Aberdeen have been inundated with applications for their vacant manager’s job – but Dons chiefs could be willing to take months to make sure they find the right replacement for axed gaffer Jim Goodwin.
Goodwin was dismissed following the Reds’ 6-0 defeat at Hibs on Saturday, and the club’s board, led by chairman Dave Cormack, have been taking stock since.
The Aberdeen hierarchy are willing to take their time – perhaps even until the end of the season – to find and appoint the boss to bring success back to Pittodrie following a recent dismal run of performances and results.
The Dons are in the early stages of accepting applications from interested parties for their empty hotseat, and could also approach other candidates themselves.
However, Aberdeen have now sacked two managers in under a year – with Stephen Glass also axed in February 2022 – and it appears Cormack and the board will think hard on the key attributes they are looking for in a new boss before making their next move.
While it is a given they will learn lessons from the appointments of Glass and then Goodwin, and this will factor into their eventual decision, no prospective candidate is thought to have been ruled in or out at this stage.
Nor do there appear to be plans to make any changes above the level of manager, which would affect the likes of director of football Steven Gunn, as some fans – angry with recent events – have called for.
Robson currently in charge of Aberdeen – and his interim team could be in place for some time
In the meantime, Aberdeen’s development phase manager Barry Robson has been placed in interim charge for the St Mirren game at home in the Premiership on Wednesday.
Robson will be assisted by a coaching team of Scott Anderson and Steve Agnew – with ex-Middlesbrough coach Agnew’s arrival from outwith the club a clear sign of the board’s intent to take their time in finding a permanent successor to Goodwin.
Dons chiefs’ immediate priority is supporting Robson and his temporary staff to correct the nosedive in the side’s form since the winter break.
They have lost eight of their 10 games since the restart, including a Scottish Cup fourth-round tie at non-league Darvel, while dropping from third to seventh in the Premiership.
After St Mirren, Aberdeen play Motherwell at Pittodrie on Saturday, and then have the next weekend off as they are not in Scottish Cup action.
They close out February away at Celtic and at home to Livingston.
Former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder open to approach amid other potential candidates
While an immediate upturn in form is being prioritised, Cormack and the board are set to have meetings early this week as they make tentative steps towards appointing their next permanent manager.
Former Sheffield United and Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder is understood to be interested in talking to the Dons about the position.
The 55-year-old is unlikely to apply for the job, but would be open for talks if any approach was made by the Reds.
Wilder has been without a job since leaving Middlesbrough in October last year.
Former Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley could also be in the running.
Cowley was interviewed by the Dons last year as they hunted for a successor to Derek McInnes – but pulled out of the running to join Portsmouth.
He is now without a club having been axed by Pompey.
Other potential candidates are former Celtic and Hibs manager Neil Lennon, who is also available.
Lennon has been out of a job since he left Cypriot side Omonoia last year.
Former Aston Villa, Norwich City, Ipswich, Stoke City and Wolves boss Paul Lambert is also high in the betting.
Lambert has been without a club since leaving Ipswich in February 2021.
Another name exciting fans of the Dons is Marti Cifuentes, highly-rated manager of Swedish club Hammarby.
Spaniard Cifuentes still has two years left on his contract with Hammarby.
He led Hammarby to a third-placed finish in the Swedish top-flight last season, securing Europa Conference League qualification.
Under Cifuentes, the club also reached the Swedish Cup final last season, losing 4-5 on penalties to Malmo.
Board working on securing signings
While improving results is a short-term priority at Aberdeen, and even more urgent concern for the Dons board is to add more signings before the transfer window shuts at midnight on Tuesday.
The Reds secured Watford defender Mattie Pollock, 21, on loan until the end of the season at the weekend.
Aberdeen are understood to be closing in on a loan deal for Ajax goalkeeper Jay Gorter.
The 22-year-old signed for Ajax from Go Ahead Eagles in July 2021 on a four-year deal.
His only start for Dutch giants Ajax this season was in a 5-3 defeat against PSV Eindhoven in the Johan Cruyff Shield.
Aberdeen’s first-choice goalkeeper Kelle Roos has been sidelined with a thigh injury since the League Cup semi-final defeat by Rangers earlier this month.
Joe Lewis has started the past three games for the Dons, all defeats.
Tom Ritchie was recalled from his loan spell at Peterhead to be substitute keeper in the 6-0 loss at Hibs.
Aberdeen have also offered a pre-contact to Go Ahead Eagles defender Jay Idzes, 22, and have held talks with Tranmere full-back Josh Dacres-Cogley.
Both Idzes and Dacres-Cogley had delayed decisions on joining Aberdeen while there remained uncertainty over now-departed boss Goodwin’s future.
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