Aberdeen given permission to speak to St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson
Aberdeen have made an approach to speak to St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson about becoming their new manager.
The Dons have been searching for a replacement for Jimmy Thelin for more than two months, with Peter Leven having been in interim charge since the Swede was sacked on January 4.
Norwegian boss Eirik Horneland and German Sandro Schwarz had both been earmarked as credible contenders, with the Pittodrie club stating throughout their search that they were content to take their time to make sure they got the right person.
In a surprise move, it was announced on Wednesday that the Dons have requested permission to speak to St Mirren boss Robinson.
“Aberdeen FC has this morning been officially given permission to enter formal talks with St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson regarding the vacant managerial position,” read a statement from the Dons. “The Club will provide an update in due course.”
A St Mirren statement added: “Aberdeen have met a contractual clause in Stephen’s contract so the club has granted them permission to speak to him regarding the vacancy. We hope for a swift resolution to this matter and will keep supporters updated.”
Former Oldham, Motherwell and Morecambe boss Robinson has been in charge of Saints for four years after taking charge in February 2022.
The 51-year-old Northern Irishman led Saints to Premier Sports Cup glory in December after overseeing three consecutive top-six finishes in their previous three campaigns.
Robinson’s side are currently 10th in the William Hill Premiership after struggling for form in the league but they sealed a return to Hampden on Sunday by defeating Partick Thistle in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.
Ninth-placed Aberdeen have lost six of their last eight games in all competitions, including Saturday’s 3-0 defeat by Championship side Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup.
Aberdeen host Falkirk on Saturday, while St Mirren are at home to Rangers the following day.