Rangers and Danny Rohl have been forced to rip up their scouting report for Tuesday night’s game with Aberdeen as the Dons sack their Scottish Cup winning manager Jimmy Thelin with less than 48 hours to go ahead of their trip to Ibrox.
Thelin spoke to the media after his sides 1-0 away defeat to Falkirk on Saturday afternoon, claiming his players needed to go on a “journey” to reduce ego and rebuild their mentality.
He also admitted the club needed “change really quickly” but rather than being tasked with making those changes: he has become the change and has been replaced after 18-months at the helm of the Pittodrie club.
Taking over last summer he took the Dons on an excellent 11-game unbeaten run that seen them challenging Celtic at the top of the table until November last season.
A poor second half of the campaign seen the Swedish coach under pressure and finish fifth in the Scottish Premiership until a shock Scottish Cup final win over Celtic on penalties seen him afforded extra time.
However, a UEFA Conference League campaign in which his side picked up just two points and zero wins added to a poor league campaign which leaves the Granite City side eighth at the turn of the year has been enough for Dave Cormack and the Aberdeen board to pull the plug.
A club statement read: 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.
Aberdeen FC Chairman Dave Cormack said: “In wishing Jimmy and Christer the very best for the future I want to thank them for delivering our first Scottish Cup win in 35 years last May.
“These memories will last a lifetime, and Jimmy will be forever etched into Aberdeen’s history for delivering such a special day for our supporters, as only one of six Aberdeen managers to win the Scottish Cup in our storied 122-year history.
“However, after significant investment in recent windows, we have not kicked on in the way we hoped or expected following that success. We have tried to give the situation as much time as possible, but recent performances have been significantly below the standards we expect, and we believe it is now right to take a different direction.”
Jimmy Thelin added: “Today my time as manager at Aberdeen comes to an end. It is with great respect for this historic Club that I accept this decision.
“Results ultimately decide the tenure of this profession, and as such I take my share of responsibility.
“I believe wholly in the work that was done; however, football doesn’t always allow time for belief to become results. I would like to thank the players for their commitment and effort during my time as their coach, and the staff who worked every day with loyalty and pride.
“I would also like to thank the supporters. Your passion for your team never waivers, even in disappointment.
“Aberdeen will forever be a part of my journey, and it has been an honour to lead this great Club and share that memorable day together at Hampden.
“I leave wishing success to everyone involved both on and off the pitch.”
Everyone at Aberdeen Football Club would like to thank Jimmy and Christer for their efforts during their time at Pittodrie and wish them both every success in their future careers."