Duncan Shearer: Aberdeen MUST respond to Jimmy Thelin’s strong message and beat Dunfermline in style.
The under-pressure Dons, who received board approval in the January window, must begin to perform for manager Jimmy Thelin, argues Duncan Shearer.
Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin has asked his squad to take a look in the mirror following Saturday’s 2-0 Premiership defeat at Hibernian.
The Dons have now gone 14 league games without a win heading into this weekend’s home Scottish Cup fifth-round fixture against Championship side Dunfermline Athletic.
I’ve been in that situation with supervisors before, and you can tell when their tolerance is wearing out.
I watched the highlights from Easter Road, but I also took note of the statistics, which indicated the Dons had somewhat more than 60% possession, which is good for a challenging site.
However, it’s important to consider how you use the possession, not just the number.
Aberdeen are not scoring on a regular basis and are surrendering too many goals, which is the polar opposite of what they were doing at the start of the season, when they surged to 10 victories and one tie from 11 league games.
Although they remain fourth in the rankings, Hibs are now only two points and one spot behind. The Hibees were previously at the bottom of the league.
I am astonished this run has lasted so long. Aberdeen’s sole win since defeating Dundee 4-1 on November 9 came in the Scottish Cup against League Two team Elgin City.
Skipper Shinnie can rally players.
In the January window, the manager had strong board support and spent a significant amount of money, which was entirely justified.
The club’s hierarchy has proved that they still believe in Thelin, and so do I. He’s demonstrated his ability to do so throughout his career, but it’s up to the players to follow through.
All teams have poor patches, and Celtic are the only Premiership club that hasn’t; even Rangers has suffered at points this season.
I’d imagine captain Graeme Shinnie may have a quick meeting with his teammates, even outside of the football club. This can be really beneficial in some situations.
Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie. Image: SNS.
They can then discuss among themselves, allowing everyone to have their voice.
When asked to provide an opinion during team meetings, you may be hesitant since you do not want to appear to be criticizing someone else.
It is preferable to discuss any difficulties with your teammates rather than being viewed as stabbing them in the back.
Graeme is likely to remark, “We have a good manager here; we can’t be letting him and our supporters down like this.”
Dons must win in style against Pars.
I hope the players can rest a little on Saturday, but it’s critical they stay in the Scottish Cup to keep the supporters on their side.
Dunfermline, now ranked ninth in the Championship, is coming off a 3-1 victory against Raith Rovers on Saturday.
The participants must put forth more effort, run faster, and jump higher. They must capitalize on opportunities that present themselves. There must be an improvement.
I understand the goal is typically only to advance to the next round… But I’m not convinced it will work with Aberdeen versus the Pars.
You don’t want to be waiting until the 91st minute to find a winner and acquire the outcome.
Fans will want to see a promising performance from the start, which will give them optimism for the following week’s league trip to Dundee.
Fans will see that they are determined to turn the corner.
Everyone must be in it together.
Before the game, there will be a memorial to Jimmy Calderwood, who managed both clubs.
His untimely death at the age of 69 was deeply sad.
Jimmy and his sidekick Jimmy Nicholl were an excellent football management team.
I was in their company several times and I always had such wonderful experiences with them.
Jimmy was a character who will be sorely missed.
Ross County must maintain belief.
Ross County had only lost one of their past six Premiership games, against Celtic, until to Sunday’s 4-0 loss at Ibrox.
With no Scottish Cup fixture this weekend, Don Cowie’s squad has two weeks before facing Motherwell in the league. I anticipate the manager to make good use of his time on the training pitch.
St Johnstone, now at the bottom of the table, has won consecutive games and is only five points behind County. However, there is no cause to fear.
Many of these sides have nothing in common, and they will all have periods of fine form, as County did recently with three away victories and a draw against Hearts.
The ‘crazy’ Lopata task led to a goal.
Don understands that his squad must remain on their toes between now and the end of the season.
After watching the Ibrox highlights, I saw Rangers’ second goal (after 25 minutes), which came after defender Kacper Lopata fouled Cyriel Dessers on the outside of the box.
Ianis Hagi scored his second goal from the free kick, thanks to a wonderful deflection from Jonathan Tomkinson, and John Souttar added a third before halftime.
I’m not sure how Lopata felt he could get away with that tackle.
It was an insane thing for a centre-half to do. It defies sense, and Don and his team will ask, “What was he thinking?”
Don introduced Scott Allardice and James Brown at the start of the second half, and James Tavernier’s penalty was the only other goal.
Aside from Celtic and Rangers, Ross County should be confident in their ability to compete against any team in this division.
Dundee, who have received several accolades this season, are currently only one point clear of County before their trip to Celtic Park on Wednesday. They are correct in this dogfight.
It’s thrilling for the casual observer, but I’m sure it’s less so for Don, his staff, and the players.
ICTFC maintains its positive atmosphere.
On Saturday, I attended Caley Thistle’s 1-0 defeat over Queen of the South in League One.
Alfie Bavide, on loan from Aberdeen, scored his fourth goal in five games to keep Inverness within two points of Annan Athletic in ninth position.
Home attendance has increased from roughly 1,400-1,500 to more than 1,700, with perhaps 30 to 40 Queens supporters.
The supporters like the football and the results under Scott; I’m impressed, too!
They head to Arbroath this Saturday with a positive attitude. They’re moving along beautifully, and long may this continue.
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