Aberdeen: Jimmy Thelin to join from Elfsborg - fans give their reaction
- Published
Thelin has twice finished second in the Swedish top flight
Aberdeen fans woke up on Wednesday morning finally knowing who their fifth manager in the last three years will be.
Elfsborg head coach Jimmy Thelin will arrive in June tasked with bringing back the glory days to Pittodrie.
The Swede, 46, will join on a three-year deal and says he will strive to "build a team that captures the hearts of the supporters".
After a succession of managerial mis-steps by chairman Dave Cormack and the Pittodrie board, it feels like an appointment they dare not get wrong.
Thelin is highly rated with a good record of improving teams - but what do the fans think of his appointment?
We asked for the views of Dons supporters, and you didn't let us down. These are just a small sample of the opinions we received...
'A bold appointment'
Chris, Aberdeen: I'm pleased with the mew managerial appointment. Perhaps we'll stop hearing from that total failure Warnock now? I think we have a big job on our hands to put a team together because what we have is not fit [for purpose], that's clear. Cormack must prepare for a rebuilding job. We will need a goalkeeper, a defence - although better of late - and a foil for Mioski.
Martin, Linlithgow: I'm glad we've not been scared off making a bold appointment, stuck to our guns and got him, finally. With all due respect to the more familiar names floated, it would have been more of the same. We're ambitious, he's ambitious so let's hope it is a match made in SPL heaven. Good luck, Jimmy!
Eric, Aberdeen: Well done all for getting this over the line. Now it's time to get the contracts sorted out on all the players we want to keep and the money in place for Jimmy to bring in the players he needs. Not hoping for instant miracles, but would like to see progress by October. Great news that Peter Leven is also staying. Now, players, it's up to you if you want to stay.
Andries, England: A wise choice. Look outside of the box. He clearly also wants to come to Aberdeen. He could create a very good culture and atmosphere. Will be interesting to see his signings over time.
Ross, Leamington Spa: It looks like the club may have taken the time to get the right managerial appointment this time, someone who knows how to coach and develop players and over-achieve at a club with limited resources. Now they need to give him enough time to rebuild the squad and get stability back into the team. Too many players bought at once this season!
Richie, Edinburgh: Potentially a great signing, if the board give him the support he needs both in terms of time and finances to build a team for the system he wants to play. Aberdeen should regularly be competing for European places and reaching the latter stages of cups. Let's hope he can get us there.
Thelin is noted as a progressive coach who makes good use of statistics
Nigel, Nottingham: They are talking the talk, let's see if they allow him to walk the walk. Time is what all good managers have been given; I hope they give him that time as he seems a very good long-term prospect.
Anonymous, Glasgow: Cormack said "From our point of view, we want this appointment to anchor the club for years to come. That will take time, we understand that.' Well? I hope we do give Jimmy that time to build, but given what's happened since Cormack took over... I doubt it.
Graham, Aberdeen: Supporters along with AFC employees have to all unite and make it work because standards have fallen drastically from what is acceptable. A new broom sweeps clean! Over to you, Mr Thelin.
What are Thelin's priorities at Aberdeen?
Anonymous: Cormack, the board and the supporters must accept we need to make a multi-season commitment to allowing the new manager the space to rebuild the club back to its glory days. Accept there will be bad times until it is fully sorted.
Duncan, Aberdeen: Not actually a lot is needed. Firstly a midfield spine as we get bullied. Secondly, all squad members who couldn't get a start need cleared out. Three holding midfield monsters to protect the defence would suffice to start with. Lots of pretty footballers in the squad, but not enough units.
Anonymous: Fantastic to finally get this appointment. His resume speaks volumes. The worry becomes what resources we can provide him. The past three seasons we've spent big money on players - some working out, others not so much. A bottom-half finish, no European football, it'll be an uphill battle to keep stars such as Bojan and Duk. Sell the deadwood and get new stars.
Anonymous: The defence needs an upgrade, also there is a lack of attacking options out wide. Keeping Miovski is essential. Devlin has been a pleasant surprise this season - a few more players with his commitment wouldn't go a miss.
Lindsey, Aberdeen: Thelin should focus on the summer transfer market as most of his current squad will (and should) be out the door. Trust the data - apply to his style and get it right. Exciting to have him onboard and feeling positive for next season.
Chairman Dave Cormack needs this appointment to be a success
Of course, it wasn't all positivity...
Jamie, Newbury: Good luck to him, but what are the odds on Johnny Hayes or Graeme Shinnie being appointed interim manager before Christmas?
Anonymous, Aberdeen: Can we just clear up the misconception that Elfsborg were pipped for the title - they blew it. If they had won the second last game of the season at home to the second-bottom Degerfors they would be champions, they drew! They then played Malmo away knowing a win would mean the title - they lost.
Gary, Kirriemuir: Doesn't matter who they have as boss as they don't have the fan base or funds to buy the players they need. A cup run is their best chance of success.
Thomas, Dundee: In trouble. Wrong choice of manager. Again.
Norman, Aberdeen: Well it can only get better I hope, but he is needed in the door today not June to sort out Cormack's total mess of running the club into the ground. Team builder? Best wishes, as a major job ahead. Fourth place would be good start and a cup in first season. Long hard road ahead for sure after the last four appointments were a total joke.
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