Who is new Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin? What tactics does he utilise? What is his footballing philosophy and what can he bring to Aberdeen? I flew to Sweden to find out. The 46-year-old bade an emotional farewell to home fans as he signed signed off with a 2-0 win against Halmstads BK in his final match at Elfsborg’s Borat Arena. Elfsborg’s all terraced ‘Grand Stand’, packed with the Guliganerna supporters group, was sold out.
Before kick-off Thelin walked out to a standing ovation as supporters chanted his name. That never abated as fans created a cacophony for 90 minutes in celebration of Thelin and to say thank you to the manager who took them to within goal difference of the Swedish league title last season. On the full-time whistle the chants for Thelin ramped up.
However Thelin put his players first, pushing them forward and urging them to take applause from the chanting fans, a sea of the club’s yellow and black colours. Captain Johan Larsson led the chants in celebration of Thelin with a megaphone. Then he handed the megaphone to Thelin.
He admitted he was also going to sing a song, but couldn’t remember one. The stadium dropped into silence as the new Dons boss delivered his final message to Elfsborg’s home support. When he finished talking the stadium erupted in song again.
On the touchline there ae no histrionics as he remained ice cool against Halmstad no matter how heated the game got. Thelin stood at the sides directing his players, like a chess .
