Jim Goodwin will remain in charge of Aberdeen for Saturday’s game at Hibernian – but has been warned the club’s management will “want an immediate response” following Monday’s shock defeat at Darvel.
The Scottish Cup exit from the sixth-placed club added to the pressure on Goodwin, who joined the club in February after leaving St Mirren.
It came after Aberdeen were hammered 5-0 by Hearts earlier in the month, leaving the Pittodrie side with just one win in their last nine games in all competitions.
A board meeting was held on Wednesday where the 41-year-old manager’s future was a key topic but he is expected to continue in his role and will take charge of Saturday’s trip to Hibernian.
Chairman Dave Cormack said in a statement: “We all know that what happened on Monday in the Scottish Cup was unacceptable.
“It added insult to injury after a very good performance against Hearts, following the semi-final against Rangers at Hampden.
“The governing body of football, made up of Stewart Milne, Willie Garner, Steven Gunn and myself, has now had a full and honest meeting with Jim. It was not an easy conversation, but an important one after all the bad results since the World Cup break.
Please use the Chrome browser to play videos
Much of Aberdeen’s 5-0 defeat at Hearts leaves them fifth in the Scottish Premiership
“Based on what we have discussed in the last two days, we believe that the senior players and the team are behind the manager. In addition to what we discussed in today’s meeting, Jim will be in the stadium on Saturday.
“However, to be clear, Jim has no doubt that the board and the fans want an immediate response from him and the players.”
‘Goodwin feels let down as manager’
Goodwin’s Aberdeen have won just one of their last nine games
Former Aberdeen player Alex McLeish sympathized with Goodwin after what was arguably the worst performance in the club’s history against Darvel.
“Oh God, it’s a shame,” said former Rangers, Birmingham and Scotland manager McLeish. “Listen, I’ve been there as a manager and I know what it’s like. He must be feeling as low as a manager can feel.”
“I don’t want to be associated with big headlines against my old club.
“I listen to the club and (owner) Dave Cormack is a good friend of mine. I know they are trying to get to a good level, but I’m afraid someone has pulled them back miles.”
Aberdeen’s next five games
- Hibernian (a) – Saturday
- St Mirren (h) – February 1
- Motherwell (h) February 4
- Celtic (a) – February 18
- Livingston (h) – February 25
Follow the January transfer window with Sky Sports
Who will be traveling this winter? The January transfer window is closing midnight in Scotland on Tuesday January 31, 2023.
Stay up-to-date with all the latest news and rumors you’re committed to Transfer Center blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also get ins, outs and analysis Sky Sports news.
All confirmed Scottish Premiership matches live on Sky Sports
Sunday January 29: Livingston v Hearts, kick-off 1.30pm
Sunday January 29: Dundee United v Celtic, 4pm
Sunday February 5: St Johnstone v Celtic, kick off 12pm
Sunday February 19: Motherwell v Hearts, kick-off 12pm
