Following Stephen Robinson’s sacking yesterday, Aberdeen will now begin their second managerial search of the year. Robinson was appointed Dons manager in March, but following a poor start to the season with Aberdeen sitting 11th, the Northern Irishman was relieved of his duties after a 4-0 loss at home to Hibernian on Saturday. Aberdeen now head into an international break with the opportunity to appoint a new manager ahead of their next game away to bottom of the league Kilmarnock on November 21st, here are five candidates who could take the reins in the Granite City.
David Gray: The Hibernian legend was dismissed from his post before the first international break of the season, but could be offered a quick return to management with Aberdeen. Gray guided Hibs to a third place finish during his first season in charge, remarkably achieving a 17-game unbeaten run taking Hibs from bottom to third. He could’ve well lost his job against Aberdeen, but a late Rocky Bushiri goal in a 3-3 draw provided a real sliding doors moment between Gray and Jimmy Thelin as Hibs recovered a 23 point deficit on Aberdeen.
The following season, Hibs finished fifth under Gray amid breakout seasons from both Hearts and Motherwell. Despite a disappointing season for many in Leith, Gray became the first man to guide them to back-to-back European qualification in 50 years. A disappointing start ti this season, which included another late capitulation in Europe led to Gray being sacked from Hibs after 12 years at the club.
John McGlynn: Falkirk currently sit third in the Scottish Premiership after five consecutive wins. McGlynn’s side thrashed Hearts 5-2 at Tynecastle over the weekend, which seems to be the culmination of a run that includes wins at Easter Road and Pittodrie, as well as defeating Celtic at home. McGlynn has taken Falkirk from League One to the Premiership, finishing sixth last season. Many tipped them to have a difficult season this year after losing the likes of Barney Stewart and Calvin Miller, but McGlynn seems to have taken Falkirk to a new level once again this season.
Stephen Bradley: The Irishman has now been twice linked with the Hibernian job, most recently prior to the appointment of Marink Reedijk. Bradley seemed to be one of the front runners for the Hibs job, but revealed he didn’t want to leave Shamrock Rovers during the run in of the Irish title race, speaking about such in an interview, Bradley said: There were talks and contact, but when it came down to it, I genuinely don’t think I could look at the players, the fans, the club, and walk out the door with five games left. I don’t think that could ever sit right with me. For what the fans and the club and these players have done for me personally – forget about what we’ve done as a collective – I don’t think I could do that. It just didn’t sit right with me. I’m not going to sit here and try to predict what’s going to happen next month or in two months’ time. You know what my beliefs have always been and what my ambition is.”
Bradley has been in charge of Shamrock Rovers since 2016, winning the League of Ireland six times, including last season and is renowned for promoting young players.
Pascal Jansen: The Dutchman has previous ties to Aberdeen, backing Jesper Karlsson to succeed at the club. Jansen has recently been dismissed from New York City FC and has previously managed AZ Alkmaar and Ferencvaros, whilst also working under Arne Slot earlier in his career.
Steve Clarke: The former Scotland boss ay perennially be linked with high profile Scottish jobs for the time being, but it’s another one that makes sense. Clarke’s seven years at Scotland speak for themself, taking the National Team t three major tournaments, but as a club manager his third place finish with Kilmarnock is also extremely impressive. His style of play may not excite many fans, but Aberdeen may need the ship to be steadied once more as they could be set to flirt with relegation once again.
