Source: Team_Talk
Calderwood and Dons part ways
A downcast Calderwood had initially refused to confirm he would be in charge at Pittodrie next season after Sunday's 2-1 win over Hibernian on the final afternoon of the Scottish Premier League campaign.
That result saw Aberdeen snatch the SPL's final Europa League spot, the second time Calderwood has led the club into Europe in three years.
Calderwood said: "Aberdeen is such a wonderful club and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, as indeed have Jimmy and Sandy.
"However, after five seasons, I feel the time is right for a fresh challenge. I'm moving on with so many happy memories of the club and the area and I would like to thank the fans for their support as the vast majority have been fantastic.
"I would also wish Aberdeen Football Club all the very best for the future and I depart knowing my successor will have a solid platform from which to move forward including the return of European football next season."
Director of football Willie Miller added: "On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to thank Jimmy, Jimmy and Sandy for the substantial contribution they have made in stabilising things over the past five years, including of course, qualification again for Europe this afternoon.
"When they arrived, there was a massive rebuilding task required and subsequently we have seen the fruits of their efforts with regular top-six finishes in the league and a return to Europe, notably the fantastic run two seasons ago which saw us reach the last 32 of the UEFA Cup.
"While the absence of a domestic trophy continues to be a source of frustration for everyone connected with AFC, the three of them can be proud of what they have achieved and we wish them every success for the future."
Miller's statement hinted at the most controversial aspect of Calderwood's reign, which began in May 2004 after the club finished 11th in the SPL.
The former Dunfermline boss led them to fourth in his first season in charge and third two years later.
That saw them qualify for last season's UEFA Cup, where they enjoyed a famous run to the last 32.
They then held the mighty Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw before going down 5-1 in the return leg.
The Dons finished fourth in the SPL but suffered a shock Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Queen of the South.
They had previously suffered a League Cup upset against Queen's Park in Calderwood's second season in charge.
These cup defeats were too much for some Aberdeen fans and the final straw for that element came when the club lost their Scottish Cup quarter-final replay to Dunfermline in March.
For Calderwood's part, the 54-year-old was forced to work against a backdrop of financial constraint which saw key players move on throughout his tenure.
Speaking today shortly before his departure was confirmed, he expressed his disappointment that two of the club's most experienced players - midfielders Scott Severin and Jamie Smith - would be leaving in the summer.
"If you look at the players we have lost in the last few years, we could have had a magnificent team," he told BBC Scotland.
Calderwood refused to make any further comment as he left Pittodrie on Sunday night but he appeared to have been crying.
Chairman Stewart Milne revealed the decision to part company with Calderwood was made before Sunday's match.
Stewart Milne, who has been in charge since 1998, said: "It was really in the last week (that the decision was made). The club and Jimmy have made the decision that this is the right time to part company."
The chairman denied Calderwood's failure to bring a trophy to Pittodrie was the reason behind his departure.
"We jointly believe this is the right time for the club and Jimmy to part company," he said.
"He has been here for five years and we believe this is the right time for the club to make a change and Jimmy believes the same."
Milne added the club will start looking for Calderwood's replacement on Monday.
He said: "The decision is now public. We have now got to set about finding a new manager.
"The process for that will be set in motion after tonight."
Speaking immediately after the game, the Dons boss appeared to hint his five-year spell at the club was coming to an end.
When asked about his future, Calderwood told BBC Scotland: "Time will tell. Time will tell.
"Nothing's disillusioned me, definitely not. I love Aberdeen, I love the place, I love the city, I love the club.
"We'll talk about a few things and then we've got decisions to make.
"I've got a contract for two years. We'll see what happens."
Calderwood did admit Aberdeen's record in cup competitions was his biggest regret.
He was also disappointed two of the club's most experienced players - midfielders Scott Severin and Jamie Smith - would be leaving in the summer.
"If you look at the players we have lost in the last few years, we could have had a magnificent team," Calderwood added, alluding to the tight budget that has led to several players departing Pittodrie for more lucrative offers elsewhere.
The Dons boss was nevertheless delighted his side had managed to qualify for Europe once again after a dramatic end to the SPL season.
Calderwood's men secured their passage into the Europa League by finishing fourth thanks to Sunday's win and Dundee United's home defeat to new champions Rangers.
Lee Miller and Charlie Mulgrew netted for Aberdeen, with Derek Riordan pulling a goal back before half-time in a tense encounter at Pittodrie.
Calderwood said: "It is great for everyone involved. We had a wonderful time a couple of years ago and you always start the season hoping you will make it into Europe.
"It was always in somebody else's hands and we could only do what we had to do.
"Even when we were in front and and we knew Rangers were winning, the nerves were always there. I thought we deserved to win the game and I thought Scott Severin, in particular, was just immense."
The Aberdeen boss added: "The players have had some criticism this season and rightly so for some of the results. It says a lot about their character when you think that they were bottom of the league back in September, October time.
"We have to credit the lads as well because we were decimated by injuries and young Chris Maguire came in ill today. But they managed to get the victory against a very good team."
Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen was disappointed to end the season with a loss.
The Dons took the lead in bizarre circumstances when an Yves Ma-Kalambay kick-out struck Lee Miller on the back and rolled into the net.
Paatelainen said: "It was disappointing to lose the game. The first goal was a disaster and a goal we should have never conceded. It was a terrible mistake. It made things very difficult for us.
"The second goal was a tremendous free-kick from Mulgrew. But when we got the score back to 2-1, I was hoping we would go on and get the equaliser and go on to win the game. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be."
Paatelainen praised his Belgian goalkeeper for a
second-half penalty save from Sone Aluko in the dying stages of the match.
He said: "That was a fantastic save from Yves. I thought it was a penalty as the ball looked to have hit Jonatan Johansson on the hand.
"But I felt a couple of the other decisions throughout the match did not go our way."
