In Aberdeen's recent history there has not been many more dramatic days than this.

Aberdeen claimed a place in Europe after a nervous ninety minutes at Pittodrie.

Rivals United were well beaten at Tannadice meaning the Dons just needed a win to claim the place. After grabbing a 2-0 lead in 45 minutes courtesy of an incredible Miller fluke and a brilliant free kick from Charlie Mulgrew the Dons looked to be on easy street.

However an injury time strike from Riordan seconds before the break made for a nervous second half. Despite Hibs being reduced to ten men in the 70th minute, the Dons still had to suffer a missed penalty from Aluko and three minutes of injury time before the crowd could celebrate the win and return to European football in the new Europa Cup.

The players did a lap of honour to thank the fans for their tremendous support over the season, with Scott Severin, Jamie Smith and Lee Mair possibly saying their goodbyes.

Aberdeen v Hibernian 24 May 2009

However there was even more dramatic news to follow. Two hours or so later after Jimmy Calderwood had first spoken to the players and staff at Pittodrie, Aberdeen Football Club announced that manager Jimmy, along with assistants Jimmy Nicholl and Sandy Clark have left the Pittodrie by mutual consent after five years in charge.

Sandy and the two Jimmy's at full time

RedWeb To read the full statement please click here

RedWeb To have a look at Jimmy Calderwood's record during his time at AFC please click here

RedTV Jimmy leaving Pittodrie for the last time. To watch please click here

RedImages Jimmy leaving the club tonight please click here

Reaction to the Departure of the Management team on RedTV

The players came and spoke to RedTV as soon as they heard the news about Jimmy and the coaching staff leaving to give us their immediate reaction. Many were still in a state of shock when they spoke to David Ridd.

RedTV To listen to the reaction of Zander Diamond please click here

RedTV To listen to the reaction of Jamie Langfield please click here

RedTV To listen to the reaction of Derek Young please click here

RedTV To listen to the reaction of Stuart Duff please click here

RedTV To listen to the reaction of Richard Foster please click here

Stewart Milne watching the game todayStewart Milne

Aberdeen FC Chairman Stewart Milne spoke briefly to David Ridd and some of the other press when he was leaving Pittodrie tonight.

RedTV To listen to the interview please click here

Aberdeen v Hibernian

Goals: Miller 13, Mulgrew 45; Riordan 45.

Sent Off: Murray (70).

Aberdeen (4-4-2): Langfield, Vidal, Severin, Mair, Mulgrew, Foster, McDonald, Duff, Aluko (Stewart 88), Miller (Wright 83), Pawlett (Paton 79).

Subs Not Used: Bossu, Maguire, Clark, Ross.

Hibernian: Ma-Kalambay, van Zanten, Jones (O'Brien 67), Murray, Chisholm, Rankin, Stevenson, Bamba, Thicot, Fletcher (Johansson 81), Riordan.

Subs Not Used: McNeil, Keenan, McCormack, Campbell, Cropley.

Aberdeen v Hibernian 24 May 2009

RedWeb Match Report please click here

RedWeb Stats Report please click here

RedTV Brief match highlights of the main incidents with the RedTV commentary team - David Ridd, Dave Macdermid and Jamie Smith click here  

Aberdeen v Hibernian 24 May 2009

RedImages To see the very best photos from the game from Scotland's best sports photographers please click here

Aberdeen v Hibernian 24 May 2009

RedTV Post Match Interviews

Please note the following interviews took place in the dressing room straight after the game and before the players had been told the management team were leaving

RedTV Chris Maguire Hibs Post Match click here

RedTV Sone Aluko Hibs Post Match click here

RedTV JImmy Calderwood Hibs Post Match click here

Scott Severin at full timeRedTV Scott Severin speaks to David just after the full time whistle about his future.

Please click here to listen to the interview.

 

Jamie Smith after the game todayRedTV Jamie Smith speaks to David Ridd at half time about his future.

Please click here to listen to the interview.