The clock is ticking. Aberdeen are now only five days away from their vital Scottish Premiership clash with Ross County at Pittodrie and the managers’ office continues to collect dust. I thank the heavens that we have a very competent interim manager in Peter Leven taking charge of first-team affairs until the new gaffer arrives – whenever that will be!

I would much rather Peter remain in charge for the foreseeable than the Football Monitoring Board hastily rush an appointment. Despite the hierarchy’s poorly worded statements last week it is imperative the board remain patient and find the right fit even if it takes them beyond the international break.

I appreciate that sourcing and administrating a new manager takes time and getting the right man in place comes with its complications but let’s not forget that Barry Robson was relieved of his duties on the 31 st of January, almost two months ago! I understood the appointment of Neil Warnock, the intentions were good but did the board take their eye off the ball during his disastrous stint in charge? I believe they were completely unprepared for what was about to unfold and got caught with their pants down.

So, where to next? Last week Northern Ireland manager and former Aberdeen midfielder Michael O’Neill all but ruled himself out of the job yet this weekend past it appears he has put himself back in the frame by saying he would “assess” an opportunity if it was presented. Has he been approached?

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Several Scottish newspapers have reported that the club has a short-list of three candidates, one a UK-based manager while the other two coach abroad. A name that piqued my interest was that of former Manchester City and East Germany forward Uwe Rosler. Herr Rosler is the current manager of Danish outfit Aarhus who currently sit 5th in the Danish Super League having only lost four league games all season. He has vast experience coaching on the continent and if the rumours are to be believed he came highly recommended by the Germany-based sports consultants who recently concluded their detailed report on Aberdeen FC. I for one would welcome him at Pittodrie with open arms.

The best-case scenario is that the board concludes its search for the new manager before the Ross County game, if not, I have no issues with Peter Leven stepping up to the plate once again. He has proved on more than one occasion that he is competent enough to guide the team through this interim period. If he continues to allow the technically gifted players to have their freedom to play football and be creative, then I see no reason why we can’t beat Ross County on Saturday. It is a proverbial six-pointer game with so much at stake and I have no doubt he will have the lads fully prepared for the task ahead.

From what I understand Ross County has sold out their away allocation for the game so come Saturday the atmosphere at Pittodrie could be an electric one. In fear of repeating myself the Aberdeen fans have been nothing but a credit to the club this season. Even with the god-awful football we had to endure under Barry Robson and then Neil Warnock the noise from the terraces has never wavered; the support has been awe-inspiring and long may it continue. The fans are united behind the cause and will do their bit to help the lads secure their Scottish Premiership status – that I have absolutely no doubt about!