Aberdeen have entered discussions with seven potential candidates to replace Stephen Robinson as manager, according to BBC Sport. The club's search has progressed to a second phase, with sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel and chief executive Adrian Bevington narrowing the field for a shortlist to present to the board, as reported by the Daily Record.
Robinson was dismissed following Aberdeen's 4–0 home defeat by Hibernian, which left the club 11th in the Scottish Premiership. Assistant Brian Kerr and first-team coach Stephen Craigan also departed alongside the manager.
Who are the leading contenders?
Former Sporting Kansas City boss Raphael Wicky and former Scotland head coach Steve Clarke are among those in the frame for the position. However, there has been no contact between Aberdeen and former Leicester and Birmingham manager Gary Rowett, 52.
According to the Press and Journal, German manager Michael Wimmer has expressed interest in the vacancy. The club was aiming to finalise a shortlist of at least six names within 24–48 hours of November 10.
Aberdeen's recruitment strategy has shifted towards appointing a "traditional head coach" rather than a traditional-style manager, according to the Daily Record.
What is the background to this vacancy?
Aberdeen's previous attempt to appoint a successor to Jimmy Thelin was derailed when Eirik Horneland, the chosen candidate, encountered health issues that prevented him from taking the role. Horneland has since returned to his former club Brann.
Among other candidates mentioned in earlier coverage, Gary Caldwell and John McGlynn have emerged as leading contenders for the position.
What happens next in the managerial search?
Aberdeen hoped to appoint a successor before the international break ended, with the club targeting a return to action against Kilmarnock on November 21. However, the club has indicated it could wait longer for the right candidate rather than rush the decision.
Interim coach Stuart Duff was due to lead Aberdeen against Kilmarnock on November 21 if a successor had not been appointed by that date.
Transfer news from Scottish football
In other developments, Ryan Naderi's impressive start to the season at Rangers has attracted attention from multiple clubs. West Ham and Wolverhampton Wanderers are now monitoring the Czech international, along with an unnamed Premier League side and a German Bundesliga outfit.
Norwich City boss Philippe Clement, who previously managed Rangers, reflected on his time at Ibrox, stating he was in "the right place at the wrong moment" during his tenure.
Pundit and former player Kevin Phillips has urged Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli to give Stoke City defender Luke Graham, 22, a first international start.
Former Hearts and Rangers winger Barrie McKay, 31, has joined Hamilton Academical seven months after leaving Livingston.
Ronald de Boer has revealed how he turned down Manchester United to join Rangers in 2000 after seeking advice from Louis van Gaal, insisting he has never regretted the decision to move to Ibrox.
