Aberdeen Fans Rage After Confirmed Next Manager News

Aberdeen supporters have erupted in fury following the club's announcement of Eirik Horneland as their next head coach, amid a prolonged and chaotic managerial search. The Dons, languishing in eighth place in the Scottish Premiership after a 3-2 home defeat to Dundee, parted ways with Scottish Cup-winning manager Jimmy Thelin on January 4, 2026, after a winless run that included a loss at Falkirk.[4][3] Peter Leven stepped in as interim boss for the third time in his coaching career, supported by first-team coach Craig Hinchliffe and new sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel, appointed in October.[4][1]

To bolster the interim setup, former assistant manager Tony Docherty rejoined Aberdeen on February 13. The 55-year-old, who enjoyed success at Pittodrie from 2013 to 2021 under Derek McInnes, brings vast Scottish Premiership experience from stints at Dundee and Ross County.[1][2] Pfannenstiel praised Docherty's club knowledge, stating the search for a permanent head coach was "reaching its conclusion" with an imminent announcement.[1][2]

However, "unforeseen circumstances" delayed progress, as revealed by chairman Dave Cormack on February 22—49 days into the process. Front-runner Horneland, the 50-year-old ex-Saint-Étienne boss, impressed Aberdeen chiefs but prefers joining in the summer due to compensation issues from his January departure.[2][3] Advanced talks continue, with the club confident he'll lead next season, though fans decry the timing at the "business end" of the campaign.[2]

Frustration boils over on social media and forums, with supporters branding the saga a "farce" after the highs of last May's Scottish Cup triumph. "Rage" dominates headlines as fans question the board's competence, demand transparency, and fear relegation risks with the team closer to the bottom two than top six. Cormack acknowledged the "intense speculation" and supporter discontent, vowing updates soon while urging patience for this critical decision.[3]

Aberdeen now focus on Premiership survival and retaining the Scottish Cup, bolstered by interim reinforcements, but the Horneland confirmation has ignited unprecedented backlash from a fanbase craving stability.[3]