years, and qualify for the group stage of European football in the process.

However, despite a major recruitment drive in the summer the Dons have failed to build on their cup win.

Aberdeen failed to score in their opening six matches as they found themselves bottom of the table, but they rallied in the league, putting together a run of one defeat in 10 matches from October to mid-December to move back into the top six.

However, one point from the last four league games has resulted in the club slipping back down the table, leading to Thelin leaving the club.

The departing Dons boss has already been linked with a return to Sweden with reports in the Swedish media linking Thelin with the vacant role at AIK, who also sacked their manager Mikkjal Thomassen on Sunday.

[Source: Press and Journal]