Thelin calls for unity as Nilsen draws flak from fans

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin says fans are entitled to their opinions but believes "they should always support their own players".

Thelin was responding to questions on apparent cheering and clapping following the withdrawal of Sivert Heltne Nilsen during the second half of last weekend's goalless Premiership draw with Livingston at Pittodrie.

"I can understand emotions, but they should always support their own players," said Thelin, who was unaware of the reaction to the substitution.

"There are always going to be opinions, but we have a good staff here, we have training every day that shows the qualities and what they contribute with, and then it is our decision and my decision as a manager.

"If other people have opinions, they can have opinions, but it is not going to impact our decisions.

"We have a lot of good midfielders, but so far he has been one of the better ones in the training sessions and we are trying to build a culture with the hard work we do. Some of the players are trying to get up to the same level Monday to Friday before the game and keep the same standard."