Former Hearts and Hibs bosses named ideal next Aberdeen manager candidates as they form three-man shortlist
Aberdeen have been told two ex-Hearts and Hibs managers are ideal gaffer solutions.
Michael Stewart believes two bosses formerly of Hearts and Hibs are ideal fits for Aberdeen, following their sacking of Stephen Robinson.
The pundit, via the Premier Sports Social Club, has reacted to Monday’s announcement from Pittodrie that the Northern Irishman has been relieved of his managerial duties after less than a year. Aberdeen find themselves 11th after a humbling 4-0 loss at home to Hibs last Saturday and are now seeking to save their stalled season.
John McGlynn has won many plaudits as Falkirk manager, guiding them from League One to the Premiership’s top six, stunning former side Hearts on Sunday with a 5-2 win at Tynecastle. Former Hibs boss Neil Lennon meanwhile is leading Dunfermline Athletic on a Championship title charge, packing silverware-laden experience from multiple stints at the Celtic helm too.
Who will be the next Aberdeen manager?
Former Hearts and Hibs midfielder Stewart reckons both McGlynn and Lennon are the type of gaffers Aberdeen must consider. Steve Clarke is another he feels could handle the mantle after ending his lengthy Scotland national team association after the summer’s World Cup.
He explained: “They need to get someone in who has experience of working for a big club and has a strong character that can drive them forward.
“There are a couple of names that stand out to me. Neil Lennon is doing a good job at Dunfermline and John McGlynn obviously has to come into consideration. If they really want to push the boat out to attract him, go and try and speak to Steve Clarke. These guys are real managers.”
Stewart was at Tynecastle on Sunday as McGlynn’s Bairns tore through Hearts in a stunning first 50 minutes in Gorgie. Hearts, who hadn't loss a home league game in 18 months prior to kick-off, were 4-0 down at half-time with the extent of their injury crisis put on full display. Woes were added to in the second half with a fifth Falkirk strike and new injury to centre-back Malachi Fagan-Walcott.
Michael Stewart on Hearts 2-5 Falkirk
Two goals before the end made the scoreline more respectable but the manner in which Hearts have conceded goals recently has alarmed Stewart. He doesn’t think club captain Craig Halkett’s return from injury, still in rehab from his Achilles blow in May, will be enough to solve their defensive problems. They will need rectified if Hearts are to hit their full potential under head coach Wouter Vrancken.
Stewart said: “Hearts have now got the second worst defence in the league. Yes, injuries are clearly an issue, a massive issue. But what I would say is that I don’t think Craig Halkett going back into the team solves all the ills. Falkirk and John McGlynn clearly recognised that in transition, Hearts are far too open.
“I’ve said it before, when you get to a certain age you’ll never be able to outwork a bad diet. For Hearts, their bad diet is bad defending. You keep shipping goals, it doesn’t matter how good your front line is, you’re going to be fighting an uphill battle. Until you rectify that, you’re never going to unleash your full potential.”