Aberdeen: Dave Cormack to have heart surgery with Alan Burrows to lead manager search | Football News

Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack is to undergo a triple heart bypass with
incoming chief executive Alan Burrows to lead the search for a new manager.

The Dons said in a statement that the United States-based entrepreneur underwent tests earlier this month, on his return to America after a spell in Scotland, that showed he required open heart surgery.

The club said Cormack “will need a period of time to recuperate, after which the prognosis is that he will make a full recovery”.

Cormack said: “Having struggled with high cholesterol, I had a heart calcium test performed.

“Having no symptoms, it was a real shock to find out I had three significant blockages in my arteries. I am thankful that this was caught in time, and I’ll undergo triple heart bypass surgery this week.”

Cormack recently stressed the club would take their time with the process of finding a new boss and carry out due diligence before any serious talks with candidates, after sacking both Stephen Glass and Jim Goodwin in the past 12 months.

Incoming chief executive Burrows will be involved in the process after he completes his move from Motherwell on February 27.

Cormack continued: “With Alan Burrows coming on board in a week’s time as chief executive and with the support of my fellow directors, I’ll be able to take the time I need to rest and recover.

“Alan will pick up the early work done so far on appointing a new manager and lead the process on behalf of the board.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank fellow Dons fans for their incredible support home and away and to reaffirm my commitment to the club we all love.”

Could Aberdeen still clinch European football?

The Dons are seventh in the Scottish Premiership – three points off the top six and five behind fourth-placed Hibernian – as they chase European football for next season.

Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd believes despite the search for a new manager and a poor run of results that saw the club drop from third to seventh since Christmas, Aberdeen could still finish in the top four.

“European football is realistic for them,” he said. “They are just three points off Livingston, although they’ve played a game more.

“I think Aberdeen will look to pick up a lot of points at home this season and if they can pick up points here and there on the road, that gap is nothing.

“Their form hasn’t been great but it can change so quickly – look at Hibs where you felt as if their coaching staff were under pressure, but two wins and a draw later things look very different.

“For that last European spot, St Mirren, Hibs, Aberdeen and Livingston are in the race and it’ll go all the way.”

​​​​​​Who do the fans want in charge?

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Aberdeen fan Glen Schreuder said:

“I think in the long run we’d be looking for someone else to take permanent charge.

“But the consensus right now among the fans is that Barry (Robson) is in place until the end of the season, and there isn’t significant pressure on that to change right now, as long as results don’t deteriorate too much.

“I think without that Aberdeen fans will be happy at the moment.”

Confirmed Scottish Premiership fixtures live on Sky Sports

Sunday March 5: St Mirren vs Celtic, kick-off 12pm

Saturday March 18: Motherwell vs Rangers, kick-off 12.30pm

Sunday April 2: Ross County vs Celtic, kick-off 12pm

Saturday April 8: Celtic vs Rangers, kick-off 12.30pm

Sunday April 9: Dundee United vs Hibernian, kick-off 12pm

Scottish Premiership & SWPL on Sky Sports

Sky Sports – This season up to 48 cinch Premiership games will be available across Sky Sports’ flagship channels, including Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event, plus at least five SWPL matches. From 2024/25, up to 60 cinch Premiership will be live on Sky Sports, in addition to the SWPL.

Sky Sports News – Running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Scottish football fans can enjoy Sky Sports News’ (channel 409) rolling editorial coverage of the cinch Premiership and SWPL throughout the season.

Sky Sports Digital – Follow all the latest from Scottish football across skysports.com and app, including exclusive features and interviews, plus dedicated live blog coverage, in-game clips from matches live on Sky Sports and free highlights.

Sky Sports Social – Alongside coverage and visibility for the league across all Sky Sports’ main social media channels, the bespoke Twitter channel @ScotlandSky will continue to be the home of all Scottish football content on Sky Sports.

Highlights show – Tune in for a dedicated round-up from the cinch Premiership every week on Sky Sports Football.

To download the Sky Sports app click here, to visit Sky Sports website click here.

Sky Sports is the home of domestic football in the UK and Ireland, with more than 400 games per season across the SPFL, SWPL, Premier League, WSL, and EFL.