Imagine a different world where Aberdeen succumbed to Celtic in their penalty shootout at Hampden just over four months ago, thus extending their 35-year drought for a Scottish Cup victory.

Picture a scenario where goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov failed to make his crucial spot-kick saves, and manager Jimmy Thelin experienced yet another of the defeats his team had become accustomed to this calendar year.

This possibility was avoided by the slimmest of margins and a touch of fortune. Similarly, their semi-final at the same stadium demanded a last-gasp extra-time goal to overcome a nine-man Hearts squad.

The relief is understandable. By ending Aberdeen’s long trophy-less run, Thelin has become something of a legend in the northeast, joining an elite group of just four Aberdeen managers to win the Scottish Cup.

Individuals connected to Pittodrie will eternally appreciate the humble Swede for gifting them one of the most joyous football memories. Despite any future hurdles, Thelin’s triumph at Hampden remains memorable.

Nonetheless, while some fans hesitate to metaphorically ‘shoot Bambi,’ others insist that the board must prioritize the club’s best interests. With each match, more supporters are wishing for Thelin’s dignified exit, despite the emotional toll it carries.

After all, this cannot go on. With six Premiership matches played this season, Thelin’s team are bottom of the table, boasting just one point and zero goals. In all competitions, they have secured only one victory in 10 games since the summer – and that was at home to Championship side Greenock Morton.

Look a little further back and you will see see that Aberdeen have not triumphed in any of their last 10 league outings. They have just five wins from 33. By any standard, it is an appalling record that would have long since seen any other manager chased from the premises.

The run continued at Fir Park on Saturday when they lost 2-0 to Motherwell. As it turned out, they played rather better than has been their habit of late, creating several chances in a bright first half, but it all unravelled in stoppage time.

A mistake by Mitov allowed John Koutroumbis to break the deadlock before Apostolos Stamatelopoulos converted a controversial penalty. It was a cruel, unfortunate way to lose, but Hearts and Celtic were probably saying the same in last season’s Scottish Cup.

In truth, Aberdeen have lost the right to use misfortune as an excuse. The defeat by Motherwell came just seven days after they were beaten by the same side at Pittodrie. Between those losses was a 2-0 reversal by Dundee United at Tannadice.

It is possible they could turn it around. Many of their defeats have been by the fine margins that characterised their victories early last season, when they charged to the top of the table and were being touted as potential title winners.

Thelin changed his formation on Saturday (for the first time since the cup final) and it seemed to make a difference. He clings to the belief that, if they keep at it, the goals will come and the players in whom Aberdeen have invested so heavily will start to demonstrate their worth.

The question is how much longer Aberdeen can afford to wait. Already out of one competition, they are 15 points behind leaders Hearts and are now confronted by a Europa Conference League campaign, which starts with the visit of Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday.

Perhaps more pertinently, do they have the strength to resist mounting pressure from a disenchanted support? And would it be fair to let an increasingly toxic atmosphere engulf a manager who has legendary status at Pittodrie?

Aberdeen have a big decision to make, one that is more nuanced than most. That emotional Scottish Cup triumph at the end of last season is the reason Thelin is still in his post. For those who want his legacy protected, it might also be the reason to relieve him of his duties.