Jimmy: Lay off the local heroes

Calderwood tells boo boys to lay off Duff and Mair

 

By Charlie Allan

 

Published: 24/04/2008

 

JIMMY CALDERWOOD today called on the Red Army to stop picking on their local heroes.

 

The Aberdeen manager reckons criticism from supporters has hindered local pair Lee Mair and Stuart Duff as they attempt to get themselves established at Pittodrie.

 

The Aberdonian duo thought their dreams had come true when they joined their local club this season.

 

But there has only been despair for the Dons-daft duo, who have struggled to hold down a regular first team spots and found themselves the targets of some vicious abuse from sections of the Aberdeen support.

 

Both will take comfort from news that Jimmy Calderwood is convinced they can yet become major players.

 

Calderwood however, wants the Red Army to play their part in helping the former Dundee United duo make their mark.

 

“If the Dons fans gave Lee and Stuart a bit more backing it would really help to push them along,†said Calderwood.

 

“I don’t know what it is in Aberdeen with the local lads getting so much stick. I’ve never seen the likes of it in my life.

 

“You would think people here would be happy to see some of their own coming through. That’s what happens in other parts of the country but here the local lads seem to get picked on.

 

“Darren Mackie’s had it and Richard Foster’s also had spells when he was targeted.

 

“ I’ve been told that sort of stuff has hindered local lads at Pittodrie for years.

 

“Lee and Stuart have suffered more than most. Stuart doesn’t seem to have been given much of a chance, even though he is a good player.

 

“Like everyone else, you need to have confidence to make your mark at a new club and that’s when fans can help. I can assure our supporters Lee and Stuart are as passionate as they are about Aberdeen.

 

“They are living their dream when they pull on that red shirt so it must hurt a lot when they find themselves targets for abuse.â€

 

Duff, signed from United in January on a free transfer, made a bad blunder in his debut against Hearts which did not help.

 

His pass-back was intercepted by Christian Nade, who scored the only goal.

 

Calderwood said: “That’s the only thing Stuart has really done wrong.

 

“The sad thing is, the Hearts player would never have been in the position to score if he hadn’t been lazy wandering out from an offside position.

 

“Stuart had been playing well, so it’s cruel the fans have given him pelters.

 

“Stuart, to his credit, has continued to get stuck in at training and has been playing well for the reserves.

 

“He has shown a great attitude.â€

 

Duff’s contract is due to expire in the summer, so he was grateful to get a start in last weekend’s 1-0 SPL defeat by Celtic.

 

He played as an attacking midfielder and was encouraged to get forward to support striker Lee Miller.

 

Calderwood said: “The performance at Celtic Park hasn’t done Stuart’s chances of getting a new contract any harm.

 

“Given that he is under pressure to get a new deal, I had to be fair on Stuart and play him in his best position.

 

“He got forward well and into great positions.â€

 

Mair’s hopes of becoming a regular have been hampered by injuries, but Calderwood is sure he will show why the Dons were so happy to snap him up.

 

Calderwood said: “Lee still has a year to go in his contract, so will definitely be here next season.

 

“He is a good defender and has the sort of experience we have missed badly for most of the season.

 

“If Lee had stayed fit he would have been involved because he is strong, aggressive and brave when it comes to defending at set pieces.â€

 

 

Yes they may be Aberdeen fans Jimmy, but if was to put on a red jersey and play for the dons I would get abuse too as I would be rank rotten. They are just not good enough.

Mair should be eating the grass.