Jimmy ready to splash the cash

 

Published: 15/04/2008

 

ABERDEEN have given manager Jimmy Calderwood clearance to splash the cash as he rebuilds his beleaguered squad.

 

The Dons boss admitted he will be allowed to pay transfer fees for players if it’s the only way he can bring them to Pittodrie.

 

Calderwood still won’t have fortunes to spend, but says being able to offer fees will help as he attempts to add more quality to his squad.

 

“You can’t keep pulling rabbits out of the hat,†said Calderwood, who is determined to ride the storm of criticism coming his way in the wake of their Scottish Cup defeat at the hands of Queen of the South.

 

He said: “Scott Severin, Jamie Smith and Lee Miller were taken in on free transfers, but it’s getting more and more difficult to get international players in that way.â€

 

Calderwood refused to identify specific targets at this stage, although he said his search has gone “world wide.â€

 

The Dons boss also confirmed football director Willie Miller’s statement in yesterday’s Evening Express that he will be making up to eight new signings to totally revamp his squad.

 

“The way things are shaping up it looks as if we will be taking eight in,†he said.

 

“I’m getting phone calls every day, from all over the world, telling me top players would be happy to come to Aberdeen.

 

“We are still an attractive club to play for but it always comes down to finance because quality costs money.

 

“The transfer money from the sale of Michael Hart and Chris Clark is there. They were only allowed to go because I knew the money would go right back into helping to get other players in over the summer.â€

 

It now looks certain four of those will be direct replacements for Barry Nicholson, Lee Miller and loan stars Sone Aluko and Josh Walker.

 

Calderwood fears their cup exit – and failure to qualify for Europe – has killed off any chance of Nicholson or Miller signing new deals.

 

He also confirmed Aluko and Walker, who played for the youth team against Celtic last night, are on their way back to England.

 

Calderwood said: “You’ve got to be realistic and accept it looks as if we are going to lose Barry and Lee

 

“I was trying to remain optimistic, but that was knocked out of me by last Saturday’s result.

 

“If we had won at Hampden and made it back into Europe then it might have edged their decisions our way.

 

“But that’s no to be, so I’m worried about how talks with them in the coming days will go.

 

“The other two look as if they will be away as well.

 

“Birmingham want Sone back, which is a shame because he has done well for us.

 

“Middlesbrough also want Josh to be playing every week, but I can’t guarantee that.

 

“We’ve been out and about in England looking to secure other good young players on loan though.

 

“We will get replacements.â€

I would say the north of england is full of friendly people. Always willing to help you, especially in Sheffield. But I agree, I wish Barry the best of luck. He's been a great servant to the club and I hope he enjoys the rest of his career, most likely at your southend's, swindons and the like. I do think he deserves to continue playing in the team as he's been one of the few to give a toss. Rest seve and play him alongside some youth who i'm sure could learn a thing or two from him.

 

Again, good luck Barry, I will never forget that goal against Hearts 

Just suprised at how common it is.

 

Only Aberdeen fans I know are from Aberdeen or the Aberdeen area. Not saying it's a bad thing, just something I really didn't know about.

 

Its a hangover from the success we enjoyed in the 80's. Central belt glory hunters....

Its a hangover from the success we enjoyed in the 80's. Central belt glory hunters....

 

We're all thoroughly reformed now. THOROUGHLY!

There is no way Aluko will get a regular game in the Premiership (if Birmingham stay up) and I think it would be better for all concerned if he had another season at Pittodrie.

 

Walker won't be that much of a loss.

 

Good luck to Nicholson, he's been a consistent SPL performer for years and deserves a crack at something new.

 

Miller should stay.  I think he was lucky to get a move to the Dons in the first place and Calderwood has shown remarkable patience in keeping him in the team despite some terrible performances.  He's looking more like a player now, and it's time for him to repay that loyalty.

 

 

Spot on CtS ! 

 

Nicholson - Good luck to you, but fucking leave and dont turn up at the Jambos.

 

Miller - sign the deal or GTF

 

Aluko - Good luck at B'Ham - thanks for giving us the modicum of excitement this season that was Aberdeen attacking without hoofing the ball up to Miller.

 

Walker - Hope he gets to stay and furthermore hope he start our next 5 games from the middle of the park to let us see what he can really do in his best position. Definate potential we are ignoring.

Walker - Hope he gets to stay and furthermore hope he start our next 5 games from the middle of the park to let us see what he can really do in his best position. Definate potential we are ignoring.

 

Potential that the England setup can see ... but clearly JC cannot.

Potential that the England setup can see ... but clearly JC cannot.

 

Some team that England are, eh? 

Surprise surprise, Nicholson is being linked with Plymouth Argyle. Its on one of the Argyle boards and one of their fans came onto Mad to enquire about him. At least he hopefully won't stay in Scotland. Good luck to him if he goes. Also, apparently they know Clark is crap in Midfield  , ok at RB though.

Surprise surprise, Nicholson is being linked with Plymouth Argyle. Its on one of the Argyle boards and one of their fans came onto Mad to enquire about him. At least he hopefully won't stay in Scotland. Good luck to him if he goes. Also, apparently they know Clark is crap in Midfield  , ok at RB though.

 

Still £200k worth of crap though

Still £200k worth of crap though

 

Best bit if business AFC have done IMO...

Surprise surprise, Nicholson is being linked with Plymouth Argyle. Its on one of the Argyle boards and one of their fans came onto Mad to enquire about him. At least he hopefully won't stay in Scotland. Good luck to him if he goes. Also, apparently they know Clark is crap in Midfield  , ok at RB though.

 

Should settle the "How would Aberdeen get on in the Chamionship" discussions.