Jim Goodwin will remain in charge of Aberdeen for Saturday’s game at Hibernian – but has been warned the club’s board are “seeking an immediate response” following Monday’s shock defeat at Darvel.
The Scottish Cup exit at the hands of a sixth-tier junior club piled the pressure on Goodwin, who only joined the club in February after leaving St Mirren.
It came after Aberdeen suffered a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Hearts earlier in the month, leaving the Pittodrie side with just one win in their last nine games across all competitions.
A board meeting took place on Wednesday where the future of the 41-year-old manager was a key topic of debate but he is set to carry on in his role and will take charge of Saturday’s trip to Hibernian.
Chairman Dave Cormack said in a statement: “We all recognise that Monday’s disastrous result in the Scottish Cup was totally unacceptable.
“It added insult to injury after such a poor result against Hearts, following what was a strong performance in the semi-final against Rangers at Hampden.
“The football monitoring board, comprising Stewart Milne, Willie Garner, Steven Gunn and me, have now had a full and frank meeting with Jim. It wasn’t an easy conversation, but necessary after the overall poor results since the World Cup break.
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Highlights of Aberdeen’s 5-0 defeat at Hearts which leaves them fifth in the Scottish Premiership
“From our wider discussions over the last two days, we believe that the senior players and the squad are behind the manager. Combined with our discussions at today’s meeting, Jim will be in the dug-out on Saturday.
“However, to be clear, Jim has been left in no doubt that the board and the fans are seeking an immediate response from him and the players.”
‘Goodwin feeling as low as a manager can’
Goodwin’s Aberdeen have just one win in their last nine games
Former Aberdeen defender Alex McLeish expressed sympathy for Goodwin after what was arguably the worst result in the club’s history against Darvel.
“Oh God, it’s a shame,” former Rangers, Birmingham and Scotland manager McLeish said. “Listen, I’ve been there as a manager and I know what it feels like. He must be feeling as low as a manager can ever feel.”
“I don’t want to be associated with massive headlines against my old club.
“I feel for the club and (owner) Dave Cormack is a good mate. I know he’s seriously trying to get them to a better level, but I’m afraid that one has dragged them back a mile.”
Aberdeen’s next five fixtures
- Hibernian (a) – Saturday
- St Mirren (h) – February 1
- Motherwell (h) February 4
- Celtic (a) – February 18
- Livingston (h) – February 25
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Confirmed Scottish Premiership fixtures live on Sky Sports
Sunday January 29: Livingston v Hearts, kick-off 1.30pm
Sunday January 29: Dundee United v Celtic, kick-off 4pm
Sunday February 5: St Johnstone v Celtic, kick-off 12pm
Sunday February 19: Motherwell v Hearts, kick-off 12pm
