Michael Stewart erupts over Aberdeen FC next boss search as 2 candidate pitch sparks heated on air debate

Michael Stewart has blasted Aberdeen for looking outside of Scotland for their next manager and believes that Malky Mackay and Jack Ross would all be "perfect" candidates.

The Dons have been without a permanent boss since Barry Robson was sacked at the end of January, with veteran gaffer Neil Warnock lasting just 33 days in interim charge before walking away. First team coach Peter Leven has once again stepped up to the hot seat, and has guided Aberdeen six points clear of the relegation play-off zone with back-to-back wins against Motherwell and Ross County.

The Pittodrie hierarchy have hired German-based consultancy BPTC to help them in their search for the next manager. The club had hoped to have an appointment in place during the recent international break but chief executive Alan Burrows insists they are in the final stages of appointing their new man.

Elfsborg boss Jimmy Thelin was on chairman Dave Cormack's shortlist to succeed Robson but quickly moved to rule out a move from Sweden to the Granite City, while other managers from outside of Scotland have been touted as potential targets. But former Hearts and Hibs midfielder Stewart launched a scathing attack on Aberdeen's strategy of trying to attract managers from elsewhere to Pittodrie.

He has also slammed claims that familiar names Mackay and Ross won't be up to the job because of the disappointments in their most recent positions. Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, an enraged Stewart said: "I am saying that in my opinion they are guys that would do a good job.

"Malky Mackay has managed in the English Premier League at the highest level. He has had major personal problems that have seen him come drop to this level. I feel that the job would be a perfect fit