Former Hibs ace placed on next Aberdeen manager 'shortlist' as ex-Easter Road star departs Pittodrie
Aberdeen could turn to a former Hibs player as their next manager - as another departs Pittodrie.
A former Hibs and Celtic star could replace Stephen Robinson as Aberdeen manager - while another makes way alongside the Northern Irishman.
The Easter Road side’s 4-0 Premiership hammering of the Dons at Pittodrie has brought an end to their latest gaffer’s tenure after less than a year. Robinson had top flight success previously with Motherwell and St Mirren but has now been sacked with Aberdeen 11th following their thrashing off Marink Reedijk’s side.
Ex-Hibs midfielder Brian Kerr, who was Robinson’s assistant, is also on the move alongside first-team coach Stephen Craigan. One name who has been rumoured as a possible replacement is Gary Caldwell, currently manager of Wigan Athletic at English League One level.
Who will become the next Aberdeen manager?
The centre-back had two spells at Hibs as a player before prominent stints at Celtic and Wigan, alongside regular Scotland national team selection. As a gaffer he’s also been in charge at Chesterfield, Partick Thistle and Exeter City on top of the Latics, but talkSPORT now claim ‘Gary Caldwell understood to be a name on Aberdeen's shortlist for their next manager. Been admired by the club for a little while.’
A statement from Aberdeen reads: “Following a board meeting, Aberdeen Football Club has taken the decision to part company with Head Coach Stephen Robinson. Stephen leaves the Club alongside Assistant Head Coach Brian Kerr and First Team Coach Stephen Craigan.
“We thank them for their efforts during their time at Pittodrie and wish them every success for the future. Preparatory work to support the appointment of a new manager has been undertaken, and the recruitment process is ongoing.
What will Aberdeen seek in new manager?
“The focus will be on identifying the right candidate to lead the Club forward and deliver the progress expected across all areas of the football operation. Stuart Duff will assume interim charge of first team training while the Club continues its search for a new Head Coach.”
Right-back Nicky Devlin said of the humbling loss handed to them by Hibs: “It was embarrassing really. I don't really think there's any other way to describe it, especially the second half. We conceded a goal and it felt like as a team we capitulated. We had nothing about us. We just looked like a team of wee boys compared to Hibs. The first half wasn't too bad. We created a couple of chances but we're at home, of course we have to create chances.
“We have to look like we're threatening, we have to look like we're going to score. Maybe we did look like that up to a point, but when we conceded the goal, there was just nothing. We looked so far off it. As soon as there's a bit of adversity, we just have to deal with that so much better.
“We didn't, and it looked like they could have scored whenever they wanted to, to be honest. The first thing we have to do as players is ask yourself, ‘Am I doing enough?’ Every single one of us will turn around and say we're not. If we're going to be honest with ourselves, we're not doing enough as individuals.”