Aberdeen will interview new manager candidates this week, chief executive Alan Burrows has revealed – while also announcing plans to appoint a technical director following a review of the Dons’ football operation.
Interim manager Neil Warnock left the club after Saturday’s 3-1 Scottish Cup quarter-final win at home to Kilmarnock, stating in his parting post-match interview the Reds were “well down the line” to appointing their next permanent boss.
Chief executive Burrows says the club are determined to have a new gaffer in place by the end of the upcoming international break, which runs from March 18 to 26 – with some of the candidates in the frame currently under contract at other outfits.
Burrows said: “The number one priority is the engagement of our new first-team manager.
“The club, working with our partners, have compiled a shortlist with a combination of individuals we have identified that meet the key criteria we have agreed, and individuals that have expressed serious interest in the role.
“We plan to conduct a number of interviews this week and, in certain cases, seek permission to do so where managers are under contract elsewhere.
“Our aim is to appoint a first-team manager during the upcoming international break.
“In the meantime, Peter Leven will continue in interim charge, assisted by Scott Anderson and Craig Samson.”
New Aberdeen technical director to report to director of football Steven Gunn
Chief executive Burrows has also given more detail on the now-completed review of Aberdeen’s football operation, which was announced in the wake of former boss Barry Robson’s exit on January 31.
He revealed the audit has been completed by the company of former Hamburg sporting director Bernhard Peters – and the firm are now assisting the Dons to appoint not just their next permanent manager, but in appointing someone to the newly-established technical director post.
Burrows added: “At the turn of the year, the club instructed a football consultancy group, BPTC, headed by Bernhard Peters, to conduct a holistic review of our football operation.
“Bernhard is widely recognised as one of the most successful youth academy/high performance architects in the industry. He has a storied reputation in the Bundesliga, having previously served as sporting director for Hamburger SV and director of high performance for TSG Hoffenheim.
“BPTC themselves currently consult with a raft of top clubs, coaches, and national associations across the globe.
“They very recently completed their audit and submitted a comprehensive report which we have reviewed with them.
“We are extremely pleased that their report has validated a lot of very good policy, practice, and robust processes already in place within the club’s academy and wider football department.
“They have also identified several key areas of opportunity that would substantially enhance our current setup and are now working with us on the next phase.”
Burrows highlighted three key areas where changes to Aberdeen’s setup will be made with the ongoing assistance of Peters’ firm.
These are:
· Certain structural changes within the Dons’ football setup.
· The implementation of new and additional policy, practices, and processes that will further strengthen all levels of player training and development, player pathway, scouting and recruitment and football performance. (Both of the first two bullet points are understood to be more geared towards the Dons’ academy and player development structures.)
· Recruitment of a new first-team manager and the addition of a new technical director to support the director of football.
On the third bullet point, The Press and Journal understands current director of football Steven Gunn will remain in place, and the new technical director and first-team boss will report to him.
Revealed: Why Neil Warnock’s Aberdeen deal was ripped up
The Press and Journal can also reveal more about the manner of veteran interim manager Warnock’s exit after just 33 days at the Pittodrie helm.
Sources close to the club say the 75-year-old had the full backing of the Dons’ dressing room and Pittodrie chiefs, but decided himself before Saturday’s Killie cup tie to exit – having grown frustrated with being unable to turn around the Reds’ league form.
The former Cardiff City and QPR boss’ family are also thought to have been concerned with the heavy criticism Warnock was receiving, prompting him to ask Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack if he could step aside on Thursday last week.
Warnock’s contract until the end of the season was ripped up, meaning he will only be paid for his work up to and including the weekend’s victory.
It was just the second win of a tenure which brought no league victories and leaves the Reds sitting a concerning 10th in the Premiership.
Announcing his departure, Warnock said: “My advice is to try to get a new manager as soon as possible.
“They are well down the line. I don’t think it is far away.
“It needs an overhaul in the summer and there’s no good waiting until then.
“We had a chat on Thursday and I said it was the right time to bring somebody in now.
“I told them what I thought and we have left amicably.
“If it is one game or whatever, Peter (Leven) will be okay.”
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