Managerless Aberdeen bring in another coach to release pressure on duo ahead of Hearts game

Burchnall, 43, will support caretaker boss Peter Leven after agreeing a short-term deal with the Dons. He joins fellow assistant Tony Docherty - who also arrived this month - in the dugout and Aberdeen say that the move will allow academy coaches Stuart Duff and Paul Coutts to focus on player development.

Aberdeen have been without a manager since early January after sacking Jimmy Thelin and have been heavily linked with former St Etienne head coach Erik Horneland. However, in an update to supporters on Sunday, chairman Dave Cormack revealed that the hunt for Thelin’s successor had hit delays, with many candidates preferring to take over at the end of the season.

Languishing in eighth place in Premiership but in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup, it will likely fall on Leven to see out the remainder of the campaign and he will have more support in the shape of Burchnall, who hails from Leicester in England and has managed Viking, Ostersund, Notts County and Forest Green Rovers, as well as being an assistant coach at Sarpsborg, Anderlecht and Wolves.

A statement from Aberdeen read: “Interim manager Peter Leven has further strengthened his coaching team with the appointment of Ian Burchnall as first team coach.

“Burchnall brings extensive experience, having managed in Scandinavia with Viking FK and Östersunds FK, as well as in his native England with Notts County and Forest Green Rovers. He has also held assistant manager roles in Norway with Sarpsborg and Viking, and most recently with Anderlecht and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

“He will join assistant manager Tony Docherty in supporting the first team during the current interim period, with Leven pleased to add further experience to his backroom staff.”

Pfannenstiel explains latest Aberdeen move

Burchnall’s first match will be on Saturday, when Aberdeen travel to Premiership leaders Hearts.

The search for a permanent manager is being headed up by director of football Lutz Pfannenstiel and commenting on Burchnall’s arrival, he also explained why he was keen to move Duff and Coutts back into their roles.

“We are pleased to welcome Ian to Aberdeen,” said Pfannenstiel. “In recent weeks we asked Stuart Duff and Paul Coutts to step up and support Peter alongside their existing responsibilities, and they have done so with great professionalism.

“With both Tony and Ian now in place, it strengthens our coaching structure and allows Stuart and Paul to refocus fully on the crucial role they play in developing our emerging talent. I would like to thank them both for their commitment and contribution during the last seven weeks.

“And whilst our process to appoint a new permanent manager continues, our priority is ensuring Peter, and the staff, have the correct support in place.”