Aberdeen sack Jimmy Thelin despite Scottish Cup win over Celtic | OneFootball

Aberdeen have decided to sack Jimmy Thelin after a poor start to the season. The Swedish manager secured his place in Pittodrie folklore after their Scottish Cup triumph over Celtic at Hampden.

The Dons took Celtic to penalties after a late own goal from Kasper Schmeichel. Aberdeen prevailed and ended Brendan Rodgers’ incredible run at Hamden. However, despite ending the wait for silverware, the club have taken the decision to sack Thelin.

Aberdeen have now parted company with Thelin after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Falkirk – their fourth loss in five games. Thelin was beaten by Wilfried Nancy to register the Celtic manager’s first victory at the club last month in a 3-1 win for Celtic.

In a statement, Aberdeen confirmed the difficult decision to relieve Thelin of his duties.

“Aberdeen Football Club has parted company with manager Jimmy Thelin. The Swede was appointed in April 2024, officially taking the reins six weeks later.

“Following a club record-breaking start to life in the North-East, Jimmy led Aberdeen to Scottish Cup glory in May last year, followed by qualification for the UEFA Conference League for the second time in three seasons.

“However, the 2024/25 league campaign ultimately concluded with a fifth-place finish and, so far this season, both results and performances have fallen below the required standard and have not been commensurate with the level of investment made in the first-team squad and football operation.

“Jimmy will depart the Club alongside his assistant, Christer Persson. 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.”

In a very adult decision by the Aberdeen board, they have acted in the best interests for the club despite the emotional weight attached to Thelin.

Celtic supporters are anxiously awaiting an update from the club as to whether the fate of Nancy has been decided. The Frenchman fell to his sixth defeat in his first eight games in the Glasgow Derby defeat to Rangers.