Aberdeen: Who do fans want as manager after Barry Robson's sacking?
- Published
Alex Neil, Stephen Robinson, Neil Lennon and Neil Warnock all have their backers - and detractors
Such is the turnover at Pittodrie that Aberdeen have had twice as many managers as the Conservatives have had UK Prime Ministers in the last three years.
While Boris Johnson has passed the Westminster baton to Liz Truss then Rishi Sunak, Aberdeen have gone from Derek McInnes' eight-year reign to Paul Sheerin, Stephen Glass, Barry Robson, Jim Goodwin and Robson again (if you count interim bosses).
Now, having sacked the latter for his side sitting in an "unacceptable" eighth place currently in the Scottish Premiership, they are seeking another one.
But who would get the vote from the Dons fans? We posed that very question and there's no real consensus, with Neil Warnock, Neil Lennon, Alex Neil, Stephen Robinson and Scott Brown among those mentioned most. And you can add your own opinion here.
Wishes and warnings over Warnock
It would take up most of this article just to name all Warnock's previous clubs, but the possibility of Aberdeen becoming the 18th to be managed by the colourful and outspoken 75-year-old Englishman has captured a few headlines already.
Last in charge of Huddersfield Town in September, Warnock has a home in Scotland and has told BBC Scotland in the past about his desire to manage here, but the possibility of him being wheeled into Pittodrie has been greeted by a mixed response.
Joe: We have been lazy in our recruitment of managers and papering over cracks for a few years now since Derek McInnes. It has to be someone fired up and passionate about the fans/club. An appointment like Neil Warnock or John Eustace with Championship experience would be a massive step up, one we have needed for a couple seasons.
Gregor: Neil Warnock could be good interim boss - experienced, enthusiastic and disciplined.
Graham: For next manager: 1) Jose Mourhino 2) Andre Villas Boas 3) Neil Warnock 4) Alex McLeish.
Davis: Please, not Neil Warnock. We're already a laughing stock of Scottish football this year. Not ready to be the curtail of Warnock's professional comedy career in some PR stunt.
Ally: Don't want Neil Warnock near Aberdeen.
Karen: Definitely not Neil Warnock. Too defensive and a football dinosaur. Anybody but Neil Warnock!
Experienced trio have backers
Neil and Robinson just edge it as the most popular choices. The 42-year-old Neil, sacked by Stoke City in December, last managed in his homeland with Hamilton Academical back in 2015, while Northern Irishman Robinson, who is seven years older, currently leads fifth-top St Mirren.
Derek: I was in the minority against sacking Robson. We've sacked a manager each of the last four seasons and we still haven't improved. But he's gone now. I'd be looking at Alex Neil or Stephen Robinson.
Garry: Alex Neil being mentioned! Is he a winner? Been sacked more times than Lee Johnston has recently. There is a reason he is out of work.
Paddy: Alex Neil was my choice when Derek McIness left years ago. He was free then and is free now. Plenty experience in Scotland and also the Championship, which is as tough a league as any. The job he did at Hamilton before he left for Norwich City speaks for itself.
John: Barry Robson's time was up. He just couldn't see that three at the back never worked. I personally would take Alex Neil.
Stuart: Underwhelming season even after significant investment in summer, including squad building. After a few bad appointments, pressure on chairman Dave Cormack. Suggest Alex Neil.
Allan: I would hope they have someone in mind as new manager. I keep saying we have a decent squad of players but need an experienced manager in place to push them on. Stephen Robinson at St Mirren, or Alex Neil, would be my options, if they are interested.
Evan: Stephen Robinson would be a perfect fit for Aberdeen. He knows Scottish football in and out and has brought success in this league again and again at clubs with far lower budgets. He's a proven winner.
Laurence: Would like the next manager in for the Scottish Cup game. Can't see many potential managers within current league that I would like - perhaps Steve Robinson. Would rather a manager who has not recently retired from playing. Hopefully the successful applicant will bring a bit more fight with a bit more attacking mindset.
Former Celtic and Hibernian manager Lennon has been out of work since being sacked by Omonia Nicosia in October 2022, but in recent days the 52-year-old Northern Irishman has been interviewed for the Republic's vacancy.
Gary: We have a very good squad, but I think Barry Robson didn't know how to play/fit them into a system. I'd like to see Neil Lennon installed. Proven track record and did well with Hibs.
William: Maybe go for Neil Lennon - a proven winner.
Anon: Barry Robson tried to play the same formation/tactics in league all season, reluctant to change things. I would go for Paul Lambert or Neil Lennon.
Bad timing for Broony?
Former Aberdeen player and coach Scott Brown has just become Ayr United head coach
Brown had a short spell as a player and coach at Pittodrie before the 38-year-old former Scotland and Celtic midfielder lasted just four months in charge of Fleetwood Town then was appointed Ayr United head coach this month.
Andy: Do you think Scott Brown is kicking himself for going to Ayr?
John: We need a big character for the job and for me the only candidate is Scott Brown. I know he is under contract with Ayr United, but I think he would take the Dons job in a heartbeat. Go and get him Dave Cormack as he will sort out the lethargic performances of late in quick time.
Other well-kent faces
Malky Mackay managed Watford, Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic before the 51-year-old became Scottish FA performance chief and a two-year spell with Ross County that ended in the sack in November.
Stephen: I would like to see Malky Mackay given another chance in the top flight. Aberdeen have a decent squad of players to work with and Malky could get the best out of them.
Meanwhile, some cast doe eyes at the previous management team of Derek McInnes and Tony Docherty - both currently in charge of sides above the Dons in the league table.
Charlie: We've been walking backwards since sacking Derek McInnes, which was a ridiculous decision. My choice now would be Tony Docherty, who is doing a great job at Dundee, knows the place and most of the players. He is a good tactician and would get the best out of the under-performing squad. The talent is there, just needs the right coach to harness it.
Niall: The board really need to focus on a head coach with a track record of success and, in the current climate, it's going to come at a cost. They could do worse than bringing back Derek MacInnes, who has turned Kilmarnock around on a tight budget.
Thinking (ambitiously) outside the box
Peter: We need someone with experience whom the players will respect and he'll be able to get the best out of them. This isn't Stephen Robinson or Alex Neil - perhaps not even Neil Lennon (same old names mentioned last time).
David: Nigel Clough has done fantastic jobs at Mansfield Town and Burton Albion. Worth poaching and backing.
Scott: I'd be looking to Scandinavia, or perhaps Austria, or Switzerland for a manager. Someone like former Lillestrom caretaker Eirik Bakke would be ideal.
Daniel: The next appointment needs to break the current trend of managerial mediocrity with the last few being either novice appointments or a manager whose best season was a bottom-half finish with St Mirren. Aside from Alex Neil as a possibility, the Dons need to venture further afield than the Scottish merry-go-round for this one. Kjetil Knutsen (Bodo/Glimt)!
Sandy: Graham Potter for me - look at what he did with Ostersunds. A smaller team on a lesser budget - he is worth getting an opportunity. Let's have no best pals act from the chairman this time.
Scott: I'd go for Jurgen Klopp's assistant at Liverpool. He'll probably be looking to step up to management next season.
Our coverage of Aberdeen is bigger and better than ever before - here's everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a moment