Jimmy Thelin could be set for a swift return to management following his dismissal from Aberdeen, with reports linking the Swede to a surprise move to Australia.
The 47-year-old was sacked by the Dons on Sunday after a damaging defeat to Falkirk, bringing an abrupt end to a turbulent spell at Pittodrie. However, reports in Australia claim Thelin has already expressed an interest in taking charge of struggling Western Sydney Wanderers.
The A-League club currently sit bottom of the table, with head coach Alen Stajcic under increasing pressure. Thelin is no stranger to the Wanderers, having paid a significant six-figure fee to sign winger Nicolas Milanovic from the Australian side during the summer transfer window.
Milanovic, the A-League Young Player of the Year, has yet to make a major impact in Scotland, but the connection has fuelled speculation that Thelin could be tempted by a fresh start abroad. The former Aberdeen boss has also been linked with a potential return to Sweden, with AIK reportedly monitoring his situation.
Aberdeen Exit Brings Sudden End to Mixed Spell
Thelin was appointed by Aberdeen in 2024 after being headhunted from Elfsborg and initially made an unbeaten start to life in Scottish football. His side later went off the rails, but he did end his first season on a high by lifting the Scottish Cup — the club’s first triumph in the competition for 35 years.
He also guided Aberdeen into the Conference League group stages, although the campaign ended without a single win. Despite being heavily backed during the summer, a slow league start and another damaging slump saw the club drift out of the top six, ultimately costing him his job.
Thelin and assistant Christer Persson were relieved of their duties following the weekend loss to Falkirk, with Persson later admitting he had sensed the axe was about to fall.
What Next for Thelin?
Peter Leven has been placed in interim charge at Pittodrie as Aberdeen begin the search for a new manager. Meanwhile, Thelin’s availability is already attracting interest, with the prospect of a quickfire return to the dugout very much on the table.
Whether that next chapter comes in Australia, Sweden or elsewhere, it appears unlikely that Thelin will remain out of the game for long.
