retired_quique

The defensive display against Dunfermline was top class with David Preece getting man of the match due to the part he played.The finishing was brilliant aswell as we only had three shots on target and managed to convert two.
Micheal Bird has been catching my eye with some good displays for the reserves a goal in his last game and a man of the match done him no harm.At 19 years old Bird will be looking to push for a first team place soon.
The scouts have been sent out one will stay in scotland and one to uk and ire again to try and find a cheap goalkeeper.
Darren Mackie gets rewarded for his performances with a Scotland under 21 call up.
There are also call ups to the full team for Russell Anderson and Kevin McNaughton with Markus Heikkinen called up for Finland.
Dundee are next up and the scout reports that they play with a direct 4-3-3 formation and he notes to watch for winger Carranza.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Paulinho,Sheerin,Mackie,Bavidge,Prest.
SUB:-Esson,Rossiter,Tosh,Heikkinen,Hinds.

DUNDEE 0 ABERDEEN 3PREMIER LEAGUE
It was Dundee who made the first few chances as Novo shot over and Rae hit the post in the first 10 minutes.In the 30th minute Dundee player Bain had to come off injured and after having the better of the opening play Jim Duffy decided to replace the defender with attacker Steve Lovell.Bad mistake as in the 32nd minute Ravanelli pushed Russell Anderson at a corner,Penalty,Bavidge stepped up to score the pen.Only 3mins later Dundee were left open again as Anderson played a long ball over the top Prest run on to it and finished it off nicely(35mins.)Dundee failed to get into it after the injury and went further down after the break.The man that can do no wrong just now Darren Mackie picked up a loose ball and a powerful run ended with a goal as he continues his good run of form(53mins.)Aberdeen could have had one or two more goals but three is more than enough to get the points.

REF:-Douglas McDonald
YELLOW CARDS:-Wilkie(Dundee)Paulinho,Sheerin(Aberdeen)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Prest(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-9651

As the transfer deadline passes the first monthly awards are handed out and a trip for me and Darren Mackie.Me to pick up the manager of the month award and Darren the young player of the month award.Paulinho gets rewarded for his moment of magic and gets goal of the month.
A dream start for the Dons but a real hard one next as the visit of Rangers will test the defensive qualities of the team,After a good start i expect there to be a near full capacity at the next game.
The scout has watched Rangers in the last few days and found that they play a normal 4-3-3 formation with Lovenkrands causing all sorts of problems with his pace on the wings.He also says there team is exceptional and will fight for everything

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Heikkinen,Sheerin,Mackie,Hinds,Prest.
SUB:-Esson,Deloumeaux,Tosh,Paulinho,Thomas.

ABERDEEN 1 RANGERS 0PREMIER LEAGUE
A rather poor first half sees only one shot on target and it was Rangers who nearly stole the lead with a Micheal Ball free kick that was well saved by Preece.The second half was a better half with Preece a busy man in goals keeping his team in it with a few important saves.Some subs were made Tosh on for Heikkenen and Thomas on for Mackie(62mins.)When Prest was fouled by Ross on the halfway line there wasnt any real danger,Tosh played it long towards the area Anderson rose above Hughes but Klos saved well corner kick,Sheerin flights the ball in this time and as Anderson and Hughes go up Hughes pushes Anderson the ref points to the spot.Emerson is not happy and makes it known to the ref and he gets a word in his ear for his troubles.Leigh Hinds steps up and scores to send the fans wild(84mins).Emerson and co are still complaining to the ref about the pen but they quickly regroup to send a last assault at my goal,Lovenkrands tried his best and was unlucky to end up on the losing side.Capucho missed a glorious chance to make it 1-1 in the 88th minute as Lovenkrands laid it to him on a plate but a weak shot gave Preece time to get across and save on the line.The Dons hold on for three points but the trip down to Glasgow will be a daunting one.

REF:-Kenny Clark
YELLOW CARDS:-None
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-David Preece(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-20252

Shermanez

An impressive start to the season! Great start to the story as well

retired_lela2424

Cm'on... let us see you break that Old Firm dominance

retired_quique

Thanks for the kind words guys.I think the good start to the season is me being able to field my best team in all the league games except for the first game where McGuire was suspended and Anderson was out injured.When the defence are all together they look strong i just hope injuries and suspensions dont spoil things too much.
The chairman is quick to praise me for the Rangers game but im quick to point out that Rangers were the better team and if they took there chances we would have lost.
Aberdeen will enter the league cup in the second round with a hard trip to play Queen of the South at Palmerston.
A Saturday off sees international games take place with Russell Anderson playing from the start for Scotland,in an easy win against the Faroe Islands(4-0.)
The scouts have been busy and i took the free week to have a look at some of the names he gave me and one or two will be looked at further over the coming months but still no keeper in our price range.Michael McIndoe of Doncaster has really impressed me after being watched for a few weeks we will continue to view him and he could make a january move for around 20k.
Russell Anderson featured for Scotland again in a 2-0 defeat by Germany he also picked up a slight knock in the game but he should be fine for saturday.Markus Heikkinen played for Finland in one of thier two games.
A Day before the Motherwell trip loan player Jerome Thomas dislocated his shoulder and will be out for two months a big blow for the Dons after just getting him back.If he hasnt found his fitness by january he will be sent back to his club.
The scout reports that Motherwell play a 3-5-2 formation with Steven Craig a tricky forward they also have a combative and hard-working midfield he also meantions they are strong at home.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken(C),Heikkinen,McGuire,C lark,Paulinho,Sheerin,Mackie,Hinds,Prest.
SUB:-Esson,Rossiter,Tosh,Muirhead,Bavidge.

MOTHERWELL 0 ABERDEEN 2PREMIER LEAGUE
I think the scout got the wrong report for this one as Motherwell didnt look strong or hard-working.They did create the first chance with Pearson beating a few players before finding Clarkson in the box but his shot hit the upright and went out of play.Then with the resulting goal kick a header on from Clark in midfield found Mackie who had space to run in he managed to dribble into the box and laid it to Prest who tapped the ball in 1-0(4mins.)Aberdeen were then awarded thier forth pen this season when Heikkinen put a long free kick into the box and Kinninburgh pushed Paulinho in the box,Sheerin steps up and sends the keeper the wrong way and scores(23mins.)Leigh Hinds had a few half chances but couldnt hit the target.Subs were made Tosh on for Clark,Muirhead on for Paulinho and Bavidge on for Hinds(all 70 mins.)Stephen Pearson looked a threat everytime he recieved the ball for Motherwell although the rest of the team looked like they didnt want to be there.The game finished 2-0 and a deserved win for Aberdeen who has a minor injury worry over keeper Preece.

REF:-Stuart Dougal
YELLOW CARDS:-Dair,Burns,Pearson(Motherwell)Clark(Aberdeen)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Prest(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-9745

retired_bbcarr

nice start (both game and story) but let's not be beating hearts again

retired_quique

Preece is only out for a day with bruising and Russell Anderson should make it back for the next game.The press are making a big fuss over the start ive made i just hope that it will not affect the players too much.
James Morgan is impressing for the under 19s with four goals in five games.If he keeps it up he will get a place on the bench against Queen of the South in the league cup.
Partick Thistle away next they normally play a 3-5-2 and are a weak team the scout points out that they have still to score a point this season.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Paulinho,Sheerin,Mackie,Bavidge,Prest.
SUB:-Esson,Rossiter,Tosh,Heikkeinen,Hinds.

PARTICK TH 0 ABERDEEN 3PREMIER LEAGUE
Relagation favourites Partick dont look like a premier division team and they wont be next year going on this performance.Six minutes were on the clock when Paulinho was carried off the park after a challenge from Howie,He was replaced by Heikkinen.It was all Aberdeen and they got rewarded for their good play on the 41 st minute Bavidge was bundled down in the box for Aberdeens fifth penalty in seven games,Bavidge himself stepped up to score from the spot.An injury time corner from Sheerin caused all sorts of problems and in the scramble Prest fired home for 2-0(45mins.)The second half was much the same with Aberdeen looking good throughout.McNaughton who had a brilliant game in right back turned provider when he made a run down the right in 54 minutes,beating a few men on the way he sent a lovely pass into Mackies feet Mackie was left one on one with the keeper and he fired his shot low to into the corner 3-0.No news on Paulinhos injury yet,We expect to find out tommorow once the physio has a proper look at him.

REF:-John Underhill
YELLOW CARDS:-Anis,Rowson(Partick Th)Mackie,Prest(Aberdeen)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Kevin McNaughton(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-6468


The physio reports that i should send Paulinho to a knee specialist for 4 weeks to cure the problems with his knee ligaments i agree and paulinho is out for a month.
Next game is up quickly a mid week cup game against Queen of the South.The scout reports they have a reasonable team but ill use it as a chance to give a few fringe players a run out and rest the players thats done so well in the league.Preece dosnt make it so Esson will get a chance in goals.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Esson,Hart,McQuilken,Diamond,McGuire,Tosh(C),Tiern an,Muirhead,Bagshaw,Hinds,Booth.
SUB:-Hughes,Rossiter,Sherrin,Clark,Morgan.

QUEEN OF THE SOUTH 1 ABERDEEN 2LEAGUE CUP 2ND ROUND
Queen of the South started with a bang scoring with only 4 minutes on the clock a wonderful strike after a McQuilken mistake by Jaconelli put Queens in the driving seat.It was Queens who looked the better team and that continued right through the first half but the score ramained 1-0.It was still looking bad for Aberdeen when Gunn made some subs Morgan came on for Bagshaw(both having top team debut)Clark replaced Booth and Sheerin replaced Tiernan(64mins.)With Aberdeens second chance on goal they pulled level Sheerin started the move with a ball to Morgan who put the ball into the box for Hinds to volley home(81mins.)Queens could have won it in the last minute but a great save by Esson and good defending at the resulting corner saved the Dons from going out.Extra time and Queens wont lie down pushing the game all the way.Then a quick break by Clark on the left created some space he chipped the ball into Morgan who powered a shot past the keeper 2-1(96mins.)Diamond pulls off an important tackle as Queens looked to get back into it.Tosh was to go off injured(112mins) and with all the subs used we will finish the game with ten men.Aberdeen hold on and will be in the draw for the third round but Gunn knows how lucky they are.

REF:-Mark Mackay
YELLOW CARDS:-Aitken,McAlpine(Queens)Hart,Morgan(Aberdeen)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Leigh Hinds(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-1619

retired_brinker317

Nice start - I'll be keeping an eye on this, as I once had a superb game with Aberdeen (01/02).

Good luck :thup:

retired_quique

After that last game even though a victory I thought I would make an example of Scott Booth and criticise him for his performance,as one of the highest earners at the club his performance was unacceptable and he has been transfer listed with immediate affect.
Hinds,Morgan and Diamond all done well but it will be back into the under 19s for the two youngsters.Hinds performance could win him a place in the starting 11 next game.
The physio has reported that Toshs injury will see him out of action for 4 weeks.Tosh broke his wrist in the league cup match.
The League cup 3rd round draw sees another away tie for the Dons.This round they will travel down to Broadwood stadium to play Clyde.
Kilmarnock up next and the scout reports they have an exceptional team,they play a 3-5-2 and have a quick attacking line.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Esson,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cla rk,Heikkeinen,Sheerin,Mackie,Hinds,Prest.
SUB:-Hughes,Rossiter,Muirhead,Tiernan,Bavidge.

ABERDEEN 1 KILMARNOCK 0PREMIER LEAGUE
Aberdeen were unlucky not to be up before half time Prest and Mackie missing good chances.The second half failed to liven up and the introuduction of some subs failed to spark anything positive either,Muirhead coming on for Sheerin and Bavidge coming on for Hinds(70mins.)Aberdeen scored against the run of play when a long ball was played over the top only for Mackie to be on the end of it.Goal(84mins.)Killie threw a few long balls forward but the defence coped with them well with McGuire in superb form.Another win for the Dons leaves us five points clear at the top but over the next three games i face Celtic and Hibs who are second and third in the league.

REF:-John Underhill
YELLOW CARDS:-McNaughton(Aberdeen)Dillon(Kilmarnock)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Markus Heikkinen(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-18358


No fresh injury worries after the game but still no Preece,Tosh,Thomas and Paulinho.
The 1st of october brings another manager of the month award but Gunn thinks these awards are pointless and lets the gathering media know his thoughts.
Call ups for Darren Mackie and Fergus Tiernan to the Scotland under 21 set up.
Russell Anderson and Kevin McNaughton keep there place in the Scotland full squad.
A player has been offered a contract in a view to joining as player/coach i will not give any names away yet but i hope to have news on this by next week.
A visit to easter road up next and a determined Hibs side the opponents.They play a direct 5-3-2 formation with alot of pace through out the team.Brown has been singled out as a real danger.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Heikkeinen,Sheerin,Mackie,Bavidge,Prest.
SUB:-Esson,Rossiter,Muirhead,Tiernan,Hinds.

HIBS 1 ABERDEEN 1PREMIER LEAGUE
In a pretty even first half both teams failed to make any real chances on goal.It was Hibs who looked the more likley to score in the second half as they created good chances early in the half.They were rewarded for thier good play in the 56th minute as Barr played the ball to Orman he let fly from distance only for Preece to parry it out to Brown who tapped it home for 1-0.Some subs were introduced as Anderson has a slight knock.Rossiter on for Anderson,Tiernan on for Heikkinen(64mins.)Tiernan was up for it when he came on and looked like he could create something and he did.A ball from McNaughton found Tiernan he turned with the ball and sent a lovely pass to Bavidge who needed only two touches to score(84mins.)The time ticked away as both teams tried to find a winner but there was no way through for either team.

REF:-Hugh Dallas
YELLOW CARDS:-Smith(Hibs)Prest(Aberdeen)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Scott Brown(Hibs)
ATTENDANCE:-16072

retired_quique

Thanks for the kind words.Much appreciated.
After the Hibs game the physio informs me that Russell Anderson is really struggling with his groin,I speak with Russell and we send him to the specialist.Anderson is out for 3 weeks.
We also learn that Prest has passed his yellow card limit and will miss the next match.
Some news on the goalkeeper front,one has been brought in and will work as a coach aswell.I didnt want to release to much details before as that man is Andy Goram the former Rangers man.At 39 years old he will act as back up for the first team for the rest of the season after that he will concentrate on the coaching side of things.He had no club which meant we could sign him now for free.
Kevin McNaughton came on as a sub for Scotland in thier 1-0 win over Lithuania,Andersons injury means he had to withdraw from the squad.
A day before the Dundee United game the Dons are happy to see Paulinho join in training again although he wont feature in the game its good to see him back.
A Home tie to Dundee united up next and the scout reports they play with a 5-3-2 sweeper formation he says they are a strong team who will battle hard.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Diamond,McGuire(C),Cla rk,Tiernan,Sheerin,Mackie,Bavidge,Bagshaw.
SUB:-Goram,Rossiter,Muirhead,Heikkinen,Hinds.

ABERDEEN 1 DUNDEE UNITED 0PREMIER LEAGUE
Aberdeen were off to a dream start as 15 year old Bagshaw scored his first senior goal for the club,a Clark header hit the woodwork and landed at his feet and he calmly placed it into the corner of the net 1-0(2mins.)Dundee United tried to get back into it,Kerr was thier main man in midfield pulling the strings but his team mates couldnt finish the chances he was creating,Samuel and McInnes missing good oppertunitys.Bad news on the 39th minute when McGuire is carried off with a bad looking injury the Dons are forced to make a sub.Rossiter comes on for the injured McGuire.
Zander Diamond is showing signs of being a top class defender making some crucial interceptions in the second half.Heikkinen came on for Tiernan and Hinds came on for Bavidge(59mins.)Dundee United should have scored an equaliser in the 76th minute.Kerr with a lovely ball to Samuel left Samuel clean through but his shot rebounded off the bar then was cleared to safety by Diamond.The game finished 1-0 but i think Dundee United will feel they deserved a point.The injury to McGuire is a big concern and we will have to wait for the swelling to go down before we know how serious it is.

REF:-David Somers
YELLOW CARDS:-McQuilken,Sheerin,Bagshaw(Aberdeen)Griffin,Duff,Ke rr(Dundee U)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Chris Clark(aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-19115


We learn that McGuire wont be out his ankle took a bad knock but thats all he is free to train on monday.
The way youngsters Diamond and Bagshaw handled themselves last game was brilliant this two young lads have really got the potential to go all the way.Diamond will keep his place in the next game with Bagshaw possibly on the bench.At only 15 i dont want to burn Bagshaw out but i will give him first team experience to help with his progress.
Steve Tosh returns to training just in time to be part of the squad that faces Celtic.
The scout tells me Celtic play a direct 3-5-2 formation they have a world class team and they have a pacey front line.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Diamond,McGuire(C),Cla rk,Paulinho,Sheerin,Mackie,Bavidge,Prest.
SUB:-Goram,Rossiter,Muirhead,Heikkinen,Bagshaw.

CELTIC 3 ABERDEEN 1PREMIER LEAGUE
Aberdeen drew first blood in this top of the table clash with Mackie setting up Bavidge for a wonderfully taken goal(15mins.)Celtic started to play after the goal and were level in the 23rd minute,Petrov picked out Agathe who beat Sheerin before powering a shot into the roof of the net 1-1.Celtic kept the pressure on Aberdeen and scored again through Alan Thompson.Agathe doing the hard work this time and crossing for Thompson who finished with a diving header 2-1(34mins.)Celtic were to complete the victory in the second half with a fine goal set up by Petrov,He nodded the ball to Larsson who took one touch to control the next touch to score 3-1(59mins.)Aberdeen threw on some subs to try and change the game.Heikkinen,Muirhead and Bagshaw on for Clark,Paulinho and Bavidge(75mins.)They struggled to get into the game as Celtic held on to the ball for the rest of the match.Celtic win 3-1 to go top of the league on goal diffarence and show the Dons just how much of a gap their is between the quality of the squads.

REF:-John Rowbotham
YELLOW CARDS:-Williams(Celtic)Clark,Prest(Aberdeen)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Joos Valgaeren(Celtic)
ATTENDANCE:-52833

retired_quique

A bad performance saw the team in on Sunday to watch a video of the game.We need to stay focused after a bad defeat as their is a cup game in midweek.
No fresh injury worries and the good news is that Russell Anderson can join in training this week and could be fully fit for saturday.
League cup 3rd round up next Clyde the opposition they play a 3-4-3 formation and are a determined team after the last game the Dons will look to get back to winning ways.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Diamond,McGuire(C),Pau linho,Heikkinen,Sheerin,Mackie,Bavidge,Bagshaw.
SUB:-Goram,Rossiter,Muirhead,Tienrnan,Morgan.

CLYDE 0 ABERDEEN 3LEAGUE CUP 3RD ROUND
Niether team took control in the opening stages and just as both teams settled Aberdeen scored.Sheerin fired a free kick at goal which was saved by the keeper only for McNaughton to slide it in for his first goal of the season(20mins.)The first half didnt throw up too many chances and at half time Morgan comes on for Bavidge(45mins.)It took Morgan all of two minutes to make his mark,Mackie doing the leg work and crossing for Morgan who had an easy tap in 2-0(47mins.)Mackie turned provider again as he sent a ball to Heikkinen who sent a long drive crashing past the keeper 3-0(58mins.)Aberdeen made some more subs to give others a run out,Rossiter and Tiernan came on for Heikkinen and McGuire.Clyde did make the odd chance but the Dons looked the stronger team and was rarely troubled it finished 3-0.

REF:-Douglas McDonald
YELLOW CARDS:-Ullathorne,McGroaty(Clyde)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Kevin McNaughton(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-1717


A great game for the young ones again and they really are giving me hope for the future,I didnt plan to use them this early but they are showing they can handle the pressure.Morgan,Bagshaw and Diamond are three that have already pushed into the fringes of the first team.
The cup draw sees another away tie in the quarter final for the Dons,this time premier division Livingston will be the opposition.
The 1st of the month passes and Celtic scoop all the monthly awards.Celtic will hope to continue the form that has seen them unbeaten in 10 matches.
Next up is Livingston in the league and the scout reports they play a 3-5-2 formation he also adds they are a determind side who look a better team than the last time we played them.

Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Paulinho,Sheerin,Mackie,Bavidge,Prest.
SUB:-Goram,Diamond,Muirhead,Heikkinen,Morgan.

LIVINGSTON 1 ABERDEEN 3PREMIER LEAGUE
A boring first half saw both teams restricted to a couple of shots on goal,none of which actually tested either keeper.It wasnt until the 54th minute things started to heat up when Rubio fouled Bavidge in the box.Penalty.Bavidge stepped up to slot it home for 1-0.That sparked Livi into life and they made a few chances before finding the net themselves,McNamee with great play to set up McGovern and the former celtic player hit a 25 yard drive past a helpless Preece(63mins.)Bavidge was to restore Aberdeens lead with a great solo goal,He intercepted a pass from Toure-Maman then started his assualt on goal he managed to round the keeper before rolling the ball into the empty net.(71mins.)Aberdeen were to use their subs up Heikkinen,Muirhead,Morgan on for Paulinho,Sheerin and Prest(74mins.)Bavidge could have had his hat-trick but a superb save by keeper McKenzie prevented it and forced the corner,Muirhead flighted in the corner the big defenders miss it and Morgan in the scramble of things sticks the ball in 3-1(79mins.)Livi failed to get back into it after that and the score stayed 3-1.

REF:-Mark Mackay
YELLOW CARDS:-Rubio,McGovern,Ipoua(Livingston)Morgan(Aberdeen)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Martin Bavidge(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-9500

SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE TOP 3:-
1 Celtic Points 31
2 Aberdeen Points 31
3 Hibs Points 21