Aberdeen chairman says 'unforeseen circumstances' have delayed manager hunt

Chairman Dave Cormack has revealed “unforeseen circumstances” have hampered Aberdeen’s search for a new head coach.

The Dons parted company with Scottish Cup-winning manager Jimmy Thelin on January 4, following a five-match run without a win.

Peter Leven has been in interim charge since and former assistant manager Tony Docherty returned to bolster the management team about 10 days ago.

Sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel stated on the same day that news of a permanent appointment was “imminent” but front-runner Eirik Horneland was later quoted in his native Norway as saying he would see what happened with his future in the summer.

Cormack has now sought to update supporters in the wake of Aberdeen’s 3-2 home defeat by Dundee on Saturday, which left them eighth in the William Hill Premiership, closer to the bottom two than the top six.

But there was little in his statement to suggest an appointment is near.

“It has now been 49 days since we began a formal process to appoint a new head coach,” he said. “In football terms that can feel like a long time, but this is one of the most important decisions any club makes, and it is vital that we get it right.

“While we always have several potential candidates on our radar at any one time, the availability of quality candidates at this point in a season can present a real challenge. Therefore, we mustn’t rush or compromise on the profile we believe is required to lead Aberdeen forward.

“Our sporting director has led a thorough and robust recruitment process, interviewing several strong candidates from both the UK and overseas.

“Naturally, the availability of some candidates, particularly those currently in or recently leaving employment, has influenced timelines.

“From our final shortlist, most candidates were not available to begin work immediately. Increasingly, coaches want a full pre-season to properly implement their ideas and philosophy, particularly those relocating from abroad.

“Due to unforeseen circumstance,s the final stage of the process is taking longer than we expected. Make no mistake, we are determined to secure the right head coach, someone who can provide stability and long-term success for Aberdeen.

“We recently strengthened the interim coaching team by adding Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven, as we look to finish as strongly as we can in the Premiership and retain the Scottish Cup.

“We recognise there is intense speculation during periods like this. Recruitment processes are confidential by nature, which makes it difficult to provide regular updates without compromising the integrity of discussions.

“We understand the frustration among supporters after the high of winning the Scottish Cup last May and accept the scrutiny that comes with our responsibilities.

“As soon as we can provide any tangible update on the head coach role, you, our valued supporters, will be the first to know.”