The search is now on for another Aberdeen FC manager after Jim Goodwin’s 11-month tenure was finally brought to an end by the club on Saturday.
After a 6-0 defeat against Hibernian at Easter Road two days ago, Goodwin’s time in charge finally came to an end.
Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack said he had to axe Goodwin after being left “embarrassed, humiliated and shell-shocked” by recent form.
Cormack also apologised to Aberdeen supporters and says he feels he has let them down as the hunt for a new manager begins.
Humiliating loss
The chairman sacked Goodwin immediately after the Reds crashed to the big loss at Easter Road.
Goodwin is the third manager disposed of by Cormack in two years as he also wielded the axe on Stephen Glass and Derek McInnes.
US-based Cormack will remain in Aberdeen until a new boss is appointed.
He is determined to get the club’s next managerial appointment right, and believes the Dons remain an “attractive proposition” for managerial candidates.
Barry Robson will lead the club's interim coaching team following Goodwin's departure.
Robson, Aberdeen's development phase manager, is set to take charge of the Dons for their midweek meeting with St Mirren.
The former Scotland international will be assisted by Steve Agnew, who worked with Robson at Middlesbrough, and Aberdeen development phase coach Scott Anderson.
Possible candidates
So who will replace Goodwin?
The P&J says Paul Lambert, Neil Lennon and Jack Ross are obvious early names in the frame. All three have experience of Scottish football and all have a point to prove after disappointing spells at their last clubs.
Also being mentioned by bookmakers are Livingston boss David Martindale and Darren Fletcher, technical director at Manchester United.
Then there is Danny Cowley, who built his reputation by leading Lincoln City to the FA Cup quarter-final in 2017.
Former Middlesbrough and Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder is also said to be one of the bookies’ favourites.
The P&J says perhaps it is time for a radical shift by the Dons to appoint someone from outside Britain.
They have only done it once in their history – when they lured Ebbe Skovdahl to Scotland from Danish side Brondby in 1999.