Aberdeen Football Club finds itself in a degree of turmoil, a situation their chairman, Dave Cormack, openly describes as “embarrassing.” Despite the mounting pressure, Cormack emphasizes that the club is committed to a deliberate and thoughtful search for a new manager, resisting any hasty decisions.

In a recent update, Cormack revealed that Sandro Schwarz, a seasoned manager with a diverse international portfolio, is currently visiting the club. Schwarz, who has previously led teams such as Mainz, Hertha Berlin, Dynamo Moscow, and the New York Red Bulls, will be present at Aberdeen’s match against Celtic. His presence signals a potential new chapter for the club, which has been searching for a permanent manager following the dismissal of Jimmy Thelin two months ago.

Currently sitting in eighth place in the Premiership, Aberdeen is eager to solidify its leadership and improve its standing. Schwarz has emerged as a leading contender for the role, with Cormack specifically mentioning him as a top candidate. However, he is reportedly just one among several individuals the club is considering for the position.

“Sandro Schwarz, a German with extensive Bundesliga experience, has also coached in Russia and most recently with the New York Red Bulls,” Cormack noted, emphasizing Schwarz’s impressive credentials. “He is here to explore what we have to offer, and likewise, we’re assessing his fit for the club.” At 47, Schwarz brings a wealth of experience and expertise that could potentially steer the club toward a more promising future.

‘Visiting yesterday and through the Celtic game is Sandro Schwarz, a German, ex-Bundesliga, coached in Russia, New York Red Bulls most recently,’ said Cormack of the 47-year-old.

Sandro Schwarz is currently in Aberdeen and will take in the match against Celtic at Pittodrie

‘He is visiting to check us out and vice versa. He’s a top, top candidate — Hertha Berlin, Mainz in the Bundesliga. He is here just now and he’s OK with me mentioning it.

‘Could he start now? That’s got to be determined. Listen, we could have hired a coach and put someone in place within one or two weeks [of Thelin being sacked in January].

‘But would they be a 10/10 fit? For me, it’s embarrassing that we’ve had to go through… this will be my sixth permanent appointment.

‘The average tenure of a manager in Scotland is 1.2 years. I’m not saying that’s acceptable but there is an expectation on performances.

‘From that perspective, we will take our time to get the right manager in place.’

Aberdeen continue to operate with Peter Leven as interim manager, assisted by Tony Docherty and Ian Burchnall in the backroom staff.

They confirmed the re-appointment of Darren Mowbray, who previously worked at the club between 2021-23, as their head of recruitment last night.

Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack admits he is embarrassed by the club’s manager search

But fans are growing increasingly frustrated at the team’s poor form and slide down the league table in a season which looks like it is drifting away.

The Dons take on Celtic at Pittodrie tonight before the defence of their Scottish Cup sees them face Dunfermline at East End Park on Saturday night.

Cormack admits that there was a failure to build and kick on from last season’s cup win, but rejects the accusation that the season is being written off if they wait until summer to appoint a new manager.

‘It’s been really bitterly disappointing for all of us that we didn’t kick on in the summer,’ he continued. ‘It was a perfect opportunity, especially when you see how competitive the league is this year, and given the performances of Rangers and Celtic.

‘As far as addressing the new manager or head coach situation, let’s just talk a little bit about the process so people can understand.

‘Anyone that’s been involved in executive recruitment in different businesses will understand it’s a process, especially if you want to get the right coach in place.

‘We have already seen this season in the Scottish Premiership clubs sign a permanent manager, and they don’t last very long. So there’s no silver bullet to this.

‘The message I give to our supporters, and I do this with all my businesses, is it’s really important we get the right individual in place.

Norwegian Eirik Horneland had looked like the frontrunner but can’t commit until summer 

‘I would say the preponderance of candidates who came forward want a fresh start, for various reasons, in the summer. They want a full pre-season to get instilled their methodologies and how they are going to work.

‘We had a shortlist of about four candidates. We narrowed that, but some of these guys aren’t necessarily ready or available to come and take a good look at Aberdeen.

‘With one of the shortlisted candidates, there’s a personal family challenge, and we have to respect that individual going through that process.

‘There is nobody here at the club who has written off this season. We still have the opportunity to retain the Scottish Cup.’