‘Utterly embarrassing’ – Aberdeen fans fume as details emerge of Eirik Horneland’s imminent managerial appointment
Aberdeen look set to finally appoint a manager with the Dons in final discussions with Eirik Horneland.
The 50-year-old coach was formerly the manager of Ligue 2 side Saint Etienne before his departure in January.
Now, the Daily Record on 13 February has confirmed that Horneland is close to moving to the Dons, with the deal set to be finalised in the coming days.
However, the manager is not in a position to take the Pittodrie job until the end of the season, sparking backlash from the fanbase.
Former assistant manager Tony Docherty has rejoined the Dons to strengthen Peter Leven’s interim management team.
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) February 13, 2026
Tony will support Peter as the club finalises the appointment of its new permanent Head Coach.
🔗 https://t.co/MS15D3L5oo pic.twitter.com/TaRAA9D82x
Aberdeen fans fume as Horneland won’t be appointed until the summer
For Aberdeen’s fans, the wait for a new manager has been a long one.
Jimmy Thelin was sacked at Pittodrie in early January, and despite over a month going by, Peter Leven remains the caretaker manager.
Now, after the news regarding Horneland, Leven is expected to remain in charge until the end of the season, with Tony Docherty coming in to serve as his number two.
This is despite the Dons still being in the Scottish Cup as well as having an outside chance of finishing in the top six in the Scottish Premiership.
As a result, many Aberdeen fans are furious, believing that they are simply writing off the rest of the campaign.
Absolutely shambolic. We may as well have kept Jimmy Thelin. The club should be refunding the remaining games on our season tickets.
— Adam Richardson (@adam_richardson) February 13, 2026
Not how a prem team should be run shambolic
— darren Thomas 🏴 (@Darren_Thomas76) February 13, 2026
Utterly embarrassing
— Andy hynes (@andyhy88) February 13, 2026
The obvious question is, why isn’t he in a position to take the job now? I assume you’ve asked, but it’s a rather vague explanation and requires elaboration by the club.
— Windy (@chateauxwindy) February 13, 2026
Glad we’ve got our man but very much seems like we’re throwing away this season 🤣. Beat Motherwell and there’s a solid chance we’re back at a sc semi/final. Disappointing https://t.co/mIhlVleo3D
— Connor (@ConnorDouglas98) February 13, 2026
This has been a complete mess, but I think I’m okay with this. https://t.co/9Wm75EVO8M
— Nathan (@nfthatjt) February 13, 2026
What if Leven wins the Scottish Cup?
— Bad Aberdeen Opinions (@BadDonsOpinions) February 13, 2026
Eirik Horneland’s managerial career explained
If Horneland does take the Aberdeen job, it would be his fifth position of his career.
The former defender previously managed three clubs in Norway, with the last being Brann, where he was highly successful.
Here, he won the Norwegian First Division and the Norwegian Cup, both in 2022.
Shortly after departing Brann, he moved to Saint Etienne in December 2024. However, his time in France was less successful.
🗣️ “He would fire me straight away.”
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) February 12, 2026
Former Aberdeen forward Arild Stavrum believes he probably wouldn’t have been Eirik Horneland’s favourite player, but says his fellow Norwegian would be a “fantastic fit” for the Dons if he arrives as manager.#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/m7YmfLK0nP
In his first campaign, he was unable to prevent their dip into Ligue 2, finishing 17th in the table, three points off the relegation playoff zone, and four from complete safety.
After a poor set of results over the winter period damaged their promotion hopes, Horneland left in January, despite the club still being in the playoff race.
Now, it remains to be seen if he can return to form and deliver the Dons back into Europe.