‘Honour to lead this great club’ – Scottish Premiership side sack manager months after cup win

Jan 4, 2026 - 20:00

Aberdeen have announced that they have parted ways with manager Jimmy Thelin.

The Swede joined the Scottish Premiership side in 2024 after spells at Jonkopings Sodra IF and IF Elfsborg.

At the end of the 2024/25 season, Thelin guided Aberdeen to a huge Scottish Cup final win as they beat Celtic 4-3 on penalties.

It was their first trophy triumph in 35 years which saw the club qualify for the Europa League play-off round.

However, eight months on from their glory at Hampden Park, they have made the decision to split amid a winless run of five matches.

“Today my time as manager at Aberdeen comes to an end,” Thelin said in the statement. “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.”

Club chairman Dave Cormack added: “In wishing Jimmy and Christer [Persson, assistant] 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.”

Thelin’s final match in charge at Aberdeen ended in 1-0 defeat away to Falkirk on Saturday afternoon.

He won 38 of his 80 matches across all competitions, with the cup final victory over Celtic the biggest one of all.