Aberdeen

We asked for your views on Aberdeen's 1-0 loss against Hearts.

Here's what some of you said:

David: This has to be the worst Aberdeen team I have witnessed. They struggle in defence or attack. Sorely lacking leadership on or off the field. This could be the season they go down. Massive turnaround required to finish this season and for next year.

Bob: We have assembled, at huge cost, possibly the worst squad of players in living memory. Would like to know who is responsible. The only reason we won't be relegated is Livi and Killie are even worse.

Andy: The result was as good as could've been expected. We gave them a game in parts but all too often the distribution was found wanting. Roll on the end of the season.

Malky: I put more effort into these messages than Aberdeen do on the pitch. It's becoming Groundhog Day. Slow all over the pitch, zero cutting edge, easy to defend against and easy to score against.

Slow to second balls, passing amongst the defenders and even that isn't quick enough, we're three yards off the pace every single week! Enough is enough.

We are sleepwalking into another Jimmy Thelin-type appointment with another largely unknown coming into the SPFL wholly unprepared. We are a complete and utter shambles.

David: This was a one-sided 1-0 hammering! It's all very well Peter Leven and Lyall Cameron saying Hearts are beatable, but as usual we had neither the players or the set-up to make that happen. Another addition to the coaching team - why? Get a new manager now.

Niall: There was a sense of inevitability today and so it turned out but, again, defensive frailties and no goal threat has doomed the Dons to a bottom-six dogfight for Premiership survival is all that is left for this season.

Alfon: No surprises, I don't think many Dons fans thought we'd get anything from this game. Struggling to see this team pick up any points before the split, meaning we could easily be pulled into that relegation play-off. Based on the money spent I think this is worst Aberdeen side ever assembled.

Claudio Braga's solitary goal moved dominant Hearts seven points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership as Aberdeen keeled closer to a bottom-six finish.

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Aberdeen interim manager Peter Leven: "We lacked a wee bit of quality in the final third. Too many shots getting blocked, never caused them enough problems. Second half a bit better but nowhere near good enough.

"We've got to fight and scrap for every point now. We're not in an ideal situation. We need to pick them up."

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Hearts hope to have Oisin McEntee and Beni Baningime back from injury but are missing Stephen Kingsley (calf), Craig Gordon (shoulder), Ageu (thigh), Cammy Devlin (ankle), Stuart Findlay, Lawrence Shankland, Calem Nieuwenhof and Finlay Pollock (all hamstring).

Aberdeen defender Tom McIntyre will miss out after sustaining an injury against Dundee United.

Liam Morrison is back from suspension and Stuart Armstrong is available following a calf injury. Emmanuel Gyamfi is pushing for a recall, but Mats Knoester (concussion), Kristers Tobers (knee) and Nick Suman (ankle) remain out.

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Peter Leven has challenged his Aberdeen players to start a huge week in style by ending their Hearts hoodoo.

The Dons have not won in 13 visits to Tynecastle since May 2017 when Hearts boss Derek McInnes was in charge at Pittodrie.

Victory over the league leaders would be "massive" for Leven's side, who have slim hopes of a top-six finish and host Celtic on Wednesday night before continuing their Scottish Cup defence next weekend at Dunfermline.

"At Tynecastle our record isn't great, but records are there to be broken," said the interim boss.

"We've got players who haven't played there before, so they won't know about that record that's intact.

"We've got to go there with confidence and belief in the squad, and build on it. We've got three amazing games this week with Hearts, Celtic and Dunfermline in the cup.

"Hearts are pushing for the title, but we'll look at what their strengths and weaknesses are, what we can bring to the game, how we can hurt them and how we can nullify their strengths.

"I'm really looking forward to the game and so are the players. It's a difficult venue, but we'll go there, play our way and try to get a result. It's all about us."

Leven strengthened his coaching team this week with the appointment of former Notts County and Forest Green boss Ian Burchnall as first-team coach.

"Stuart Duff had a lot on with the under-18s and Youth Cup, so we were always looking to bring another coach in. Lutz [Pfannenstiel, sporting director] mentioned his name," added the interim manager.

"He's got a great CV, been involved at some amazing clubs, experienced as both an assistant and a manager. He's another good person to have and bounce ideas off."

A starting jersey is Gavin Molloy's to lose after the defender returned to the Aberdeen side in Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Dundee United, says interim boss Peter Leven. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external

Friday's Scottish gossip

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Interim Aberdeen manager Peter Leven has added former Notts County and Forest Green manager Ian Burchnall to his coaching staff.

The 43-year-old becomes first-team coach and joins assistant manager Tony Docherty in supporting Leven until the end of the season.

Burchnall has managed in Scandinavia with Viking and Ostersunds and held assistant manager positions at Belgian side Anderlecht and English Premier League outfit Wolves.

"Ian has a wealth of experience as both a manager and assistant and has an excellent reputation on the training pitch," Leven said.

"Having strong support around you is vital, particularly at this stage of the season. A fresh voice and different perspective can make a real difference, and Ian will add real value to the group as we approach the final part of the 2025-26 campaign."

Sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel added: "With both Tony and Ian now in place, it strengthens our coaching structure and allows Stuart [Duff] and Paul [Coutts] to refocus fully on the crucial role they play in developing our emerging talent.

"I would like to thank them both for their commitment and contribution during the last seven weeks.

"And whilst our process to appoint a new permanent manager continues, our priority is ensuring Peter, and the staff, have the correct support in place."

Eirik Horneland is the frontrunner to be appointed Aberdeen's new head coach, but the club announced on Sunday the recruitment process has been delayed by "unforeseen circumstances".

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• Since leaving Aberdeen in 2021, Hearts manager Derek McInnes has won all five of his home league games against his former side. Only against three clubs has he enjoyed a longer winning home run in his Scottish top-flight managerial career: Dundee (6 from Aug 2015 to Dec 2018), Kilmarnock (seven from Apr 2013 to Dec 2016), and Hamilton (nine from Feb 2011 to Oct 2018).

• Hearts are unbeaten in 13 home league games against Aberdeen (W9 D4) since a 2-1 reverse in May 2017 under Ian Cathro. In fact, the side playing at home have lost none of the past 25 league matches between the two sides (W19 D6) since that Dons win in 2017.

• After their 1-0 victory in November, Aberdeen could secure back-to-back league victories over Hearts for the first time since August 2019, and first time within a single season since May 2017 (three in a row).

• Hearts, with have 60 points after 28 games, are only the second non-Old Firm club to reach 60 points at this stage of a Scottish top-flight campaign in the 21st century, after Aberdeen in 2014-15 (also 60 in 28) – who were also managed by now Hearts boss McInnes.

• Aberdeen have failed to score in their past six away league games; the last side to go longer without a goal on their travels in the Premiership were Livingston via a run of nine from February to August 2023.

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Aberdeen midfielder insists his team can upset the odds and defeat Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday, giving themselves a boost as well as delivering another twist in the title race.

The Dons are in the middle of a busy schedule as they play fixture catch-up, and drew 0-0 with Dundee United at Tannadice on Tuesday. After little rest, they are back in action and faced with a tough test but one Cameron relishes.

"There's a game every couple of days, which, personally, I enjoy," he told RedTV.

"You get up and go again and put things behind you quickly.

"So I'm looking forward to it, and I think we all are, and we obviously know it's going to be a good atmosphere at Tynecastle on Saturday.

"But we can go and try and upset them. They are beatable. Every team in this league is, in my opinion.

"So we just need to go match them.

"Obviously, they'll come out hot, obviously with the atmosphere that will be there but we're looking forward to it."

The midfielder is enjoying regular football at Aberdeen even in a difficult spell, after leaving Rangers on loan in January for game time.

"It's just great to be back playing football," he said. "Apart from Tuesday [on Dundee United's damaged pitch], obviously, we try to play some good football.

"That's quite important because I want to be playing in a team who passes it about well.

"We've shown that in games, but we still haven't put a full 90-minute performance together, which obviously we're looking to do.

"So I'm glad to be playing football and hope I can contribute more, get some more goals and assists before the end of season and get us to climb as high as possible."

We asked for your views after Aberdeen played out a goalless draw against Dundee United on Tuesday night.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Mark: The only positive on a dire night was that we didn't get beat. On a pitch fit for an episode of Country Files 0-0 seemed like it was a fair result in the end. The next two matches will be very tough and if we walk away with any points it will be a surprise.

Darren: Just shows you Aberdeen have no heart for the game. They need a manager.

Sandra: I don't see this Aberdeen team picking up many (if any) more points before the split. That point might just stop us being sucked into the play-off spot.

Chris: The pitch was a disgrace, there were no highlights only a string of poor performances. Toyosi Olusanya and Sivert Heltne Nilsen were poor, the latter was too slow to catch a cold while the former was inconsistent and showed poor ball control, being quick is not everything. Peter Leven is struggling to get performances or motivate the players. The way things are unfolding a relegation fight is more sure than ever. Aberdeen are sleepwalking into one of their worst seasons.

Grant: A turgid game to say the least, not one for the football enthusiast. A point and clean sheet is an improvement but another game which shows why Leven should be moved on as soon as a new manager is hired. The fact we're in the situation of waiting untill the summer (again) really is poor management from the board

Martin: There were 2000 of us in Dundee for drivel again. Absolutely nothing from this team and patience is beginning to wear very thin. We'll probably go on and win the cup again and Dave Cormack will think it's bright & rosy.

Dundee United and Aberdeen draw a blank in a midweek Scottish Premiership contest (UK users only).

Aberdeen's Kevin Nisbet missed an open goal and Dundee United's Panutche Camara struck the post as both sides failed to significantly boost their Scottish Premiership top-six hopes in a goalless draw.

Read the match report

Have your say

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Aberdeen interim manager Peter Leven tells BBC Scotland: "Tough game, tough conditions. It was a good battling point. I thought we were on top in the second half and had good chances.

"They had the last five minutes with the long throw-ins and corners putting us under pressure but overall it was a good, solid point."

On Kevin Nisbet's miss, Leven said: "He's on form and went with the laces instead of the in-step. But the boys' attitude second half was really good and we took the game to them.

"In the first half we tried to play a couple of passes inside and it just bobbled up. So we changed and adapted the system and went more direct. We got in a couple of times. Nizzy's chance comes from [Toyosi] Olusanya running in behind.

"I don't think the pitch helped. I saw a lot of fight from my team today. Gavin Molloy was outstanding, Shinnie, and young Kenan [Bilalovic] doing his defensive duties as well. I can't fault the players.

"It's not enough. We went for the win and we had chances. But Per [Kristian Bratveit] didn't have many saves to make."

Leven says they will assess Tom McIntyre after he went off nursing his hamstring.

Glen Schreuder
Fan writer

As we tick over 50 days since Jimmy Thelin's departure, any replacement does not look "imminent" despite Lutz Pfannenstiel's assertion.

That, combined with last weekend's defeat by Dundee, hasn't helped the mood of the Red Army.

Chairman Dave Cormack provided an update that contained no real update, but reading between the lines, it looks like the club are all in on waiting for Eirik Horneland. Heaven help them if he says no.

On the pitch, things continue to go from bad to worse.

Debatable or not, last weekend's red card means four of our past five games have seen us reduced to 10 men. We were struggling to win with 11 let alone 10.

Teams around us are picking up points as we continue to falter. Defeat at Tannadice will create further restlessness ahead of a tough run of fixtures.

If not now, when do we get worried at the teams below us?

Glen Schreuder can be found at Red Tinted Glasses., external

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• Dundee United are unbeaten in their last five Scottish Premiership meetings with Aberdeen (W3 D2), last going longer without a league defeat to them in November 1999 (seven).

• Aberdeen have lost six of their past seven league visits to Dundee United, including each of their last three in a row since a 3-1 win in March 2023. The Dons last lost four league games away to Dundee United in a row in November 2008.

• Dundee United have won each of their last three Scottish Premiership games played on a Tuesday, including a 2-0 home win over Aberdeen in September this season. Before this, they had only won three of their previous 22 top-flight matches on this day of the week (D6 L13).

• Aberdeen have lost each of their last six away league games, last losing seven successive away league outings in February 2023.

• Dundee United's Jim Goodwin, who took charge of 35 league games as Aberdeen boss from February 2022 to January 2023, has won six and lost just one of his nine managerial home games against the Dons in the Scottish Premiership (D2) – his joint-most home wins against any opponent in the competition (also six v St Johnstone).

Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie, who is out of contract this summer, has confirmed sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel has yet to open talks with him about a potential new contract, but the 33-year-old midfielder insists his priority is improving his side's results. (Daily Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Dundee United have lost Craig Sibbald to a hamstring injury while long-term absentee Isaac Pappoe remains out with a knee problem.

Aberdeen defender Liam Morrison drops out after his red card against Dundee but captain Graeme Shinnie returns from suspension.

Emmanuel Gyamfi is pushing for a comeback, while Stuart Armstrong, Mats Knoester, Nick Suman and Kristers Tobers are still unavailable.

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Aberdeen caretaker manager Peter Leven says his players have no doubts about what's expected of them as he continues to navigate the club through uncertain times.

The club's chairman Dave Cormack explained in a message to supporters on Sunday that a permanent appointment had not been made because of "unforeseen circumstances", nearly two months since Jimmy Thelin was sacked.

Sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel said an appointment was imminent earlier this month, but there is no clarity over whether Leven will be in charge until the end of this week or the end of the season.

"I'm just day by day, game by game right now," Leven said. We brought Tony [Docherty] in to help and if anything changes, I'm sure the club will notify you.

"The boys still know the standards we expect, the standards I set at this club. It's just the situation we're in and we have just got to deal with it right now."

Aberdeen have won just one of their past 10 league matches, losing eight of them, and must win at Tannadice on Tuesday to keep their slim hopes of a top-six finish alive.

They are 11 points behind sixth-placed Falkirk with two games in hand.

"It's a massive game," Leven said. "We know what it means to the fans. We go there to try and win every game.

"The performances have been decent enough, it's about getting that win and following up from the Motherwell cup game.

"We are at the business end of the season, we want to try and play good football, but it's all about picking up points, and that is the most important thing."

Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

If Aberdeen aren't careful they could quickly find their unbroken top-flight status under serious threat.

Saturday's latest Premiership loss, against Dundee on Saturday, was a head scratcher.

The Dons started the game well, scoring the opener during a period of real dominance but it unravelled dramatically as they invited pressure that ultimately led to their fourth red card in five matches and defeat.

Ethan Hamilton's winning goal was one of the best strikes seen at Pittodrie in recent memory.

Despite keeping a clean sheet against high-flying Motherwell in the Scottish Cup in midweek, interim boss Peter Leven took academy graduate Jack Milne out of the side and replaced him with loanee Liam Morrison, who has looked uncomfortable in his outings so far.

If anyone doesn't think Aberdeen could be dragged into a fight to avoid the relegation play-off place then they haven't been paying attention to their league form since November 2024.

Kilmarnock in 11th nudged a point closer to them at the weekend with that gap now down to seven points.

Since Jimmy Thelin's first defeat as Dons' boss that month at St Mirren, they have played 52 Premiership matches and have won just 13 of them, only keeping 11 clean sheets in that time.

At Pittodrie they have won four league games and across all competitions they have only won 11 of their past 34 home matches. This is also playing out amid the backdrop of higher spending than ever before in the transfer market.

They now face back-to-back matches at Tannadice and Tynecastle having lost their past seven away games for the first time since the 1959-60 season when they lost eight on the spin.

Even the sides under Alex Miller, Ebbe Skovdahl, Steve Paterson and Mark McGhee didn't string together a run as ignominious as this one on the road.

Anyone who remains to be convinced that Aberdeen aren't immune from the 11th placed roulette should cast their minds back to 2014 when a Hibs side, with four points more than the Dons currently have after 26 matches and a position better off, dropped like a stone and were ultimately relegated by Hamilton Academical in a play-off shoot-out.

It is nearly two months since Thelin lost his job with the club two points off the top six. That gap is now 11 and they are now closer to trouble than those sunlit uplands.

It feels as though this patched-up Aberdeen team need leadership quickly or this campaign could tail-spin, if it isn't doing so already.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Jerome Prior - Livingston: A superb performance from the Livingston keeper, who pulled off a variety of fantastic stops to repel Rangers time and again. No shame in ultimately conceding two given the deluge he was under.

Stephen O'Donnell - Motherwell: Has been a true, versatile hero at the back for the Steelmen this season. Looks like a player rejuvenated every weekend in this brilliant Motherwell side.

Brooklyn Kabongolo - Livingston: What. A. Strike! Finished like one of the world's best strikers to put Livingston ahead against Rangers. Also put in a big shift at the back.

Harry Milne - Hearts: Not one of the most celebrated at the time, but has to be one of the best recent signings Hearts have made. A model of consistency. The former Partick Thistle player put in another energised, dependable performance for his manager.

Emmanuel Longelo - Motherwell: Thought he looked offside for his goal, but who am I to argue with the VAR lines. Has been an awesome presence down the left for the Steelmen all season.

Felix Passlack - Hibernian: The former Borussia Dortmund player arrived at Easter Road with a fine CV and underlined those credentials with a fine showing at Celtic Park. Took his opportunity superbly with an unstoppable header to fire Hibs in front.

Elijah Just - Motherwell: Every weekend Just underlines his credentials as a player of the year contender. Opened the scoring in the demolition of St Mirren with another brilliant goal.

Ethan Hamilton - Dundee: For his thunderbolt winner against Aberdeen. Great follow-up to his sublime strike against Celtic in the cup, but that was ultimately in vain while this strike at Pittodrie bagged what could turn out to be a vital three points. A statement season for the midfielder.

Callum Slattery - Motherwell: Difficult to look past the fact he went down far too easily as Richard King was sent off. However, the actual football performance from Slattery was excellent. Three assists for the midfielder as the Steelmen further underlined their title credentials by tearing St Mirren apart.

Nicky Cadden - Hibernian: Hibs are simply a far better side with Nicky Cadden in it. His delivery from the left offers so much to Hibs in attack, as shown by the assist for Passlack's diving header against Celtic.

Kevin Nisbet - Aberdeen: The light in the north for the slightly dismal Dons at the moment. His first was freakish - helped massively by Dundee keeper Jon McCracken - but his second was an absolute firecracker of a free kick. On another day might easily have had a hat-trick.