Jimmy Thelin insider claims decision on Aberdeen move is imminent as ambitious Swede’s mentality is explained

A former player of Jimmy Thelin says the Swedish manager is ready to give Aberdeen his decision.

Record Sport told you last month the Elfsborg boss has been identified by Pittodrie chiefs as a leading contender to succeed Barry Robson on a permanent basis in the Granite City, having been previously interviewed for the position last year. Last week, Elfsborg director Stefan Andreasson insisted the Allsvenskan club will fight tooth and nail to retain the 46-year-old but admitted that they would not be able to stand in his way if he wanted to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Thelin, who is contracted with Elfsborg until December 2025, came to within a whisker of lifting the Swedish top tier title last season, losing out to Malmo by virtue of goal difference. But according to former Irish midfielder Daryl Smylie – who played under Thelin at Swedish second division side Jonkopings Sondra IF between 2014 and 2017 – the Aberdeen target is now poised to make a final decision on a potential move.

Speaking to Record Sport, he said: “I don’t want to say too much but having spoken to him, I think he is going to make a decide soon.” Smylie, 38, spent a year with Livingston in the 2006/07 season where he played alongside Robert Snodgrass.

A year later the ex-Northern Ireland U21 international swapped Scotland for Sweden, where he has remained ever since. As well as turning out for Jonkopings, also played for fellow Swedish sides Ostersunds, Kalmar, Ljungskile and Assyriska before taking up a role as assistant manager with lower league side Mariebo in 2021.

Smylie has fond recollections of his time playing under Thelin, with the pair helping Jonkopings win promotion to the top tier in the first time in their history in 2015. The