Identity crisis over as Shinnie awaits Don of Thelin era

Captain Graeme Shinnie believes Aberdeen will enter a new era under boss Jimmy Thelin full of optimism after rediscovering the team’s identity.

Shinnie revealed the players and interim manager Peter Leven held crisis talks in March to address fears that identity had disappeared.

The clear the air discussion was held in the aftermath of a 1-0 loss to Dundee at Dens Park on March 13.

Since then the Reds remained undefeated in the Premiership, ending the campaign on a nine game unbeaten league run.

Shinnie reckons rediscovering their identity and form has galvanised the Red Army.

And for the skipper it all bodes well for a new dawn under Elfsborg boss Thelin who will officially start his Pittodrie reign on June 3.

Midfielder Shinnie anticipates a “lot of changes” under Thelin in the summer transfer market but is confident the Swede is inheriting a strong squad.

He said: “There is a new era coming in next season.

“It comes with real optimism.

“It is going to be a big summer and there will be a lot of changes.

“We have brought the fans back in.

“It has been tough for them and there have been a lot of disappointments in the league but they have stuck by us.

“You can see that by the fans’ reaction on Sunday at Ross County they are right with us.”

Thelin is remaining at Elfsborg until the Swedish top flight enters a summer break on June 1.

The Swede will take Elfsborg assistants Christer Persson and Emir Bajrami with him to Pittodrie.

Shinnie confirmed he has not had a one-to-one chat with new manager Thelin yet.

The Swede has three games remaining with Elfborg before starting at Pittodrie.

He said: “I will speak to him at some point.

“It has been full focus on trying to finish the season as strongly as we can.

“He is in his own position with his club and will want to finish strongly there.” Interim boss Leven will remain at Pittodrie next season as assistant first team coach under Thelin.

When Leven was appointed interim manager in March following the exit of Neil Warnock the Dons were in danger of being dragged into a relegation play-off dogfight.

Leven masterminded a resurgence that eradicated any threat of the play-offs long before the final game of the season at Ross County.

Under Leven the Dons secured a seventh placed finish, top of the bottom six.

Leven took over a team that had taken just two points from 18 under Warnock.

Aberdeen’s Graeme Shinnie feels confident.