retired_quique

Just over 20 years ago Aberdeen were winning domestic and european trophies under the leadership of Alex Ferguson 20 years on and things couldnt be worse(or could they?.) With cut backs and lack of money the scottish league has become a joke and one of the biggest has been Aberdeen.
Only escaping relagation due to Falkirk not having a good enough stadium they have finished in the bottom few ever since. Alot have came and went since Ferguson left in 1986 Knox,Porterfield,Smith/Scott,Miller,Aitken,
Miller,Hegarty and Skovdahl have all failed to restore the glory days to pittodrie.
The latest in a long line of managerial changes sees Steve Paterson get the chop for the latest failure a 2nd bottom finish.
Aberdeen call a press conferance for 9am on the 5th of july 2003 who will the new boss be? the usual suspects were being linked to it,but Stewart Milne had a surprise for the fans.
The man the Dons would have to put there faith in was Barry Gunn.
After meeting some fans and the media the genral feeling is that there not happy with an unknown in charge but as long as ive got the chairmans backing ill stick to my job and try and win them over.
A meeting in the morning with my chairman tells me ill have 95k transfer budget and if i sell players ill only get half the money to invest on replacements.A 9.5million loan to the bank means we will lose 100k a month untill 2012 so paying big wages for players are out the question.The first freindly is only 2 days away so a good chance to see the team in action
and decide who has a future with me.

Im using champ 03/04 small data with all Scottish leagues,top 2 English leagues and Italy/Spain top leagues running.
Having read so many storys since joining the boards at the start of the year ive decided to do my own story any feedback would be appriciated and i hope if any one does read it you enjoy it.

retired_quique

Having had a look at the players in training its clear that the midfield area is the weakest but getting players to join the Dons is proving a challenge.A few free transfers made it quite clear that they had no intrest in joining the Dons.With 3 scouts avalible they were quickly given jobs 1 to scout next team 1 to scout Uk and Ire the other will look for suitable youths to sign.The 3 coaches and my assistant were given tasks with Jim Leighton taking keeper training Neil Cooper given the task of the youth development and Oshor Williams and assistant Duncan Shearer assigned to first team training.We will be looking for 1 or 2 new coaches during the season but we will be looking for unemployed staff due to not being able to afford compensation.

One day into the job and its down to Brechin for my first game in charge its really just an experimental side just now to see if anyone can catch my eye.
BRECHIN CITY 2 ABERDEEN 1FREINDLY
The First game in charge didnt leave me impressed it was poor,very poor.A good first half saw Scott Booth put the dons up 1-0 after 35mins.At Half Time alot of changes were made one bright spot in the 2nd half was Fergus Tiernan,His good performance was overshadowed by Phil McGuire recieving a red card and giving away a penalty.Brechins Kevin Fotheringham steped up to score and make it 1-1 on 67mins.A few half chances came and went then on the 89th min Fotheringham scored again to but Brechin up 2-1.It finished 2-1 Brechin and even though it was only my first friendly it shows me the job thats facing me.

retired_quique

With the 2nd friendly away to cowdenbeath still nothing has happened on the transfer front the scouts have gave me a few players that im looking into mostly from lower leagues of Scotland.There is intrest in a few of my players young star Kevin McNaughton is wanted by Aston Villa and another young player Zander Diamond is wanted by Everton so it will be hard to keep them at Pittodrie.

COWDENBEATH 2 ABERDEEN 1FREINDLY
The task is big here at Pittodrie with no money nobody intrested getting beat by 3rd division teams can the future really be bright with this squad somehow i dont think so.Taking the lead through Kevin Souter(32mins) it was 1 0 at half-time but that had been the Dons only shot on goal and it proved to be there only shot of the match as Cowdenbeath came back to win 2-1 with goals from Slaven and Wilson.Gunn really needs to start getting his players up for a fight as if they play like this its going to be a big long fight.

The scouts have found a few good players with 2 ive bid for Martin Prest Raith Rovers a forward left/centre ive started bidding at 16k and Martin Bavidge Peterhead who can score goals at any level ive bid 26k.


3rd freindly against Inverness Caley Thistle and still no new signings i might have to look at transfer list soon as the team really needs some new faces.
INVERNESS C THISTLE 1 ABERDEEN 1FREINDLY
A better performance but still a long way to go Darren Mackie using his pace to put Aberdeen up 1-0(47mins) but the concentration went again and Mackinnon scored to make it 1-1(66mins) there are still a few friendlys to go before the league kick off its just a race against time trying to sign anyone now before it starts.

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Peterhead have asked for 30k for Martin Bavidge plus Raith have asked for 52k with 12k paid now 40k over 12 months for Martin Prest.A few players have been offered a season loan but Gunn wont reveal his plans as he know what can happen when naming targets.Peterhead is the next team up and things seem to be moving on the transfer front as positive feedback from teams means its up to the players to decide if they want to come on loan or not.

PETERHEAD 2 ABERDEEN 1FREINDLY
David Zdrillic scored a goal after 7mins only for it to be pegged back 2mins later by Raeside(9 mins) then the first half went with not much more clear chances.Then after half time the quility showed the quility of Peterheads striker Bavidge who scored the winner after 67mins.If all goes well Bavidge will be an Aberdeen player next week and scoring goals for us instead of against us.

After the game Aston Villa state how much they like McNaughton but Hands off Villa are told but i think id be forced to sell if they bid high enough.A Bid for Bavidge has been accepted and he will consider the contract ive offered.
McNaughton states that he will listen to any offer Villa make so i expect a bid is coming soon.
Next up is a home friendly against sunderland this will be the last experimental line up before picking what i think is my best team.

ABERDEEN 1 Sunderland 1FREINDLY
0-0 at half time and only one shot on target for each team.The second half was a little better with Mackie scoring a header after 64mins.Mackie had another chance but it was saved by the keeper but Aberdeen actually looked like a solid unit the only problem being the lack of a creative midfield player.

with two freindlies left there should be some new players in by next week.Things are looking slightly brighter at Pittodrie if only i can keep a hold of my defence i should be ok.

retired_quique

A contract has been offered to Prest but with him being non eu the red tape could hold up the move.On the same day Bavidge agrees a deal with Aberdeen to become the first signing.McNaughton also signs a new four year contract which is good news for the Dons fans.

On the day Bavidge arrives for 30k Paulinho an Arsenal reserve midfielder agrees to join on loan for the season.Aston Villa youngster Luke Moore has agreed a year long deal too,hes a useful forward can play in midfield too if needed.The players i have loaned this week will be on trial during the last 2 friendlys if they play poor they could get sent back.

Another Arsenal reserve player joins the club on loan Jerome Thomas a forward with alot of talent can play in midfield if asked will be a big help to Aberdeens cause.
Prest accepts the contract just waiting for the work permit paper work to go through.Everton make a laughable bid for McNaughton of 600k.

Just in time for the friendly against Clyde Prest gets his paper work for his permit through so hes clear to play with only two games left to impress nows the time to stand up and be counted.After the friendlys i will sit and asses my squad and decide who will play a part or not but theyve still got two games to impress me.

CLYDE 1 ABERDEEN 3FRIENDLY
17 mins gone and Aberdeen were down 1-0 as Anderson handballed in the area smith stepped up to convert the penalty.They were to equalise on 42 mins through debut man Bavidge.A even first half with both teams enjoying 4 shots each.The second half started well for Aberdeen with paulinho scoring in 49mins.Aberdeen showed they can play a bit in the second half and went 3-1 up through Bavidge(75mins.) Although the Dons created more chances the score stayed 3-1 to the delight of thier boss who is happy with the overall performance in this game with Chris Clark getting a meantion for a good display.

Season title odds are in and they dont look good 40-1 ive been quoted at,which the bookmakers say the highest i can expect is mid-table finish.They maybe have a point my chairman expects me to battle to avoid relagation and the supporters want mid-table finish but my aim is for the top six i dont want to set myself to much of a goal for the first season so to be in the top six by the league split would be a good platform to build on.With the last friendly just under a week away and the season only two weeks away i set the players a test with thier last opponents French giants Bordeaux.A home tie so the fans can run there eye over the team before the big kick off.
The scout has heard big things about Stirlings Stewart Devine a 19 yr old midfield left/centre so ive started the bidding at 1k as thats his value i have asked for some further scouting of this player aswell.
Aberdeen have been rocked by the news that there skipper is out for two weeks and will miss the opening game of the season Russell Anderson is out with a broken toe.
The 1k bid for Devine has been accepted and he has been offered a contract as a decent youngster if he plays well for the reserves then i wont be scared to throw him in at the deep end.Another loan bid will be made to use up our limit of four as money is tight plus the bigger clubs will still pay the youngsters wages.The last friendly is here the last chance saloon for alot of players. After this game i will asses the squad and give the players thats going the bad news and change all squad status to how i will use them during the season.
ABERDEEN 0 BORDEAUX 0FRIENDLY
0-0 at half time and only one half chance each the 8000 crowd will be wanting more for there money in the 2nd half.Did they get it? No they never one more shot on target is all they got. Gunn was over the moon with the defence without injured Anderson,young Zander Diamond standing out as a excellent prospect for the future.
With a week to go until the season starts its time to look at my squad and find who i cant work with or more importantly who i can.

retired_quique

ABERDEEN FC THE TEAM


Goalkeepers
JAMES BLANCHARD age 17:-After asking my trusted assistant about this one we came to the conclusion that he will not stay at the club and will be freed.16k compensation paid.
RYAN ESSON age 23:-Will be back-up keeper this year but will have to do something special to win a new contract as he is in the last year of his.
DAVID HUTTON age 18:-As my Goalkeeper coach and assistant pointed out this player is not needed and will leave on a free.8k compensation paid.
DAVID PREECE age 26:-First choice and will be hard to move as the competition is weak should look to hold on to the first team jersey all year.

The overall felling is that i need another keeper to keep Preece and Esson on thier toes. If a keeper does come in it will have to be a very cheap one at around 5-10k.


Defenders
FULL BACKS.
MICHAEL HART age 23 RB:-Didnt really impress in friendlys but has done well in training so he will get a place in first team squad but wont just walk into the team.
MURRAY MCCULLOCH age 19 RB:-Looks good so ive put him up for loan as hes young and lacks first team experience.
STEPHEN PAYNE age 19 RB:-Lacks first team experience but will fight Hart for the first team spot all the way.
KEVIN MCNAUGHTON age 20 RB/LB:-Can play both sides which is handy and will be the star full back this year.He will probabaly start off in right back before Hart.
JAMIE MCQUILKEN age 28 LB:-In as first choice left back although if he fails to shine he will be dropped just as quick.
SCOTT MORRISON age 19 LB:-I like this guy he will challenge for the left back place in the next few years if he can breakthrough this year then brilliant.

CENTRE BACKS
RUSSELL ANDERSON age 24 CB:-First choice and will be expecting him to be around the scotland squad by the end of the season.
ERIC DELOUMEAUX age 30 CB:-Even though a talented lad ive had to tell him hes not needed anymore and will be avalible for transfer.
ALEXANDER DIAMOND age 18 CB:-This man is going to be a star in a few years maybe try and loan him out for vital experience.
MARKUS HEIKKINEN age 24 CB:-Markus is a good player and will help the dons battle in midfield even though his main position is defence the 24 yr old looks comfortable in midfield.He might be asked to play defence at times only if Diamond goes on loan.
CRAIG HIGGINS age 18 CB:-Duncan Shearer my assistant agrees that this man has no future here.12k compensation paid.
DUNCAN JONES age 19 CB:-Not needed on his way for free.compensation paid 7k.
PHIL MCGUIRE age 23 CB:-Will partner Anderson in defence.Will have to cut out the stupidity that saw him red carded in a friendly match.
KEVIN RUTKIEWICZ age 23 CB:-He has been told to find another club and has been put on transfer list.

The defence is strong but a few injuries could spoil that hopefully the scout will find a player playing in the lower leagues or the last loan place could go to a defender.

retired_quique

Midfilders

RICHARD BUCKLEY age 18 MD L/C:-A decent young player ill try and loan him to see what he can do in a first team.
CHRIS CLARK age 22 MD R/L:-Although 22 my coaching staff are training him to play in the centre as he could be a wonderful player and creater of goals for the club.
RICHARD FOSTER age 18 MD C:-Ive put him up for loan but ill be keeping a close eye and if he is slacking off hes out.
GRANT FRAZER age 18 MD C:-No future at this club released on a free.Paid 7k compensation.
SCOTT MUIRHEAD age 19 MD L:-A bright one this lad he will be retrained for the centre to utilise his abilities.He might get offered for loan one retrained.
PAULINHO age 20 MD C:-Will play a part in creating the chances for the strikers he can hit a mean free kick too.
PAUL SHEERIN age 28 MD L/C:-Will be kept as he offers alot in the area of midfield not the fastest in the world but a good passer.
KEVIN SOUTER age 19 MD C:-a Good young lad he will be up for loan to try and get vital experience he will need it if he is going to make it.
FERGUS TIERNAN age 21 MD C:-Will be pushing hard for a first team place and with the right attitude could be a star in the next few years.
STEVE TOSH age 30 MD R/C:-Will be kept like Sheerin as he has something to offer with his passing and teamwork skills.


With me opting to go 4-3-3 there should be plenty of players in midfield to compete i dont know who my first 3 will be yet but i think i can pick out of that bunch.The first few league games will tell me who really wants the jersey and who dosnt but ive got a good idea myself and that players will be closley watched at all times.

FORWARDS
ANDREW BAGSHAW age 15 FWD C:-This is a man that can go to the top if hes looked after right.He has all the talent in the world already and hes only 15 only time will tell if hes good enough to make the grade.
MARTIN BAVIDGE age 23 S C:-Bought from Peterhead after a tip off from the scouts i expect this man to feature big this season alot of pressure but he can handle it.
MICHEAL BIRD age 19 S C:-Listed,not needed.No talent there at all.
SCOTT BOOTH age 31 FWD C:-Really dissapointing so far hes in the squad but will be lucky to be first picked.
LEIGH HINDS age 24 S C:-For some reason i like this guy he will get his chance to prove himeself.
MICHELE LOMBARDI age 17 F C:-Another great young player up for loan to get some games under his belt.
DARREN MACKIE age 21 F R/C:-Could be a great player too but has been held back last few years ill give him a fair crack.
LUKE MOORE age 17 F R/L/C:-Bought for mainly cover in attack and midfield but might force his way into the team.
JAMES MORGAN age 17 S C:-Another potential star put up for loan.
MARTIN PREST age 24 F L/C:-will be a main player this year scoring and supplying chances from the forward positions.
STEPHEN TARDITI age 18 S C:-freed,not needed.Paid 7k compensation.
JEROME THOMAS age 20 F L/C:-A bit injury prone but when he is playing he should be a help on the pitch with his pace and dribbling.
DAVID ZDRILLIC age 29 S C:-I really dont think i need him but he has a work permit so im going for the quick sell.Hes listed at £0.

The forwards look strong if only they can show there finishing skills on the pitch it should be a good season for the Dons fans.The only problem is Zdrillic having a work permit,so im planning to get rid of him quick to save the bother with him later.

retired_nicole apple

Hi, I am an Aberdeen fan and will follow this with interest. I like your dealings in the transfer market and await your league reports.

At the moment I am playing as Peterhead and Martin Bavidge is the man for me. Paired with Martin Johnson he hasn't stopped knocking them in all season.

Realistically, what are you aiming for in your first season? Top six, Europe, good cup runs?

Good Luck!

retired_quique

Thanks Stewie in my first season im looking to finish in the top six if i make that i will be happy as for the cups i will try my best to go all the way but the old firm could have a say in that.

Two coaches were offered contracts today with Paul Hegarty being offered a chance to come back to the club and Dutchman Paul Krabbe has also been offered a contract.Hegarty will play a big part in youth development at Pittodrie if he joins teaming up with Neil Cooper to make sure the young talent reach there potential.Krabbe will work with the first team squad.
Stirlings Stewart Devine joins the club for 1k.The 19 yr old midfielder L/C will go into the reserves to try and prove himself.He signs a 3 year deal so i hope by then he is a full first team player.
Paul Hegarty agrees to re-join the club which is good news for the young players.Paul Krabbe agrees a deal also and will work with the first team.
Two days before the season kick-off Everton ask how much id like for Diamond and they are told he wont be going anywhere and reject there advance.W.B.A are told the same as they make a 30k bid.I just hope Diamond can ignore all the transfer talk and concentrate on his football.
Sunderlands Mark Rossiter joins on loan the defender can play on the right or in the centre and will be back up to the first team.With 4 loans already in it looks like this will be the team for the season unless i can get a cheap goalkeeper in.
The Head scout has been watching Hearts and has told me they have a first-rate team.He added that Andy Kirks pace could cause problems in an attacking 4-4-2 formation.

Ive decided to play a 4-3-3 formation trying to play deep and hit on the counter.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Deloumeaux (C),Heikkinen,Clark,Paulinho,Sheerin,Mackie,Bavidg e,Prest.
SUB:-Esson,Rossiter,Tiernan,Tosh,Hinds.

ABERDEEN 4 HEARTS 2PREMIER LEAGUE
With only a minute gone Aberdeen were down one nil Webster with a long header clear found de Vries who lashed home a half volley.Chances fell to both teams with Mackie and de Vries both failing to hit the net after clean through.On the stroke of half time a scramble in midfield saw the ball fall to Bavidge he kept his cool and slotted home for 1-1(45mins.) Just after half-time Paul Sheerin went on a run down the left and cut inside to enter the box only to be stopped by Pressley.Illegally.A pen it was and Sheerin stepped up to score his 1st of the season(49mins.)Aberdeen fans were treated to something special on the 56th minute Webster cleared the ball only to hit Mackie and fall to Paulinho and the midfielder sent a curling shot right into the top corner from 20 yards out.As Hearts looked to get back into the game they threw men forward and when Prest Bavidge and Mackie broke clear against 3 defenders the dons scored again,Prest with the cross Bavidges header was saved by keeper Gordon only for Mackie to tap in the rebound(64mins.)Mackie scored again only for it to be disallowed for offside in the 70th minute.A few half chances fell for both teams before de Vries scored his second of the game(88mins.)

REF:-David Somers
YELLOW CARDS:-Clark(Aberdeen)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Darren Mackie(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-16820

retired_quique

After the super victory over Hearts the board tell me they were extremely pleased with the result.Its a good way to start the season a win and praise from the board but i know how quick all that can change.
A few Young goalkeepers have been scouted and will be scouted further in a view to bringing one in Mark Brown from Caley Thistle the best of the bunch.
The scout has been watching Livingston this week and reports that they are a first-rate side with alot of pace in their attack.He dosnt meantion any star players to watch for.

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

ABERDEEN 5 LIVINGSTON 0PREMIER LEAGUE
Aberdeen showed how hard it will be for visiting teams to pick up points at Pittodrie.It all started in the 4th minute when Clark set up Mackie who scored with a volley.Only 5mins later it was two for both Mackie and Aberdeen Paulinhos free kick was saved onto the bar and for the second game running Mackie was there to tap in(9mins.)It stayed 2-0 until the 56th minute then Prest played a wonderful through ball to Bavidge He side stepped the keeper and slotted home 3-0(57mins.)On 72 minutes Bavidge repayed Prest with a header that found Prest at an impossible angle but somehow Prest drilled a low shot in at the near post.A few subs made Tosh on for Paulinho and Hinds on for Prest(80mins.)The last goal was a cracker Aberdeen won a free kick about 25 yards out and Paul Sheerin scores his second goal of the season with a perfect strike straight from the kick(90mins.)

REF:-David Somers
YELLOW CARDS:-Prest(Aberdeen)McNamee,McGovern,Ipoua(Livingston)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Darren Mackie
ATTENDANCE:-13767

After 2 games Mackies pace is meaning he is getting into good positions and he is causing teams real problems ill be hoping he can keep this form up for the forseable future.Paulinho is also catching the eye with some of the players already saying i should try and sign him as he is listed at his club Arsenal,the only problem being is the 80k price tag ill keep him for the season and then see if i can get him for a bit less.With two away games in a row now it will be hard to keep this form up but ill stick with the defensive 4-3-3 as it seems to suit the team.
Aston Villa want McNaughton again and have asked how much the Dons want,2.5mill is a fair price and thats what Villa are told.Villa quickly withdraw thier bid.
The scout has been watching Dunfermline this week and found out that they play an atacking 3-5-2 with Gary Dempsey being a potent threat in attack.

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

DUNFERMLINE 0 ABERDEEN 2PREMIER LEAGUE
Dunfermline will feel hard done by in the first half having been the better team by a mile.Having had Nicholson injured in 5mins Dunfermline hit the bar and the post but couldnt find the back of the net.Aberdeen had one chance but a Bavidge shot was saved by Stille.Aberdeen came out in the second half and had an early break as Mackie run clear on the right,he chipped the ball into Bavidge who scored from 10 yards for Aberdeen(46mins.)Then two minutes later Bavidge played a nice through ball and Mackies pace was enough for him to dribble into the box with the ball and as the keeper came to meet him he rolled the ball in to a empty net(48mins.)That was infact Aberdeens only chances in the second half but they took them both.Dunfermline had chances through Dempsey and Hunt but they fired over the bar from close range.

REF:-Willie Young
YELLOW CARDS:-Bullen,Mcdermott(Dunfermline)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-David Preece(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-10147