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12:00 - 26 February 2008
Jimmy Calderwood could turn to Dunfermline's Scott Wilson this summer to solve his defensive crisis.
The Dons boss has been scouring the English Premiership reserve league to source new talent.
But he may return to his former club and make a second attempt to land Wilson after failing with a bid for the former Rangers man in January.
Calderwood reckons the 30-year-old would be the ideal partner for central defender Zander Diamond, while his Pars colleague Darren Young would also welcome a Pittodrie return.
The Aberdeen manager, assistant Jimmy Nicholl and coach Sandy Clark will run the rule over five Premiership reserve matches this week as they bid to unearth a rising star.
Calderwood has stepped up his search for fresh talent following Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
He's planning a major Pittodrie revamp and is chasing young players from south of the border to take on loan to add a new dimension to his side.
"We'll watch 10 English clubs in action over the next few days," said Calderwood.
"That should give us a good idea of who is out there and who we can go for.
"This is our first real chance to scout for any new players, what with the hectic schedule we've had.
"We're looking at reserve team level in England because there's no way we can afford first team players from the Premiership.
"Normally we would be further down the line in terms of scouting but that's just not been possible.
"However, I'm hoping to unearth a few players with potential."
Calderwood reckons top clubs in the Premiership will be willing to lend them their best rookies as both Josh Walker and Sone Aluko have performed well for the Dons.
The teens are set to return to Middlesbrough and Birmingham this summer as they bid to prove their worth at the highest level, but more could follow their path north.
He added: "The success that Sone and Josh have enjoyed should help to make it easier for us to bring younger lads in on loan.
"Even what Anthony Stokes achieved at Falkirk has helped other Scottish clubs in terms of borrowing young players."
Calderwood will ship out at least 10 players in the close season as he has finally lost patience with some of his signings.
But he wants Barry Nicholson and Lee Miller to sign extended deals and awaits answers from the pair.
"It would give the whole club a huge lift if Barry and Lee committed their futures to the club.
"But it's up to them and I'm not sure what they are thinking right now.
"We should find out next week what they are going to do, so I face an anxious wait."
JIMMY'S BACK ON STAR TREK
34 readers have commented on this story. Click here to read their views.
12:00 - 26 February 2008
Jimmy Calderwood could turn to Dunfermline's Scott Wilson this summer to solve his defensive crisis.
The Dons boss has been scouring the English Premiership reserve league to source new talent.
But he may return to his former club and make a second attempt to land Wilson after failing with a bid for the former Rangers man in January.
Calderwood reckons the 30-year-old would be the ideal partner for central defender Zander Diamond, while his Pars colleague Darren Young would also welcome a Pittodrie return.
The Aberdeen manager, assistant Jimmy Nicholl and coach Sandy Clark will run the rule over five Premiership reserve matches this week as they bid to unearth a rising star.
Calderwood has stepped up his search for fresh talent following Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
He's planning a major Pittodrie revamp and is chasing young players from south of the border to take on loan to add a new dimension to his side.
"We'll watch 10 English clubs in action over the next few days," said Calderwood.
"That should give us a good idea of who is out there and who we can go for.
"This is our first real chance to scout for any new players, what with the hectic schedule we've had.
"We're looking at reserve team level in England because there's no way we can afford first team players from the Premiership.
"Normally we would be further down the line in terms of scouting but that's just not been possible.
"However, I'm hoping to unearth a few players with potential."
Calderwood reckons top clubs in the Premiership will be willing to lend them their best rookies as both Josh Walker and Sone Aluko have performed well for the Dons.
The teens are set to return to Middlesbrough and Birmingham this summer as they bid to prove their worth at the highest level, but more could follow their path north.
He added: "The success that Sone and Josh have enjoyed should help to make it easier for us to bring younger lads in on loan.
"Even what Anthony Stokes achieved at Falkirk has helped other Scottish clubs in terms of borrowing young players."
Calderwood will ship out at least 10 players in the close season as he has finally lost patience with some of his signings.
But he wants Barry Nicholson and Lee Miller to sign extended deals and awaits answers from the pair.
"It would give the whole club a huge lift if Barry and Lee committed their futures to the club.
"But it's up to them and I'm not sure what they are thinking right now.
"We should find out next week what they are going to do, so I face an anxious wait."