Aberdeen

Getting the Bojan Miovski goal machine motoring again has certainly helped Peter Leven turn Aberdeen's fortunes around since taking over as caretaker manager.

The Macedonia striker was the one bright spark in an early season of drudgery, but even he tailed off as first Barry Robson then Neil Warnock were shown the door.

Reignited under Leven, Miovski has scored three times in his last five games to take his total to 26 from 56 appearances for club and country this season.

He particularly enjoys scoring at Pittodrie - and will relish Wednesday's visit by Livingston considering his five in just three home games against the West Lothian side are his most against any opponent.

Read the rest of the midweek Premiership picks here.

Interim boss Peter Leven has urged the Aberdeen players set to exit the club - with Connor Barron, Kelle Roos and Jonny Hayes all out of contract this summer - to bow out on a high in their final game at Pittodrie. (Press & Journal)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

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Aberdeen have reported no injuries ahead of their final home game.

Livingston defender Cristian Montano came off with muscle tightness against St Johnstone at the weekend and will be assessed. Goalkeeper Jack Hamilton (groin), James Penrice (hip) and Shaun Donnellan have all been missing recently.

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Aberdeen interim manager Peter Leven has challenged his side to maintain their strong form and finish the season on a high.

The Dons thrashed Hibs 4-0 on Sunday and are unbeaten in their last seven league outings, but Leven is determined not to ease up for the remaining two league games, starting against Livingston on Wednesday.

“The boys have been great since I came in,” Leven told the club’s official website.

“We had lacked that cutting edge in a few games before the Hibs game but thankfully everybody got to see that when we are ruthless we can turn it on.

“I have loved the time that I have been in charge. We’ve got two big games left and we want to win both of them.

“Consistency is massive. We had a meeting after the Dundee game and I said to the players that seventh is where we want to finish.

“It is not ideal with where the club want to be overall but it is as high as we can get and that is where we want to finish.

“I wanted to set the tone since I took over. I wanted to really up the tempo and the passing and everything that I wanted to do.

“Hopefully the fans can see that with what we’re trying to do here and we’re getting results and clean sheets which is huge for us as well.”

Ben Philip
BBC Scotland News

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Caretaker manager Peter Leven has been speaking to the media before Aberdeen’s final home game of the season against Livingston on Wednesday.

Here at the key points from his press conference:

• On Nick Montgomery's sacking by Hibs, Leven says “it’s never nice” when a manager loses his job and hopes he can “bounce back quick”.

• Asked if he’d fancy the vacancy, he said no because he has a job and his focus is on Aberdeen right now.

• Expects a “tough game” against relegated Livingston and says his players need to be “at it” and “ruthless” against the visitors who he expects will “fight to the end” at Pittodrie.

• Reflecting on his time as caretaker manager, Leven says he’s enjoyed it, but has two games left and wants to win both of them.

• He credits his time abroad as a coach with his current performance in Scotland and would encourage any young aspiring coaches to experience working overseas.

• Incoming manager Jimmy Thelin sent Leven a text message following the Dons' 4-0 dismantling of Hibs to say “great performance, great result”.

• Team news: No fresh injury concerns.

Gary Scott
Fan writer

Jimmy Thelin must have watched Aberdeen’s latest performance with real enthusiasm; the Dons thrashed Hibs at Easter Road to make it three successive wins and five clean sheets in a row.

This was a performance in the mould of Thelin's Elfsborg side – solid at the back, quick in transition and counter-pressing aggressively when opportunities present themselves.

Leighton Clarkson looked like a man reborn on Sunday afternoon – testament to the faith installed in him by Peter Leven, and his goal was just reward for a performance that reminded us all of the ability lurking within the ex-Liverpool starlet.

Dante Polvara continues his development at pace and his goal was probably the pick of the bunch.

Junior Hoilett's experience and ability have also been a welcome bonus in recent weeks, with the Canadian international finding full fitness and providing a level of calm which has helped the likes of Jack MacKenzie no end.

The story of the game came at the other end of the age spectrum though, as Fletcher Boyd became the youngest player to ever score for the club and the second youngest in SPFL history – a truly wonderful moment for everyone associated with the club.

A huge amount of credit also needs to go to the Aberdeen academy set-up. Having narrowly missed out on the SFA Youth Cup a couple of weeks ago, the Dons dusted themselves off to win their last three games, coming from behind in all of them, to secure the under-18 league title. It will be interesting to see how many of this talented group can make the step to professional level in the coming years.

Finally, another word on Leven – in his nine games in charge over both interim spells he’s amassed a points per game (ppg) average of 2.0. Compare that to the 0.33 ppg that Neil Warnock achieved, and you start to think what might have been if Leven had been handed the reins instead of the Englishman.

Leven’s record has been exemplary, the squad clearly enjoy working with him and Thelin will be chuffed to have the ex-Kilmarnock man as part of his backroom staff next season.

Gary Scott can be found on the ABZ Football podcast, external.

Bologna are the latest Italian club to scout Aberdeen midfielder Connor Barron, who is out of contract at the end of the season and could be signed for just over £500,000 in training compensation, but interest in the 21-year-old from Cagliari and Sassuolo is subject to them avoiding relegation from Serie A. (Daily Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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After Sunday's 4-0 victory over Hibernian, Aberdeen welcome the already relegated Livingston to Pittodrie on Wednesday night.

But who should be in the starting line-up for the Dons?

Put yourself in Peter Leven's shoes and pick your XI here.

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Aberdeen fans should temper their optimism ahead of the arrival of Jimmy Thelin to avoid disappointment, says former Dons defender Richard Foster.

The Pittodrie side are unbeaten in their last seven Premiership outings, having won all of their last three, lifting the mood after a difficult campaign.

With a new manager to come in the summer, Foster believes Aberdeen fans should be hopeful, but thinks challenging Hearts for third would be a step too far in the Swede's first year in Scotland.

"They can be optimistic, but I still believe Aberdeen need to be realistic as well, the fans," Foster told BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"If you think the manager's going to come in and fight Hearts for third, firstly I think it's quite disrespectful to all the other teams and Hearts themselves, but also, that just heaps huge pressure on another new manager.

"I think if Aberdeen are to finish fourth or fifth next season, that's progress, and then can they build from there? I think they need to give Thelin time.

"Having said that, he might come in and they might really take off and they might go and challenge for third and fourth position. But I think that's a more optimistic viewpoint.

"Just get them playing good football, make Pittodrie a bit of a fortress, make it horrible for teams to go up there and play and look to get into the top six next season.

"And from that you can build. There's no point trying to run before you can walk."

We asked for your thoughts after Aberdeen steamrolled Hibs at Easter Road.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Marti: Firstly, thank you to Peter Leven for a brilliant spell in charge,. Boys were great. Need to give Junior Hoilett another year at least. Bojan Miovski being Bojan Miovski and Dante Polvara has class. Well done to young Fletcher Boyd, dream debut. Finally, our fans are fantastic.

Fred: Really good performance. Why did we not play like this all season? The motivation is now right but too late. Without Neil Warnock, we would be in Europe. Mr Cormack has a lot to answer for and I fear he has made the wrong appointment again. Let's see next season.

Justin: A great result for sure but I think it highlights we should have been top four with the squad we have. Warnock did one thing right as Hoilett has been a great inclusion. Roll on next season.

Mark: Thank the lord that Leven will still be a part of our first team coaching next season. No one knows what to expect from Jimmy Thelin arriving, but I am somewhat comforted in the knowledge that Peter will still be here. Fantastic performance in any case against Hibs. Four brilliant goals, and a massive congratulations to young Boyd.

Anon: Wow! What can I say? This is why I love this team. Leven must stay on board, although I have a feeling he will be hard to keep now.

Kieran: What a result, totally unexpected. I just wish we could keep Miovski but he'll probably leave in the summer. Give Hoilett a new contract, he is looking classy now.

Mike: Starting to click under Leven, wonder if we’ll come to regret not giving him the job permanently?

Daniel: Give Leven a tidy bonus at the end of the season, keep him happy as a coach and hope we don't need him to step into the breach again any time soon.

Paul: Where has team been, seriously? So frustrating knowing they can play like that but just haven't the vast majority of the season. Hopefully the new manager can bring this out in them next year. Peter has got them going, no doubt.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Two midfield maestros from Aberdeen had to be in my team of the week.

Not only did Leighton Clarkson score a fantastic goal himself, he also displayed excellent link-up play for Junior Hoilett's finish and a masterful dummy as Bojan Miovski got on the scoresheet.

The Englishman is reminding everyone he is a mercurial talent, at just 22 as well. He should be a huge player for the Dons next term.

Dante Polvara is just one year older, but is also growing in influence for the Pittodrie outfit.

The talented American took his goal superbly, a moment that will only add to his increasing confidence.

Watch highlights as Aberdeen thrash Hibs in the Scottish Premiership.

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• Aberdeen have scored four goals in a game for the first time since 1 November 2023 against Motherwell (W4-2).

• Aberdeen have beaten Hibernian for the first time in the Scottish Premiership since 4 November 2022, a run of five games without a win.

• Aberdeen have won their last three games in the Scottish Premiership, their last longer winning streak was from 25 February 2023 to 23 April 2023, a run of seven games.

• Aberdeen have kept a clean sheet in each of their last five games in the Scottish Premiership, a run of 577 minutes without conceding a goal.

• The last time Aberdeen went longer without conceding a goal in the Premiership was a run of eight games from 23 November 2014 to 10 January 2015.

Aberdeen interim manager Peter Leven: "I said to Leighton [Clarkson] today, 'you need to shoot more'. He's a top player and I've taken the shackles of him in possession and told him to go cause mayhem.

"Fletcher [Boyd] has been brilliant for the under-18s all season, contributed to over 30 goals. He's got a top career in front of him. I've given them that freedom. In possession, I want them to play with a smile on their face."

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Aberdeen cranked up the pressure on Hibernian head coach Nick Montgomery with a morale-sapping and emphatic victory at Easter Road in the Scottish Premiership bottom six.

Montgomery was told by the Hibs board last month that results and performances must improve - but the hosts were easily swept aside as Aberdeen recorded a third straight win.

Stunning strikes from Leighton Clarkson and Dante Polvara had the Dons comfortably ahead the break before Bojan Miovski and 16-year-old debutant Fletcher Boyd completed a hammering.

Aberdeen move seventh, top of the bottom six, while Hibs slip to ninth.

What did you make of that, Aberdeen fans? How impressed have you been with Peter Leven? Do you feel better going into next season now?

Let us know your thoughts on the game here.

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Aberdeen interim manager Peter Leven told BBC Sportsound: "I always knew there were more goals in us, but I'm really pleased with the clean sheet again.

"Hibs are a dangerous team, we knew that all week. For about 20 minutes we lost our shape, started chasing them. We rectified that at half time and we were so good on the break and we could've scored more.

"I said to Leighton [Clarkson] today 'you need to shoot more'. He's a top player and I've taken the shackles of him in possession and told him to go cause mayhem.

"I've given them that freedom. In possession, I want them to play with a smile on their face. Go and create and entertain. They did that today.

"Fletcher has been brilliant for the under-18s all season, contributed to over 30 goals. He's got a top career in front of him."

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

Aberdeen put in one of their best performances of the season. They clicked in attack and, largely, looked pretty comfortable at the back, able to deal with Hibs' ultra-slow tempo.

Peter Leven, back in the dugout after a hip operation, has done brilliantly since his appointment as interim boss and fans can't help but wonder - what if he had replaced Barry Robson, rather than Neil Warnock?

Would they be in the top six, fighting out for an unlikely European spot - just like last season? Who knows.

What we do know is Leven's stock has certainly risen, but it remains to be seen if he now has a taste for a top job.

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Leighton Clarkson. The ex-Liverpool midfielder has been back to his best in recent weeks and he absolutely controlled this game from the middle of the park.

His goal, and his wonderful dummy for Miovski's strike, showed the quality he has - the only frustration is that he doesn't always show it.

Dante Polvara is worth a mention. The American has produced a few big goals this season and, after being written off by some early on in his Dons' career, has become a key part of the midfield.

A mention, too, for young Fletcher Boyd. The 16-year-old, who hails from nearby Portsoy, looks a talent.

Hibernian: Wollacott, Cadden, Bushiri, Hanlon, Obita, Moriah-Welsh, Newell, Boyle, Marcondes, Maolida, Vente.

Substitutes: Johnson, Levitt, Doyle-Hayes, Amos, Stevenson, Le Fondre, Triantis, Tavares, Campbell.

Aberdeen: Roos, Devlin, MacDonald, Gartenmann, MacKenzie, Barron, Polvara, McGrath, Clarkson, Hoilett, Miovski.

Substitutes: Doohan, Shinnie, Jensen, Duk, McGarry, Sokler, Milne, Rubezic, Boyd.

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Aberdeen defender Jack MacKenzie has set his sights on a Scotland call-up after lauding the work interim manager Peter Leven has done in improving his game (Sunday Post, print only)

Read the rest of today's gossip here

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Aberdeen midfielder Jamie McGrath wants to secure a seventh-place Premiership finish this season to reward interim head coach Peter Leven for his "brilliant" work.

Leven, who is nearing the end of his second stint in temporary charge this term, has overseen a six-game unbeaten league run, and the Dons will go seventh in the table if they win at Hibernian on Sunday.

"Peter has been brilliant any time he has been called upon," McGrath said. "We are unbeaten in a good few games and we are not leaking silly goals at the back.

"We are looking better on the ball each week; we should have probably won at the weekend by a lot more goals than one, so training has been very enjoyable under Peter.

"Everybody is really enjoying what he is doing for us and we just want to hopefully give him that seventh place to have something to show at the end of it."

McGrath is delighted Leven will be remaining at Pittodrie as part of the coaching staff when new manager Jimmy Thelin arrives from Elfsborg next month.

"Of course it is brilliant for him to be staying around, it is a bit of continuity," McGrath added.

"We don’t know much about the new management staff yet but we are really looking forward to working with them from the summer.

"It will be something new to be working for a foreign manager, so I am looking forward to it and seeing what new ideas I can learn."