How should Thelin's time at Aberdeen be remembered?

4 days ago 2

Club legend, but right time to go?

That's the thought process currently running through the minds of many Aberdeen fans following the news of Jimmy Thelin's departure.

For a generation of Dons supporters, the Swede was responsible for orchestrating arguably their finest day in last May's Scottish Cup triumph against Celtic.

With the Glasgow club chasing a domestic treble, Thelin formulated a plan to nullify Brendan Rodgers' men to take a nerve-shredding 1-1 game to extra time.

Penalties would follow, with goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov earning himself legendary status at Pittodrie, along with Thelin.

The 47-year-old and chairman Dave Cormack referenced that iconic day at Hampden in the club statement confirming the manager's departure.

What was also pointed out, though, was a troubling run of form stretching back many months. May's cup glory perhaps papered over those cracks.

A record-breaking start to last term had Aberdeen fans dreaming of a title charge before their form fell off a cliff, and it hasn't really picked up since.

Since the final win, Thelin managed just eight wins from 30 games across all competitions, with the Dons currently eighth in the Scottish Premiership table.

The fact there was even sight of quotes from Thelin in Aberdeen's statement highlights his class, saying he accepted the decision and took a share of responsibility.

And in years to come, that class and that day at the national stadium will be the memories that stand the test of time.

"When you're asking how will Thelin be remembered, it's for winning the Scottish Cup and giving a generation of supporters the best day of their lives," says The Times' Scottish football correspondent Michael Grant.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, he adds: "At the moment there's a bit of rawness and some fans have, I think, turned on him.

"I think it's divided, and there's been a reluctance to turn on him because there's such respect and affection for the guy for what he did last May.

"And that will be the prevailing memory of Jimmy Thelin at Aberdeen."

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