Table of Contents
Aberdeen are on the hunt for a new manager once again following the departure of Stephen Robinson on Monday, which marked the fifth dismissal at the club since the spring of 2021. As the Dons sit second bottom of the Scottish Premiership, speculation has turned to who might take over the Pittodrie dugout.
Domestic Candidates Draw Praise
Two names mentioned fairly early on after Robinson’s exit are Dundee manager Steven Pressley and Falkirk boss John McGlynn. Both have impressed in the Premiership over the past 17 months, drawing admirers for their style of play and strong results, with Falkirk currently third in the division and Dundee two places further back.
Former Aberdeen defender Richard Foster told BBC Radio Scotland’s Breakfast that Pressley and McGlynn are the two candidates that stand out domestically. Speaking about Pressley, Foster noted that while the Elgin-born manager has a quiet and laid-back demeanor, he commands respect in the dressing room and understands what it takes to be at a huge club from his playing days at Hearts and Celtic.
Former Hearts, Hibernian and Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart praised McGlynn’s extensive scouting network on BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound. Stewart stated that McGlynn puts in the miles traveling across Scotland and down south to find players who are not in the eye of many others, which contributes to a very good recruitment success rate. Former Celtic and Hibs midfielder Scott Allan added that McGlynn is very tactically astute and one of the most prepared managers for any week-to-week set-up.
Clarke and Caldwell Linked
Another potential contender is Steve Clarke, who stepped down as Scotland head coach five months ago. Clarke boasts vast coaching experience, including a two-year spell with Kilmarnock, and oversaw three qualifications to major tournaments for the national team. Alongside managerial stints at West Bromwich Albion and Reading, Clarke has worked at Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United. However, geography may play a part in his candidacy and whether personal circumstances allow a move to the northeast.
Wigan Athletic boss and former Scotland centre-half Gary Caldwell has also been linked with the Pittodrie job. The 44-year-old previously managed Chesterfield, Partick Thistle and Exeter City before returning to the Latics earlier this year.
Potential for Another Foreign Appointment
Aberdeen have historically tended to go with faces familiar to the Scottish top flight rather than experimenting with foreign coaches. Swede Jimmy Thelin stands out as one of the few overseas managers the club has appointed, alongside Dane Ebbe Skovdahl who managed the team from 1999 to 2002.
With German Lutz Pfannenstiel currently serving as the sporting director, the club could look further afield this time. Other Premiership clubs have recently appointed foreign managers, including Belgian Wouter Vrancken, Dutchman Marink Reedijk, and Swede Alfred Johansson.
Former Aberdeen defender Stuart Duff is currently in interim charge of the team following the departures of Robinson, assistant Brian Kerr, and coach Stephen Craigan. Unless a permanent appointment is made during the international break, Duff will lead the team against Kilmarnock on 21 November, followed by a trip to face Rangers on 24 November, and a home match against Dundee on 28 November.
