Former Ibrox man set to take charge of Aberdeen for Rangers double-header after Jimmy Thelin dismissal
The Dons will have a new man on the touchline for their back-to-back matches against Rangers.
Following the sacking of Jimmy Thelin, Aberdeen’s assistant manager is set to take the reins for the Rangers double header.
Rangers are yet to face The Reds in this season’s SPFL Premiership, however they are now set to play them twice in a row. Danny Rohl’s men will welcome Aberdeen to Ibrox on Tuesday night and will then head to Pittodrie on Sunday afternoon. Both matches could be crucial to the new Rangers boss, having just equalled the points of Celtic following their Old Firm triumph.
Thelin was sacked as Dons boss on Monday night after a poor run of results that saw them winless in their last four league games. The Reds had somewhat of a mini-revival in November after having a disappointing start to the season, however another dip in form has now caused the board to act, with their 1-0 defeat to Falkirk being the straw that broke the camel’s back. As they now prepare for their Rangers double-header, a former Rangers man is set to take over in the meantime.
Leven to take charge for Rangers double header
Former Rangers midfielder and Thelin’s number two, Peter Leven is set to take charge for the Dons at Ibrox on Tuesday and will more than likely be in the Aberdeen dugout for the weekend’s Granite City clash too. The 42-year old, who grew up in Renfrew, started his career at Rangers in 2000.
Leven was at Ibrox for four years as a young player, however a serious knee injury he suffered in pre-season ruled him out of the game for two years, despite appearing on the bench on numerous occasions under Dick Advocaat. After his Govan spell, he moved to Kilmarnock in 2004, where he spent three years. He then took his career south of the border, playing for the likes of Chesterfield, MK Dons and Oxford United.
The Aberdeen caretaker role will be a familiar one to Leven, who has now been at the club for two and a half years. He has taken over interim duties on two separate occasions in the past, following the departures of Barry Robson and Neil Warnock.
Thelin sacked with immediate effect
Jimmy Thelin’s time in the Granite City was full of ups and downs. Last season, Aberdeen had a dream start to the league campaign, going unbeaten in their first eleven games. However what followed was a monumental fall from grace that saw them finish fifth.
Despite this the Scottish Cup win over Celtic in a penalty shoot-out gave them their first trophy in 11 years, but they weren’t able to kick on from that this season. As The Reds now currently sit 8th in the table, the club released a statement on Monday night announcing his departure but thanking him for his service.
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.”
Thelin himself 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 would also like to thank the supporters. Your passion for your team never wavers, even in disappointment.”