Aberdeen are on the lookout for a new manager after opting to sack head coach Jimmy Thelin last weekend following a 1-0 defeat to Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership.
Just under eight months from winning the Scottish Cup with a penalty shootout win over Celtic, the Swedish head coach has paid the price for a disappointing first half of the Scottish Premiership campaign that has seen them win just seven of their opening 20 league games.
Upon his departure, the 47-year-old left a classy message to his former club, saying: “I would like to thank the players for their commitment and effort during my time as their coach, and the staff who worked every day with loyalty and pride. I would also like to thank the supporters. Your passion for your team never waivers, even in disappointment.”
Peter Leven has been placed in temporary charge, but he has been unable to turn fortunes around at Pittodrie, with back-to-back league defeats to Rangers coming in his two games as caretaker boss.
With Aberdeen now in search of a new head coach, we look at the favourites for the Pittodrie job. Here are the latest odds for the next permanent Aberdeen manager.*
*All odds are offered by BetVictor and can change at any time. Please gamble responsibly.
1. ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Aberdeen Manager Jimmy Thelin (L) and Coach Peter Leven (R) during an Aberdeen training session at Cormack Park, on September 27, 2024, in Aberdeen, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)
Here are the current list of favourites for the vacant Aberdeen role following their decision to sack Jimmy Thelin at the weekend. Cr: SNS Group. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
2. Michael Beale - 33/1
Has not managed since being sacked by Sunderland almost two years after just 12 games in charge, but the former Rangers boss is a shock name listed amongst the bookies' favourites for the Aberdeen role. | Nigel Roddis/Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
3. Brian Barry-Murphy - 33/1
Viewed as one of the brightest young coaches in the EFL, Barry-Murphy has led Cardiff City to the top of the third tier and has gained many admirers in the process - are Aberdeen one of them? | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
4. Craig Bellamy - 33/1
Ruled himself out of the running for the Celtic manager's job recently, insisting his focus was on the Wales job and trying to get them to next summer's World Cup via the playoff route. He's named amongst the favourites for the Aberdeen role, but this one feels unlikely. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images