Aberdeen’s fifth successive league game without a goal has left some Dons fans pondering if Jimmy Thelin’s time in charge at Pittodrie has come to a premature end.
His side sat bottom of the Scottish Premiership after a 2-0 defeat to Dundee United at Tannadice on Tuesday night, they have picked up just one point from their opening five games, with Swedish boss admitted that Tuesday night’s dismal defeat to Dundee United leaves Aberdeen feeling ‘rock bottom’, just four months on from the club’s memorable Scottish Cup win over Celtic.
While the immediate focus will be on getting a result against Motherwell at Fir Park at the weekend, there’s no doubt that their form has many predicting a change in direction, with the hope that a new manager can drag them out of the mire and make them challengers once again.
Numerous names have entered the frame over the past 48 hours, with the pressure ramped up on Thelin, but who do the bookies feel will get the gig should Aberdeen opt to part ways with their head coach?
Here are the latest odds for the next permanent Aberdeen manager.*
*All odds are offered by Gambling.com and can change at any point. Please gamble responsibly.
5. Tony Docherty - 9/2
Some felt he was unfairly sacked as Dundee boss in the summer after leading them to a top-half finish just over a year ago. He's recently been appointed the head coach of Ross County, though, so a move to Aberdeen would be a shock - should Jimmy Thelin be removed as manager. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
6. Kim Hellberg - 3/1
Has been managing since the age of just 23, and holds a strong reputation in Scandinavia. Could Aberdeen go from one Swedish boss to another? Currently second with Hammarby in the Allsvenskan, it would be an ambitious move. | Contributed Photo: Contributed
7. Steven Naismith - 9/4
Back in the Scotland coaching setup, it has been over a year since Naismith was sacked as Hearts manager. A route to back into management could appeal, if Jimmy Thelin's job becomes available after Aberdeen's poor start. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
8. Simon Rusk - 2/1
The highly-rated former Brighton coach had a short spell with Stockport County, and took temporary charge twice at Southampton last season. There's a feeling he could land a job at the main man again in the coming months, but will Aberdeen be the ones to give him a chance? His odds are good, according to the bookies. | Alex Burstow Photo: Alex Burstow