Aberdeen have brought back Tony Docherty to assist Peter Leven as interim manager while the club's search for a permanent replacement for Jimmy Thelin continues. Sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel promised an imminent announcement about the new head coach, despite reports suggesting leading candidate Eirik Horneland may not be available until the summer.

Docherty, 55, rejoins the Scottish Premiership club where he spent eight years as part of Derek McInnes' management team from 2013. The experienced coach was most recently sacked by Ross County in December with his side bottom of the Championship. His return adds valuable Scottish football knowledge to Aberdeen's dugout during this transitional period.

Leven, in his third spell as caretaker, welcomed Docherty's appointment, citing his enthusiasm and experience as a boost for the squad. Aberdeen currently sit seventh in Scotland's top flight. The delay in appointing Horneland, who left Saint-Etienne in February, could mirror the six-month wait for Thelin's arrival from Elfsborg in 2024. Pfannenstiel's search continues as the club aims to stabilize after Thelin's sacking on January 4.