Scottish Cup winning manager Jimmy Thelin leaves Aberdeen following Falkirk defeat

Jimmy Thelin has left his role as Aberdeen manager following a disappointing run of results.

Last season’s Scottish Cup winners are eighth in the Premiership following a 1-0 defeat to Falkirk in their first game of 2026.

Saturday’s loss means they now have nine wins, four draws and just seven wins from 20 league games this season.

The Pittodrie side were also knocked out of the League Cup in a 1-0 defeat to Motherwell earlier in the season.

They also failed to qualify for the Europa League and dropped into the Conference after a playoff loss to FCSB.

Thelin moved to Scotland from Swedish side Elfsborg last summer and got off to the best possible start when they remained unbeaten until November in the 24/25 campaign.

Their early results last season led to some believing they could challenge for the title.

However, their form fell off a cliff edge soon after as they struggled in the second-half of the season and eventually finished fifth.

A penalty shootout victory over Celtic at Hampden in the Scottish Cup final meant they ended the campaign in a celebratory mood and expectations were raised again for the 2025/26 season.

They failed to score a single goal in their first five league games this season and pressure has been gradually building on Thelin since.

Aberdeen confirmed the departure on Sunday.

Aberdeen FC Chairman Dave Cormack said: “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.”

Jimmy 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.

“I would also like to thank the supporters. Your passion for your team never waivers, even in disappointment.

“Aberdeen will forever be a part of my journey, and it has been an honour to lead this great Club and share that memorable day together at Hampden.

“I leave wishing success to everyone involved both on and off the pitch.”

Everyone at Aberdeen Football Club would like to thank Jimmy and Christer for their efforts during their time at Pittodrie and wish them both every success in their future careers.

Reports in Sweden say Thelin has already been ‘sounded out’ over the vacant head coach role at AIK, who parted ways with their manager 24 hours earlier.