Langfield out to keep No1 jersey

Dons goalkeeper Jamie determined to hold on to his first team place

 

By Sean Wallace

 

Published: 26/05/2008

 

DONS keeper Jamie Langfield today warned French keeper Bertrand Bossu he faces the fight of his life to win the No1 jersey at Aberdeen.

 

The towering French stopper has been offered a contract with the Dons after a week-long trial.

 

Former Lens stopper Bossu has impressed Langfield during training sessions but the Scotland B cap is determined to retain his starting spot.

 

Langfield said: “Bertrand has looked really good in training and he has a strong physical presence.

 

“It is great news that he is signing as Bertrand is a nice guy and I really welcome the competition.

 

“After fighting to regain my starting place I have the No1 jersey and I will do all I can to keep Bertrand out of the team.

 

“Competition for places is healthy as it ensures there is no room for complacency

 

“I have had competition from David Preece, Ryan Esson and Derek Soutar.

 

“You can never take anything for granted and I will work hard to keep my starting spot.â€

 

The 28-year-old twice lost his starting berth to Derek Soutar in a season that was marked by remarkable highs, and demoralising lows.

 

With the departure of Soutar, 6ft 7in Bossu is the latest addition at Pittodrie as Jimmy Calderwood revamps his squad.

 

And Dons star Langfield reckons adding new faces will see Aberdeen push hard for a return to Europe next season.

 

“Our priority for next season must be a return to the UEFA Cup,†he said.

 

“We have the squad capable of achieving that and there will be some new players coming in over the summer. People have said that the season has been disappointing.

 

“But we reached the last 32 of the UEFA Cup, played in two semi-finals and finished fourth in the league.

 

“I would take that as a bad season any day.

 

“Unfortunately, we let ourselves down in the big games and were not consistent enough.

 

“We dropped too many silly points and that cost us dearly in the race for third spot.

 

“It is frustrating because we proved in games against Copenhagen, Celtic, Rangers and Bayern Munich just what we are capable of.

 

“Our aim must be to produce that level of performance more consistently next season.â€

 

Langfield’s Dons career was in tatters at the start of the season after a bust up with boss Calderwood in Magaluf.

 

The former Dunfermline keeper looked destined for the Pittodrie exit, but battled his way back.

 

With a new three-year extended deal recently signed, Langfield reckons the best is yet to come from the Dons.

 

“It has been a good season but it could have been so much better,†he said.

 

“All we need is the self belief because the players are capable of getting success.

 

“European football was a massive learning curve and we progressed as a team from that.

 

“Some of our best performances came in the UEFA Cup although it was difficult to take that into the league.â€

 

Langfield was instrumental in Aberdeen’s 2-0 win over Rangers that left the Ibrox club’s SPL title hopes in tatters.

 

“Some critics will say that Rangers were tired but we had to work hard to beat them,†he said.

 

“If we had played that well for most of the season we would be back in Europe again.

 

“That is so frustrating but the win ensures we will go into the summer on a real high.â€

6ft7 eh

 

Hope hes a better keeper than Lubomir Blaha was a striker

Does anyone know whether this guy is likely to give Langfield any realistic competition as first choice goal keeper?

some 32 games in 7 years would indicate no, but we'll see. I won't judge him on previous statistics.

some 32 games in 7 years would indicate no, but we'll see. I won't judge him on previous statistics.

 

Yeah, he might be the French Carlo Cudicini, just keeps moving to clubs with really good first choice keepers...

Len Taylor tells me on FM that Bossu would not be a worthwhile signing.

I'm a bit worried by the lack of games at other clubs and after seeing one of the keepers who kept him out of a place in one of the play-off games (who was mince) it fills me with less confidence!

Think I'm in the majority in not being ecstatic about the apparent quality of this signing, unless of course someone knows something none of us on here know

Think I'm in the majority in not being ecstatic about the apparent quality of this signing, unless of course someone knows something none of us on here know

 

What I know is, I'll give him a chance to prove himself a la Stuart Duff! 

He got dropped by Hayes in the year they got relegated from the Conference in England. Their manager obviously didn't know his best position or something.

What I know is, I'll give him a chance to prove himself a la Stuart Duff! 

 

As will I of course, but 32 games in 7 years isn't exactly the best of credentials

As will I of course, but 32 games in 7 years isn't exactly the best of credentials

 

Agreed.

According to Soccerbase and Wikipedia, its 49 starts and 3 subs appearances since season 2000-2001.  Still not startling though.

As will I of course, but 32 games in 7 years isn't exactly the best of credentials

 

Bryan Gunn only made 21 appearances for Aberdeen in 6 years, he was a great keeper.

I will say this, I am not happy about this signing, as has been discussed his credentials are less than impressive, and considering the quality of keeper available even in league 2 kinda has me questioning this. But as I said, I will not jump on his back, but I do not see Jamie having any problems in retaining his jersey (bar any madness moments a la this season).

If this guy is mince (it seems highly likely, does it not?) surely Jim Leighton must carry the can? He must have a great deal of input into whether a traillist keeper gets a deal. I'd venture he would have the final say in fact, as the goalie specialist?

 

Would hate to see Jim make a howling fuck-up...certainly never used to enjoy it in his playing days.

How does a keeper look good in training ? I'm interested...no, really.

If this guy is mince (it seems highly likely, does it not?) surely Jim Leighton must carry the can? He must have a great deal of input into whether a traillist keeper gets a deal. I'd venture he would have the final say in fact, as the goalie specialist?

 

 

 

Precisely 

How does a keeper look good in training ? I'm interested...no, really.

 

Hes training against the likes of Mackie, Bebo etc

 

I reckon even I could look at least average against them

Bryan Gunn only made 21 appearances for Aberdeen in 6 years, he was a great keeper.

 

Fair enough but how many keepers of the quality of Leighton in his first spell at AFC has this guy played second fiddle to 

 

Doubt the count even makes it to one 

Hes training against the likes of Mackie, Bebo etc

 

I reckon even I could look at least average against them

 

Indeed, you can look average in ANY company mate.

I hope this isn't the standard of player we'll be aiming for all summer. We should have beent trying to get an experienced keeper that is an improvement on Clangers not somebody warm the bench without putting any pressure on him when the inevitable howler occurs.

Bossu will be a high flier for Dons

French giant will be tallest Red

 

By Charlie Allan

 

Published: 28/05/2008

 

AT 6ft 7in, goalkeeper Bertrand Bossu is about to become the tallest Dons player ever.

 

And Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood is convinced the towering Frenchman will make a big impact in the SPL.

 

Bossu was today expected to sign a two-year deal with the Dons.

 

He still won’t be the tallest in the SPL, that honour belongs to 6ft 8in Hibs goalie Yves Ma-Kalambay.

 

Bossu will still tower above his rival for the Dons No1 shirt – 6ft 4in Jamie Langfield – and will also leave the rest of his new team-mates in the shade.

 

Pittodrie chief Calderwood said: “I told the Evening Express earlier this month I would add some height and presence to the squad.

 

“Bossu is huge, we’ve also signed Gary McDonald and are after Richie Foran – both are over six feet tall.

 

“I felt we were dwarfed at times at set pieces.

 

“The new guys, added to the likes of Zander Diamond, Andrew Considine and Lee Miller, will give us more options when it comes to attacking and defending at set pieces.â€

 

Langfield has already warned Bossu he won’t give up his No1 shirt and Calderwood is pleased with that.

 

“Jamie is the man in possession, so he holds all the aces,†said Calderwood.

 

“But if he suffers a dip in form, even during the pre-season, then I will have a decision to make.

 

“I left goalkeeping coach Jim Leighton to make the final decision on Bossu and he has been very impressed by the big fella so far.

 

“There more to him than just height.

 

“Jim put Bossu through some very tough training sessions and is pleased with his attitude and ability.â€

 

Bossu’s career so far could hardly be described as illustrious. Born in Calais 27 years ago, he started out with RC Lens then joined English side Barnet in 2000. The Frenchman managed just one top-team start with them.

 

Bossu then stepped down a level to join Conference side Hayes, on loan.

 

Bossu was also sent on loan to Rushden & Diamonds in March 2001, but failed to make a first team appearance and was released by Barnet that summer.

 

The Frenchman went back to Hayes and was voted their player of the year in 2003.

 

During that second period with Hayes the keeper even scored a last-minute winning goal – with a header – in an away clash with St Albans City.

 

That helped to persuade Gillingham to snap up Bossu later that year.

 

He played in their shock FA Cup victory over then Premier League side Charlton Athletic in 2004, but managed just six top team starts before again being sent out on loan, this time to Torquay United. Bossu’s nomadic career continued with spells at Darlington and finally Walsall, who released him earlier this month.

 

Since moving to England eight years ago, he has managed just 53 top team appearances, 32 of those for lowly Hayes. Calderwood doesn’t see that as a problem, though.

 

“Bossu is hungry for the chance to show he can perform at a higher level,†said Calderwood.

 

“To be fair, he has been a bit unlucky at some of his previous clubs.

 

“He suffered a broken hand when he was at Gillingham and that kept him out for a while.

 

“I have absolutely no worries about his lack of playing action because there are a lot of good keepers in England’s lower leagues just hoping that someone will take a chance with them.

 

“Hearts goalkeeper Steve Banks has done well for them and he also had a spell with Gillingham.â€

 

“Hearts goalkeeper Steve Banks has done well for them and he also had a spell with Gillingham.â€

 

 

So because he played for Gillingham he's good? Some logic there JC. As I said, I don't see Jamie having to worry about this no. 1 spot, but we'll see.