Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has stated his backing for striker Kevin Nisbet after his long wait for a goal expires. Nisbet, Jimmy Thelin observes, had a part of the team even when scoring less; and he commended Nisbet’s resilience. Particularly significant for Aberdeen, the goal is aimed at improving the club’s season.

Background on Kevin Nisbet

When Scotland forward Kevin Nisbet joined Aberdeen from Millwall on a season-long loan, that was always seen by the Dons as a ‘complete reset’ for the Scotland forward. Nisbet had previously had an up and down season at Millwall, in which he played only five times for the Lions and managed only five goals in all, something which he is trying to remedy to regain his desire and gusto for the game. His time at Hibernian prior to moving to England was quite impressive with 39 goals in 101 matches. But Aberdeen had expected he would mirror that display and fill Bojan Miovski’s departure.

Nisbet’s Initial Impact at Aberdeen

When he joined Aberdeen, Kevin Nisbet had an immediate impact and made himself the team’s number nine. The focus on carving out a space at the club he has represented for just over a year filtered through for his goal on his debut. His positive start triggered discussion and the thought that he may turn out to be a permanent loan. Nisbet scored in each of his first four matches for Aberdeen.

The Goal Drought

After a bright start though, Kevin Nisbet is on a run of goalscoring drought, with his last in fact coming more than a month ago. Nisbet frustrated himself when he spurned a clear opportunity to extend the lead as Aberdeen won 3-0 over Dunfermline during Wednesday’s display. He failed to score, yet he did succeed later in the game. It will be a surprise to Nisbet not to have made the impact he hoped for at Aberdeen but the club wants to keep him. But forwards Kevin Nisbet and Duk provided injury updates.

Jimmy Thelin’s Perspective on Nisbet’s Performance

Kevin Nisbet provides more than goal scoring, appreciates Jimmy Thelin. In all, Jimmy Thelin singles out Nisbet’s defensive efforts, his work in winning second balls, along with his vocal leadership on the field. “Kevin is in his first club and must be delighted to score this early, he’s in such good nick now,” said Jimmy Thelin. He should be pleased with that. “He added: ‘ Kevin has worked hard in training and contributed to the defence against Ross County.’ “

The Goal That Ended the Drought

Aberdeen’s 3-0 Scottish Cup win over Dunfermline saw Kevin Nisbet end his goal drought. Labeled as a ‘ridiculous miss’ Nisbet did not record a clear chance until the second half when he did register a goal as part of the club’s 3-0 win. Nisbet’s first goal for Aberdeen lit up wild celebrations as BBC Sport Scotland remarked.

Millwall Recall Possibility

Kevin Nisbet is understood to be aware that Millwall could recall him from his loan spell at Aberdeen. I feel relaxed about this potential recall because we do have things in place and I am focusing on what is presently going on, but with a longer term recruitment strategy with the people that I know I can recruit, I think, who are on my short list of people that could come in and fill in for us in the future,” said Jimmy Thelin.

He knew the nature of transfers and injuries was unpredictable, and therefore preparation continued and back-ups were always kept for every position. Jimmy Thelin also added that Millwall have already assembled a list of replacements for the Dons in the event their decision is to take Nisbet back.

Thelin’s Transfer Strategy

But Jimmy Thelin acts proactively, expecting departures and focusing on short term contract negotiations as well as long term recruitment strategies. Preparation for the squad changes?, Jimmy Thelin also underlines the need for the players to be ready to replace their colleagues, which is extremely important at this moment. Jimmy Thelin is the man working closely with the club’s recruitment team, overseen by Chris Badlan, that tracks transfer targets for the club for future transfer windows, knowing that transfer targets can change throughout the course of the season.

Aberdeen maintains its forward-looking strategy, which to some extent ensures that it is ready to adapt and compete, whatever happens with player handling. In the end, it is Kevin Nisbet’s recent goal, Aberdeen’s player as well as their entire club’s hope. As questions as to his long term future with the club and his overall consistency persist, this could be a spark for better form and higher belief in the games to come