Aberdeen Defender Nicky Devlin Reflects on Jimmy Thelin’s Influence and Team’s Record-Matching Victory in Dundee
Aberdeen defender Nicky Devlin is keeping his feet firmly on the ground as his team continues their impressive form under manager Jimmy Thelin, matching Martin O’Neill’s 100% winning record start in Scottish football. The Dons secured their 12th consecutive victory in a gritty match against Dundee, with Devlin acknowledging the high aspirations of his boss but also recognizing that there is still work to be done before fully realizing Thelin’s vision for the squad.
Thelin’s team has been keeping pace admirably with Brendan Rodgers’ present Celtic side, a feat that Devlin attributes to the manager’s excellent leadership since his arrival. Devlin commented, “Records like that don’t get matched easily. It has taken a lot of effort but fair play to the gaffer. Since he has come in he has been excellent.” He also noted the positive transformation at the club, stating, “You can see the change the club is going through in the way we want to play and his style.”
Despite the jubilant chants from the Red Army proclaiming “We’re going to win the league! “, Devlin emphasized the team’s grounded approach, guided by Thelin’s pragmatic strategy. The defender expressed his enthusiasm for another win, stating, “It was great, another win ticked off. The manager has already said that is how we are looking at it. We take it one game at a time and it was another three points for us.”
The match against Dundee saw Aberdeen starting flawlessly but facing challenges throughout the game. Dundee’s errors contributed to the goals scored by Aberdeen, with Billy Koumetio’s mishap leading to Topi Keskinen’s goal and Mo Sylla’s dispossessed leading to Dundee’s second goal. Despite Dundee narrowing the gap with a penalty kick, Aberdeen managed to hold on to their lead and secure the victory.
Devlin highlighted the team’s resilience and ability to dig in when needed, noting that not every game will be perfect but the important thing is to secure the win. The defender praised the team’s improvement since their previous encounter at Dens Park in March, where they faced criticism and left the field to the sound of boos. Now, they wear the red jersey with pride and receive applause from supporters.
For Devlin, these moments justify his decision to join Aberdeen, as he sees the club heading in the right direction. He expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress and emphasized the positive atmosphere within the group. Devlin added, “We may stay longer than the manager wants at times but the boys love being there and together as a group. Hopefully, we can keep using that going forward.”
In conclusion, Aberdeen’s impressive record and continued success under Jimmy Thelin’s guidance reflect the team’s dedication and commitment to achieving their goals. With a grounded approach and a focus on taking each game as it comes, Aberdeen looks poised to continue their winning streak and make their mark in Scottish football.
