Kowalski Posted August 8, 2008 Share Posted August 8, 2008 http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/7461288.stm Manager: 'The Two Jimmys' sound like a vaudeville double-act from the days of Music Hall. But, in reality, the duo are perma-tanned boss Jimmy Calderwood and his fiesty Northern Irish sidekick Jimmy Nicholl. Since taking over in 2004, the passionate pair have brought more consistency to Aberdeen, steadying the ship following former incumbent Steve Paterson's disastrous two-year reign. They guided the side to third spot in the SPL in season 2006/07 to bring European football to Pittodrie for the first time in five seasons. Captain: Former Jambo Scott Severin dons the Dons armband. The driving midfielder still has to prove to the home support that he is a worthy successor to fans favourite Russell Anderson, who was a fearsome competitor when leading out the Dons. Scottish top-flight highlights: The halcyon days for the Dons took place from the late 1970s through to the mid 80s. Under the inspirational guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson they bagged three league championships, four Scottish Cups, the European Cup-Winner's Cup, the European Super Cup and a League Cup - all in the space of seven glorious years. Aberdeen were also the last club outside of the Old Firm to win a league title, back in season 1984/85. Dons legend: Described by Sir Alex Ferguson as "the best penalty box defender in the world", legendary Dons skipper Willie Miller was a man hewn from the city's famous granite. His rock-solid central defensive partnership with Alex McLeish was the fulcrum of Fergie's all-conquering 70s and 80s side. Star man: Lee Miller bagged 12 goals for the Dons last season as their top scorer. On form, he is the ideal target man and foil for his smaller, pacier strike partners, Darren Mackie and Chris Maguire, who will scuttle around the big man and feed off his flick-ons. At least that's the idea in theory! Strengths: Pittodrie has returned to being the fortress of old, with Aberdeen's home form as consistently good as their away form is unpredictable. Another season of solid home performances is required if the Dons are to secure a top-six finish and challenge for a European spot. Weaknesses: A chronic lack of goals hampered Aberdeen's progress last season, forcing them to go down to the wire to secure a top-six berth. A leaky defence on the road cost them dearly too. Both traits will have to be rectified if the Dons are to entertain any ambitions of re-enacting past European glories again. Our verdict: New recruits Gary McDonald and Mark Kerr should beef up the Dons midfield and offer the defence more protection, although Barry Nicholson's energy and drive will be missed. If Andrew Considine and Zander Diamond develop a more consistent partnership in central defence, Aberdeen should be among the contenders for third place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glasgow sheep Posted August 8, 2008 Share Posted August 8, 2008 fair enough preview did I just say that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrlandoDon Posted August 8, 2008 Share Posted August 8, 2008 More from the BBC - is this a real person ABERDEEN FAN PETER MURCHIE, 37, FROM ABERDEEN "Aberdeen fans can face the new season with a high degree of optimism. One can never read too much into pre-season friendlies, but an astonishing reverse at the hands of the Blue Toon notwithstanding, the lads have done fantastically well. "A fine showing against the Champions of Europe and victory over Dutch cracks Vitesse Arnhem suggests we have little to fear from anything the SPL can throw at us. ''Jimmy Calderwood, for my money, the best pound for pound manager in the SPL, has spent wisely and added strength and depth to the squad with the signings of Mark Kerr; Gary McDonald; Charlie Mulgrew; Sammy Stewart, and Tommy Wright. ''Taking a balanced view and looking at the facts, 2008-2009 strikes me as the year when we may see the re-emergence of the New Firm, since there is little doubt that Levein is a man worth his salt. ''Nevertheless, if Calderwood gets the backing of the fans and Scotland's stingiest board, I don't think the Champions League is beyond us. Come On Your Reds!'' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glasgow sheep Posted August 8, 2008 Share Posted August 8, 2008 More from the BBC - is this a real person ABERDEEN FAN PETER MURCHIE, 37, FROM ABERDEEN "Aberdeen fans can face the new season with a high degree of optimism. One can never read too much into pre-season friendlies, but an astonishing reverse at the hands of the Blue Toon notwithstanding, the lads have done fantastically well. "A fine showing against the Champions of Europe and victory over Dutch cracks Vitesse Arnhem suggests we have little to fear from anything the SPL can throw at us. ''Jimmy Calderwood, for my money, the best pound for pound manager in the SPL, has spent wisely and added strength and depth to the squad with the signings of Mark Kerr; Gary McDonald; Charlie Mulgrew; Sammy Stewart, and Tommy Wright. ''Taking a balanced view and looking at the facts, 2008-2009 strikes me as the year when we may see the re-emergence of the New Firm, since there is little doubt that Levein is a man worth his salt. ''Nevertheless, if Calderwood gets the backing of the fans and Scotland's stingiest board, I don't think the Champions League is beyond us. Come On Your Reds!'' Did Sandy Clark write that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Doricle Posted August 8, 2008 Share Posted August 8, 2008 Can't argue with the one that kowalski pasted in. Seems a reasonable assessment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigAl Posted August 8, 2008 Share Posted August 8, 2008 Will the real Peter Murchie please stand up...... I reckon it was one of the really positive boys from the Hat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PittodrieGoesBerserk Posted August 8, 2008 Share Posted August 8, 2008 More from the BBC - is this a real person ABERDEEN FAN PETER MURCHIE, 37, FROM ABERDEEN "Aberdeen fans can face the new season with a high degree of optimism. One can never read too much into pre-season friendlies, but an astonishing reverse at the hands of the Blue Toon notwithstanding, the lads have done fantastically well. "A fine showing against the Champions of Europe and victory over Dutch cracks Vitesse Arnhem suggests we have little to fear from anything the SPL can throw at us. ''Jimmy Calderwood, for my money, the best pound for pound manager in the SPL, has spent wisely and added strength and depth to the squad with the signings of Mark Kerr; Gary McDonald; Charlie Mulgrew; Sammy Stewart, and Tommy Wright. ''Taking a balanced view and looking at the facts, 2008-2009 strikes me as the year when we may see the re-emergence of the New Firm, since there is little doubt that Levein is a man worth his salt. ''Nevertheless, if Calderwood gets the backing of the fans and Scotland's stingiest board, I don't think the Champions League is beyond us. Come On Your Reds!'' That's the fat fuckin postie that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kowalski Posted August 8, 2008 Author Share Posted August 8, 2008 I reckon it was one of the really positive boys from the Hat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigAl Posted August 8, 2008 Share Posted August 8, 2008 I'll keep setting them up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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