Managerial merry-go-round continues at Aberdeen after Jimmy Thelin sacking
Miserable defeat by Falkirk was the last straw for Dons chiefs
Aberdeen are searching for their fifth permanent manager in less than five years after sacking Jimmy Thelin. The axe fell after Saturday's defeat to Falkirk extended their winless run to five games.
The result left last season's Scottish Cup winners eighth in the Premiership table and the club confirmed the Swede's departure, along with his assistant Christer Persson, 24 hours later.
Thelin began his reign last season with 13 straight wins and 16 games unbeaten in all competitions, but that form almost completely reversed with just one win in the next 14.
They recovered somewhat and completed a memorable cup run with victory over Celtic on penalties at Hampden Park in May, but they won just one of their first 11 games this term and just eight so far in total.
Thelin thanked for Scottish Cup glory
Chairman Dave Cormack told the club's official website: "In wishing Jimmy and Christer the very best for the future I want to thank them for delivering our first Scottish Cup win in 35 years last May.
"These memories will last a lifetime, and Jimmy will be forever etched into Aberdeen's history for delivering such a special day for our supporters, as only one of six Aberdeen managers to win the Scottish Cup in our storied 122-year history.
"However, after significant investment in recent windows, we have not kicked on in the way we hoped or expected following that success.
"We have tried to give the situation as much time as possible, but recent performances have been significantly below the standards we expect and we believe it is now right to take a different direction."
Thelin "accepts" decision to fire him
Thelin added: "Today my time as manager at Aberdeen comes to an end. It is with great respect for this historic club that I accept this decision.
"Results ultimately decide the tenure of this profession, and as such I take my share of responsibility.
"I believe wholly in the work that was done; however, football doesn't always allow time for belief to become results. 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."
First-team coach Peter Leven has been placed in interim charge, assisted by head of goalkeeping Craig Hinchliffe and sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel.
The German is in charge of finding Thelin's replacement.
Among the early names being linked with the Pittodrie hotseat are St Mirren's Stephen Robinson, Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou and Ayr United manager Scott Brown.