Jimmy Thelin admits early Aberdeen FC arrival COULD happen as Elfsborg boss softens June 3 stance

Incoming Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has revealed he's 'open' to starting his new job at Pittodrie a bit earlier than scheduled.

The Dons have sealed a deal for the Elfsborg boss to take charge next season and he toppled Swedish champions Malmo at the weekend, bringing their excellent start to the campaign to shuddering halt after they’d previously won all six of their league games so far this season. Oscar Hiljemark - a former Elfsborg player - has already been confirmed as Thelin's successor and the 46-year-old had always insisted he won't be going anywhere until after Elfsborg's final game of the season against IFK Gothenburg at the start of June, ending his six-year stint in charge.

But when grilled on his future after the win over Malmo, Thelin appeared to soften his stance and hinted that he could make the switch to Scotland sooner than planned. The Dons having three games to go this season - against Hibs, Livingston and Ross County. Thelin said: "I think you have to focus on the right things.

"I understand the question and we had an agreement to make the move on June 3, but if the conditions change, there are always possibilities around that. But I always complete what I have to do.

"If we find another situation and there will be an earlier change, so be it, but right now I'm focusing on June 3. The agreement we have is June 3 and that is what I am sticking to, but should the conditions change and others agree to it, then you have to be open to it."

Aberdeen have already used four permanent and interim managers this season - Barry Robson, Neil Warnock, Peter Leven and Scott Anderson, who took charge for the weekend win over St Johnstone after Leven underwent emergency surgery