Image credit: Foxj, Wikipedia Commons
It has not been an easy ride for Aberdeen this season. They currently sit eighth in the Scottish Premiership and are winless in five matches across all competitions. So, did it come as any surprise that Jimmy Thelin was subsequently sacked? No. However, with a managerial slot up for grabs who could be set to take charge at Pittodrie?
As a major Scottish football fan, it’s only right that I take a run through of potential candidates who could be Thelin’s successor.
St Mirren manager, Stepehen Robinson has been heavily tipped to be heading to Aberdeen. With former connections up there in terms of former Motherwell colleague and current CEO, Alan Burrows, a reunion seems natural.
The Buddies manager would be a great fit for the Dons given the style of football he favours playing – fast paced attacking football whilst holding a stellar defensive position and possessing an ever-present physicality across his squad. With the players Aberdeen currently possess, this style of football could cause teams major problems.
Though St Mirren’s league position does not lend enchantment, their cup form and subsequent trophy lift speaks volumes for the aims Aberdeen hold; to be a religious trophy winning team as well as challenging the Old Firm. Given the previous form of Robinson at both Motherwell – where he finished third and led them to European football – and St Mirren – where he is yet to miss out on top six football whilst also leading them to silverware for the first time in 12 years, coupled with European football – the St Mirren boss could fit like a glove for the Dons. The only question remains would Aberdeen be willing to buy him out his current long-term contract with the Buddies?
Motherwell fans may want to avert their gaze as Jens Berthel Askou has appeared on the list to succeed Thelin, though an unlikely prospect given Motherwell’s current position. Stranger things have happened however given that Motherwell currently maintain fourth position in the league, Aberdeen could do worse.
Askou has impressed arguably the entire league since taking the reins at the Steelmen. His highly attacking and attractive style of football has drawn the attention of fans across the country. The camaraderie and confidence he has Motherwell playing with is a feat to be admired. A feat Aberdeen would be lucky to possess – do I see him leaving high flying Motherwell? In all honesty, the prospect of that looks more than unlikely.
The current interim manager, Peter Leven, would possibly feel hard done by if he was not offered the job. However in order to gain that level of trust, there must be results to receiving the backing of not only the board, but the fans. Leven could possibly be a diamond in the rough and if he manages a few results under his belt, then what is the worst that can happen, apart from relegation, if he is given the job until the end of the season?
Leven is not an all too left field decision given his resume of experience as assistant manager at both Kilmarnock between 2015-2017 and Dynamo Brest between 2018-2020. He has become somewhat of a stalwart for the caretaker role at Aberdeen having already assumed this role twice before. All is to play for Leven and if he can claw Aberdeen up the table, then the ball would be in his court.
This suggestion could be out of the blue, however given how well St Johnstone are currently doing within the Scottish Championship, Simo Valakari could be a very plausible option. The only drawback for the Finnish manager is that he is tied up with St Johnstone until 2027 and it would be no surprise if the owners were eager to further that deal.
Despite St Johnstone being relegated last season, Valakari has turned this season around, with only one defeat in his last nine games. Valakari currently has 13 wins under his belt and his team sit top of the pile on 45 points – already beating their points tally from last season (32). The St Johnstone boss also appears to be running a tight defensive ship as they have only conceded 19 goals so far this season, the lowest in the Championship. Given Aberdeen’s poor defensive displays, Valakari could shore them up at the back.
Now, yes, some of you may be reading thinking this will not happen and you may be right, but credit where credit is due and Valakari has done a top-class job at St Johnstone this season and if he doesn’t go to Aberdeen, another team may come knocking if his form continues.
Robinson appears to be the favourite for the job and that comes as very little surprise so its highly possible he will take his place in charge. Although no matter which manager Aberdeen fill the post with, he must be ready to come in and achieve results and ensure they climb as far up the table as possible between now and the end of the season. A big decision lies ahead as a deal is still to be Don in the Northeast.
I have a keen interest in sport journalism and broadcasting.
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