Calderwood Has Gone

Saturday saw the end of another chapter in Aberdeen Football Club`s illustrious history. Calderwood`s five years with the Club came to an end on Saturday when, following a win against Hibs, which guided the Dons back in Europe, he declared that he, along with assistants Jimmy Nichol and Sandy Clark, have agreed to leave by mutual consent with the Board.

The announcement sent shockwaves through the City. Fans forums were overwhelmed by reaction and rumour. When did Calderwood and Co, know they were leaving? Did the incident of Gary Macdonald`s stag night have anything to do with it? Were season ticket sales very low? Despite some vague reaction from the Club, these questions remain largely un-answered.

The reaction came as a shock to many (me included), but in hindsight the signs were there, pointing to Calderwood`s imminent departure: No pre-season tour, no player signed on pre-contract, while the futures of Seve, Mair and Smith remain in the balance. Some (me included) noticed the signs but believed they simply pointed to the fact we needed to know if were in Europe before finalising more details. Others, many of whom were doubters when they voiced their theory, judged the situation more shrewdly and predicted the departure.

It will take a while for the dust to settle on this one. When it does, the Board will look to appoint a new manager. There are favourites for the job but I think even those fans who wanted Jimmy out the most now fear the appointment of an inadequate candidate at the time when Aberdeen most needs an inspired choice from the Board. This summer will be an interesting one at Pittodrie.