03 February 2024 , 12:30
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Arsenal Under 18s coach Jack Wilshere has thrown his hat in the ring to become the new Aberdeen boss - but faces competition from Neil Warnock and Alex Neil.
Aberdeen are keen to take their time over finding a replacement for Barry Robson, who was sacked on Wednesday after nine months as manager. Boos rang around Pittrodie following Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Dundee, which left The Dons eighth in the Scottish Premiership table.
Peter Leven has taken hold of first-team duties on an interim basis while Aberdeen prepare to chose a successor for Robson, who won 20 of his 49 matches in charge. The Dons have picked up 24 points from their 21 league matches and also finished bottom of their Europa Conference League group.
Among those in the frame to replace Robson is Wilshere, who has reportedly applied for the job, according to the Daily Record. Wilshere has served the role as Arsenal Under 18s head coach since 2022 and last season led the side to the FA Youth Cup final, where they eventually lost out to West Ham.
However, Aberdeen are thought not be as keen on Wilshere, 32, due to his lack of managerial experience. This is the second time Wilshere is said to have applied for a senior role, having been one of the candidates assessed by MLS side Colorado Rapids back in October.
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Meanwhile, ex-Sheffield United and Cardiff boss Warnock is another name in the frame to become Aberdeen's new manager. The 75-year-old departed Huddersfield in September and is thought to be one of the leading contenders for the role. Warnock has managed 1,952 matches during his 42-year career.
Alex Neil and Neil Warnock are the leading contenders for the Aberdeen job (Getty Images)Neil is understood another top candidate - less than two months since his sacking from Stoke. The Scotsman replaced Michael O'Neill at the Potters but failed to live up to expectations, winning only 22 of his 66 games in charge, leading to his dismissal with the club 20th at the time of his exit.
Aberdeen released a statement after Robson's departure earlier this week. Chairman David Cormack said: "Although it has been a difficult call, the board felt the change was necessary and in the best interests of Aberdeen. Barry earned the right to be Aberdeen manager and knew the high level of expectation we had when he took the role.
"We gave Barry as much time and support as we possibly could in the hope, and expectation, he could return us to the league form we witnessed in the spring of last year."