Thelin: Dons need short-term results to boost club’s long-term vision

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin insists his side’s short-term ambition is just as important as the long-term view after spending the summer transfer window – and beyond – overhauling his squad.

The Dons added on-loan Bologna winger Jesper Karlsson and striker Kevin Nisbet on deadline day, and snapped up free agent Stuart Armstrong a day later, to bolster a shot-shy squad that still has not netted a William Hill Premiership goal this campaign.

All three played a part in picking up a first point of the campaign in the goalless draw with Livingston, a match in which neither goalkeeper was overly exerted, although Marko Lazetic could have snatched victory for the Dons when he struck the post with almost the last kick of the game.

“We have the long-term part and the short-term,” said Thelin. “Right now we are focused on this league season, but it’s a big turnaround and for us it’s not an excuse for results right now – we want more this season.

“We made a decision to try to create the value of the squad and the succession planning. But right now the rhythm is not there. You see the players come in today have quality but right now the team is hesitant and we have to do better.

“We have a week before the (Premier Sports) Cup game (against Motherwell) and we have to give our fans more and be more clear in the opportunities while continuing to defend well as we did today.”

Livingston boss David Martindale also insists there is more to come from his side as they continue to adapt to the pace of the top flight after a year spent in the Championship.

The Lions have five points from their opening five matches, and Martindale said: “I think we’re getting a bit of belief from the group as to how good we actually are.

“It’s a hard place to come – and I imagine Aberdeen will kick on up the league once the players are up to match fitness – so it’s a good point and our players should take a lot of confidence from it.

“Results like this will only strengthen the resolve within the dressing room. I know how good they are – this is the seventh year I’ll have worked in the Premiership and I know what I’ve got in the changing room, how good this group can be.”