Jimmy Thelin earns ultimate praise from rival as incoming Aberdeen FC boss saluted for Elfsborg 'miracles'

Malmo boss Henrik Rydstrom revealed that Aberdeen managerial frontrunner Jimmy Thelin has been inspiring coaches for years after "miracles" with Elfsborg.

The Scottish Premiership side look set to announce the 46-year-old Swede as the permanent successor to Barry Robson in the summer in time for next season's campaign. Neil Warnock took charge on an interim basis but the Dons' look set to finally bring the curtain on their search for a boss with Thelin. Since leaving Jonkopings Sodra in 2018, Thelin has twice guided Elfsborg to runners-up spots in the league including last season where they were pipped to the title by Malmo on goal difference after losing a final day winner-takes-all showdown to a controversial penalty.

And the man who led Malmo to that dramatic win reckons Thelin is now established as the most-respected Swedish manager in the game. Rydstrom said: "Jimmy has had an interesting journey over the years. On a tactical basis, I would say Elfsborg are the most consistent team in the country.

"Opponents all know how they are going to play and what way they will line-up, but it's still very difficult to stop them as can be seen by how well they have done under Jimmy. I always found it amazing that Jimmy's never was never really mentioned when it came to managing a really big club in Europe.

"You hear of some so-called hip coaches getting mentioned but he always seems to sneak under the radar and I think he likes that. Jimmy has been a source of inspiration for me since I became a coach. He is clearly one of Sweden's best managers.

"Perhaps most of all for what he did in Jonkoping Sodra, when he took a small club into the top league. But also the job he has done for years now at Elfsborg has been outstanding.

"Ev