http://www.afc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/clubNewsDetail/0,,10284~1563208,00.html

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Zander is back! Newspapers reports that he might be out for a year proved to be slightly premature. As Zander pointed out, "every footballer in the world with an Achilles injury will be flocking to the Pittodrie physios Saint John and Saint Davie for the new miracle cure and there will be a shrine within the stadium dedicated to them, like the AFC version of Lourdes…."

 

Jimmy Calderwood spoke to RedTV at lunchtime and as always started by giving the team news. "Zander is fit and was fine in training today.It was maybe just a tiredness thing but we didn't want to take any chances. Darren Mackie is also fit for selection.Gary McDonald is still out and is not progressing very quickly.Jamie Smith is still out but was back training with the lads today and is looking very sharp, he just needs to get some reserve games under him before we can have him for selection.Andrew Considine is also still out.

 

"Zander is going to be very important for us this weekend as United are a big physical team and we need our tall, strong lads in their to match them.The physios were worried about them and it could have been a lot worse but it has turned out to be ok and we are thankful for that. When he is playing he is a real asset and with him and Seve in the middle they have given us a very good defensive record.He also gives us that pace at the back which is essential.

 

"We've not done very well against United this season and the last game up here they were really struggling and were looking for anything at all and they got that with the mistake from Tommy.After that game they went from strength to strength and never really looked back.

 

"Saturday's game is massive for us as if we beat United we then go ahead of them in the league and that puts us in a good position as they then face Hearts the following week.I think United would be more happy with a point from the game than we would and we will be going all out o gain all the points.

 

"Craig (Levein) was here on Tuesday and I'm sure he saw the quality in the likes of Aluko, I'm sure he was probably already aware.The teams have played each other so many teams that there aren't really too many things which will come as a shock.

 

"United will be taking up a big crowd so it will be a great atmosphere and it could be heading for a 15 or 16 thousand in attendance and that always makes the difference.

 

Remember and do your predictors too.

http://www.thedandies.co.uk/messageboard/index.php?board=3.0

Why was there a policeman in the dugout?

 

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood:

"I'm very frustrated. The tale of our games against Dundee United over the last few years is that we keep giving them goals.

 

"But all credit to my boys, they showed a lot of character to come from behind and they worked so hard to get our goals.

 

"I thought we dominated it and we seemed to be in the ascendancy all the time.

 

"So I can't fault the players apart from two stupid mistakes."

 

Dundee United manager Craig Levein:

"I felt exasperated for long spells today. But I can't fault the boys for their effort and they showed plenty of grit and determination.

 

"Perhaps trying to play football was our biggest fault because we kept on getting caught on the ball on a very difficult pitch.

 

"Even at 2-2 we both kept trying to get that winner, so it made for exciting entertainment for those watching, but a nervous second 45 for myself.

 

"This is a hard place to come so we'll take a point up here."

 

Must have missed the part where United tried to play football

 

I can't believe the stats have the possession at 50/50, I thought we had the most of it from about 30 minutes onwards. Anyway, united only had 3 shots in the whole 90 minutes, was the penalty included in that? Why did we not pump them today, I'm totally baffled.

 

Oh aye, and for the first time ever I have to admit that Maguire finally looked like a footballer. Hopefully it continues.

Just watched the match on alba that i'd recorded last night, we were very unlucky IMO. No way should Zander have attempted the back pass for their first but I felt Sandaza pulled Zander back to get in front, then Zander did the same. Definatley six of one half a dozen of the other.

Their second, the Scumdee No. 17 was standing on our goal line in what looked like an offside position. How you can't be interfeering with play standing on the goal line is beyond me, especialy as Langfield had to dive round in front of him in an attempt to save the ball.

Highlights up on the BBC

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/7904746.stm

I'm on delayed watching. Maguire did more in the first 8 minutes that Mackie did most of the game. Yikes.

 

Time to change the name again maybe?

Maguire's highlights?

 

Lee Miller's hairband?

Maguire's highlights?

 

Lee Miller's hairband?

 

Lovells Ring?

Calderwood's Semi?

Aluko's Black?

 

You not thinking of Eric Black?

 

 

Manager Q&A: Jimmy Calderwood

 

Feb 23 2009

 

Q: Was that a game Aberdeen deserved to win?

A: I felt we could have won it because we were in the ascendancy most of the time.  But we've given United a gift every time we've played them over the last few years and we gave another two. In saying that I must give credit to the lads.  We stayed on the front foot although it was difficult to pass on that pitch. And we showed a lot of courage to come back twice against a good team.

 

Q: Was the side's fighting spirit the most pleasing aspect?

A: We were so disappointed to come in 1-0 down at half time but then we went out and equalised within a minute. I thought we would take it on from there, then Charlie got caught on the bye-line.  But we kept going, got the equaliser and kept looking for a winner. By that time I think United were happy with the draw.

 

Q: Is it a case of "as you were" in the race for third place?

A: It was a massive bonus to hear Hearts had drawn. Nothing has changed. We have another hard home game next week but if we can get the victory then something has to give at Tannadice.

 

Q: You must have had a real go at them at half time for the team to respond as they did?

A: It was actually a quiet half time from me - I'm getting too old for it. You could slaughter Zander but we have all done that in our careers. I just told him to keep looking for the ball and trying to do the right things. He got the break in the end which was great for him.

 

Smiths injury?