Jimmy Thelin reveals Aberdeen long term plan and how Celtic blueprint offers perfect case study

Jimmy Thelin believes getting back into Europe is key in Aberdeen’s bid to pose a long-term threat at the top of the Scottish game.

And the Swedish boss insists the relentless nature of champions Celtic offers the ideal template for his Dons ambitions. Thelin wants a return to continental competition as soon as possible to help with progression of a club with a history in Europe that culminated in winning the Cup Winners’ Cup under Alex Ferguson in 1983.

The current Pittodrie manager is taking things step by step as he ascends the squad and maintains growth in the Granite City. Thelin said: “I don’t want to go into precision, this kind of thing but for us it’s to try to build in the long term and try to be that quality. And then to have that capacity so we can reach a position so we can play in Europe next season.

“We know we still have a lot of things to do because it’s a tough competition. But that’s the aim for this club, to be that good so we can be there and try to compete for European spots. From there we want to grow as a club.”

Aberdeen are into the third international break of the season sitting proudly beside Brendan Rodgers’ team in the table. Despite losing at Hampden 6-0 in the semi-finals of the Premier Sports Cup, they have matched Celtic step for step in the Premiership title race.

In winning 31 points out of 33, Thelin’s men also broke the winning run of Rodgers’ side with last month’s 2-2 draw at Celtic Park. But while the Dons do not have the rigours of European football to contend with, the leaders are juggling domestic efforts with Champions League assignments.

Thelin believes Celtic’s ability to be consistent and impressive through demanding schedules is the example of where he would like Aberdeen