Sonoftherock

Outstanding post. I could not agree more with passage in bold.

It's really difficult isn't it? Scott Severin of the past month, is by far, and away our best, most talented player. However, Scott Severin from the 23 month prior, has been one of our biggest let downs, and a complete waste of a hefty wage. If we could guarantee he'd give his all next season, I'd be like a new signing! I really don't know.

Until Jimmy arrives on Monday.

I completely agree with you, I believe we have to look onwards and upwards. A cross section of opinion across aberdeen forums, will tell you a significant component of our support are happy with the current situation on the pitch. The majority of those, will be younger fans, who've grown up supporting a team who've consistently struggled and often flirted with relegation. If you fall into that category, then the last 5 years will have felt like a glorious success story! However, by the same token, some supporters believe that we're currently occupying our rightful position in Scottish football - that is, comfortably, one of the top 6 sides in Scotland. I'm not daft enough to believe that we could ever challenge for the league, or even split the Old Firm, but my ambition for the club would be to see us dominate 3rd place, picking up a trophy every few years. I honestly believe that is a realistic target we should be shooting for. Unfortunately, I don't believe many of those in charge of our club share those aspirations. Aberdeen Football Club seem pretty happy with Top 6 year upon, year - that is why I don't think we'll sack JC.

Yeah I see what you're saying - and it may well be the way the club are thinking, however, I don't believe it's just a recent problem. I honestly think that over the past 10 years the general malaise has resulted in us permanently losing at least a couple of thousand fans. People who've simply just lost interest. As a result, I just don't think sacking Jimmy will make enough of a difference to motivate the board to act. As I said, if we keep Jimmy on next season, we'll finish in the Top 6, probably pushing for a European spot - that is almost guaranteed.

I'm sure if, as some people are indicating, that the wheels have been set in motion, the club will have done their sums.... Would a boost in gates, cover the money spent removing Calderwood & Nichol, Clark and appointing a new management team? It would be a gamble. Jimmy has finished within the Top 6 every year since arriving, and despite achieveing very little else in 5 years, the club have always remained happy - Willie Millers official line has been that Calderwood has, and is doing a good job. If JC is manager next season, you'd imagine that Top 6 is a stick on, once again. Under the current regime, it's difficult to see where they'd have a particular problem? Other than, that is, the off the field shennanigins!

I just can't see Jimmy being sacked during the summer.... Does anyone know how much JC earns? I'm guessing it's in the order of £100,000 p/a... that would mean we'd have to pay him off with at least £200,000! On top of that, his replacement may require compensation be paid, along with, what you would imagine would be a fairly hefty signing on fee. A new manager would also, surely, request that he be allowed to bring in several new players of his own - again, all costing money. At present we are millions of pounds in debt, and examining the possibility of building a new multi-million pound stadium. In short, it doesn't add up.

I'd prefer to see him somewhere in the midfield. Hasn't looked entire comfortable defensively whenever I've seen him.... against United he didn't really have to do much defending in that second half. If Vidal does play right back, then how does foster fit in? Man marking job on Aguiar? he essentially plays a floating role for Hearts.

Wonder where Vidal will play? It's being suggested he'll start in centre mid next to McDonald. It'll be interesting to see how he manages this evening, I thought he was different class when he came on at half time against Dundee United. Obviously a talented young lad, but I'm not sure where you play him... I don't think JC really knows either!

Seems a bit of a waste though... were you really hating it that much, that you couldn't bear another 4 or 5 months writing the thing up? I totally agree with your assessment though.... you really need to be passionate about the subject, as the rewards are low, and certainly aren't proportional the amount of work and number sacrifices you'll need to make - it's all about a real love of your work, and as I said, a willingness to consume yourself in it.

Don't do it. The past three years I've been struggling along on the very modest stipend i receive from my sponsors... while my friends have been working, earning a real wage in the real world for a good few years. The hours I work are far longer than 9-5, I'll quite often work the weekends too! Such is the nature of studying for a PhD, you do begin to become consumed by it.... I'm at the stage now, where I've reached th business end, and it's all I ever think about... and I constantly feel guility if I award myself even a saturday off! Career wise, I don't believe I'm any better off and there is also is the danger that you'll be pigeon-holed, and effectively considered over-qualified for many jobs. Meanwhile, my friends who all graduated a few years ago, all have jobs they can leave behind at the weekend, and during evenings, have money in the bank and three years more work experience than me. In short, I'd only recommend a PhD if you love your work so much, that you're happy to enter such an all consuming environment. There are some guys, who work in my lab, that literally live there, they even keep their tooth brush in their desk - it's no way to live, unless you're a complete sad bastard....

Good luck to you mate, I'm in the throws off writing my PhD thesis. I can honestly say, that past few weeks have been among the most depressing, boring and soul-destroying of my life... and It'll take me at least another 3 months of solid graft till I'm finished.

He's been much better over the past 12 months... hasn't thrown one of his tantrums for a while - but maybe that's because he's been winning! However, I suspect that he's grown up a little. He's always very gracious in defeat and doesn't over celebrate victories like Roger Federer has sometimes been guilty of. Yesterday, there was just big smile and shake of hands after winning!

That's the biggest thing about Andy Murray... fortunately he doesn't have the weak Scottish mentality. He's clearly a very driven individual and isn't just "happy to be here," and trying to be everyones friend. I don't think Andy will ever have the game to win Wimbledon sadly... Andy has no particularly outstanding weapons, one of his biggest strengths is that he has no weaknesses (whereas Roger Federer has had his back hand exposed by cleverer players like murray) - although his back-hand defence and scrambling are probably the best on tour. He is also able to read his opposition, figure them out and clearly follows a game plan with pre-determined tactics - i think this is where his huge entourage help. However at last years Wimbledon they were showing a graphic which showed the courts had changed dramatically since the days of Becker and Sampras. In the last five years the courts have stopped sliding so much and the ball is bouncing up and reacting more like an American Hard court... which can only be good for Andy. On grass it's usually much more difficult to wear players down and play defensively which is what Andy does... if you look at the stats, andy is always low on winners & aces - the complete opposite to guys like Sampras, becker, Rafter and Ivanisevic who have always done well on grass. Andy really should do better on clay, which neutralises weapons like a big service, as he's become an endurance player like Nadal. It'll be interesting to see how he does over the next two months. Unfortunately, Nadal is just insanely good on clay... I don't think he's lost a match at Roland Garros in about 4 years!

This is one of the things that worrys/annoys me about the JMG thing. If fan pressure eventually wields the power to remove Jimmy from office, then I'd worry Milne/Miller may look towards McGhee in order to appease the supporters (who is, I'm afraid, overwhelmingly the fans choice). One thing I am certain of, is that Mark McGhee is not the answer.

My official stance is as follows: Jimmy has taken Aberdeen as far as he's able... in fact the signs are we're beginning to move backwards, after a couple of years making good progress. It's time for someone new, but I can't see it making much of a difference long term.... In my opinion the main problems with our club can be sourced further up the pyramid. I would also worry where we're going to find someone better than Jimmy. There aren't many other options. Mark McGhees CV suggests that he is not a long term solution.... it'd also cost a fortune to pay off both; Calderwoods contract, and Motherwells compensation. In conclusion, I think our club is a bit of shambles, however, I am at a complete loss as to how we could even begin to change things...

5-2 FT Stephen McGinn of St. Mirren just scored a Berbatov-esque goal from a Chris Maguire corner! Honestly it was brilliant! Brilliant game to watch... Scotland were superb going forward. Result flattered Albania too, whose only real contribution was a couple of wonder goals!

An Aberdeen player captained the Scotland U15s this afternoon too! Forget his name.... Is our youth system finally yielding results? EDIT: the boy's called Jack Grimmer. Think he's a midfielder.

Best player on the pitch this evening! Well done young man & please bring this form back to pittodrie!

My assumption was based on the idea that we're surely not in a financial position to offer a player, who rarely plays for us, a new contract. Jamie Smith is brilliant for us. IMHO he's our most talented player... but Aberdeen can't afford our own Ledley King.... or can we... surely not?

In my opinion 3rd isn't out of reach, but at present we'd have to rely on; Dundee United & Hearts dropping points, while our own form would also have to pick up considerably. The likelyhood of these 3 variables combining favourably for AFC is, IMHO, close to nil. We'll finish 4th or 5th this season... probably 5th. Major surgery is required during the summer. Vidal will be off, I'd imagine Ricky Foster has played his last game for the club... while Severin and Smith also look set to depart.

http://www.afc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/clubNewsDetail/0,,10284~1567240,00.html

..... a great find Reekie! I don't think there's anything in there that we didn't already know about, but it's great to see quotation marks surrounding these comments. Fair play to Negri for having the balls to speak out! I guess this explains why he'd never celebrate or show any emotion on the pitch.

Haha! Superb!