Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack proclaimed “with Jimmy we really feel we completely obtained the best man” as he spoke mid lap of honour across the Hampden pitch.
Thelin confirmed a tactical consciousness coming into the ultimate. He gave his gamers two days off for him to give you a recreation plan to topple Celtic – and it labored.
A change in personnel, a change in system, a change of method anchored in pragmatism. No marvel given how Brendan Rodgers’ group had dismantled Thelin’s males at will from time to time this season.
The Swede additionally demonstrated bravery in doing so. To recognise one thing is not working is one factor. To do it and roll the cube as you stand on the point of historical past, it is fairly one thing.
It is a gamble that has paid off to the tune of immortality and £6m, the latter coming with the assure of European soccer till December in both the Europa or Convention League.
How a lot of it Thelin will get to take a position stays to be seen – not least given he was backed closely in January – however he is earned the best to go once more with this Aberdeen group with a way of optimism behind him.
Cormack was persistent in his pursuit of Thelin and his man has presided over a maiden season that started with a blistering run and closed with a trophy within the cupboard. One which’s not resided there for a era.
The frostiness of a winter of dismay will thaw out within the glow of a Union Road bus parade on Sunday.
Put up mortems about being dismembered by St Mirren will likely be marked as an irrelevance amid the glory, all misplaced in a sea of purple and white flags and scarves.
There will likely be a brand new set of challenges forward for Thelin and his group – and a brand new set of expectations. However that is for one more day.
After this season and essentially the most draining of days, the Pittodrie supervisor deserves to dwell within the right here and now. Even only for a second.
“You see how a lot it means to everybody,” he instructed BBC Scotland.
“That is why soccer is so wonderful. To be sturdy within the tough occasions, hold believing and hold making an attempt all the pieces you channel on daily basis.
“We now have rather a lot to sit up for.”