Mario Frick has been announced as the new head coach of Aberdeen, taking over from the sacked Stephen Robinson to become the club's fourth manager in 2026.

Capped 125 times as a striker for Liechtenstein, the 52-year-old was last in charge at Luzern, leaving the Swiss club in the summer after five years.

He follows Robinson, Peter Leven and Jimmy Thelin in leading the side in this calendar year and will take charge for the first time against Scottish Premiership bottom side Kilmarnock on Saturday.

"Throughout our discussions, he demonstrated a clear vision, strong leadership qualities and a deep understanding of what is required to build a successful team," said Pittodrie chief executive Adrian Bevington.

"He was also exceptionally well regarded by the many people across the game we consulted during the process, and the board was unanimous in its belief that he is the right person to lead Aberdeen forward."

Former Motherwell and St Mirren boss Robinson was dismissed on 9 November, with Aberdeen second bottom of the Scottish Premiership, having lost four games in a row.

Frick, who also managed Vaduz in the Swiss Super League, will be assisted by Roman Matter and is the seventh permanent manager since Dave Cormack took control of the club in November 2019.

As a player, his former clubs include FC Basel, FC Zurich, St. Gallen and Grasshopper, while his 16 international goals make him Liechtenstein's all-time top scorer.

"Mario is a strong personality with clear ideas about how he wants his teams to play," added sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel. "He brings energy, ambition and a winning mentality, and knows how to build a strong team environment.

"We were looking for the right person to lead the next chapter of Aberdeen FC, and I'm convinced Mario has the qualities, character and vision to make a real impact."

Frick got Vaduz promoted in 2020 before helping Luzern avoid relegation following his move there in 2021.

The next again year he guided them to a fourth-placed finish and European qualification, although they were knocked out of Conference League qualifying by Lee Johnson's Hibernian.

Aberdeen say Frick "has built a strong reputation for transforming teams, handing top-flight debuts to more than 30 academy players during his coaching career".

Hibs striker Thibault Klidje and current Aberdeen goalkeeper Marius Muller both played under him.

Aberdeen did not disclose contract details for Frick as he takes over a side with just three wins from 12 Premiership outings this season.

One of his international goals came at Hampden Park in 2010 when a late Stephen McManus header rescued a 2-1 win for Scotland.

Matt: Terrible appointment. Not exactly a glowing CV. Will be out the door in 12 months or less.

Ian: Left field but it is a bold decision. Let us get back up we we belong.

Kev: Could be good. Could be bad. If it is the latter the the Dons will be in real trouble. It's a very quick appointment...

Sandra: Never heard of him but kudos to the club for acting in a timely manner for once. All the best Mario, you'll need it.

Malky: A curve ball if ever there was one. I admit I was unaware of him; I had to Google him. As far as I'm aware he has a 37% win ratio, so he'll fit right into the current state this club finds itself in. I hope to be proved wrong, but for me it's underwhelming.

Harry: He certainly can't be any worse than the last few that have come and gone. Surely gonna hit the jackpot at some point.