Aberdeen FC to play in Windass testimonial
Former Red to be honoured
Published:
ABERDEEN FC today agreed to play English Premier League side Hull City in Dean Windass’ testimonial match.
Mark McGhee’s men will travel to the KC Stadium on Sunday, August 9 (3pm) to honour former Pittodrie favourite Windass.
Aberdeen FC originally had to decline Hull’s offer to provide the opposition for Windass’ big match because it was scheduled for August 5, the day before the second leg of their Europa League qualifying tie.
But Hull agreed to move the match to the following Sunday to ensure the Aberdeen FC could face them in the tribute to Windass, 40, who is now a player-coach with Darlington.
The clash will be ideal preparation for new Aberdeen FC manager McGhee’s first SPL match in charge, against Celtic at Pittodrie the following weekend.
McGhee, meanwhile, has issued a hands off warning to any clubs eyeing up his star players.
McGhee revealed he has been told by director of football Willie Miller and chairman Stewart Milne that he does not have to sell anyone.
That means top talent such as Sone Aluko, who McGhee is an admirer of, will remain at Pittodrie unless the manager decides otherwise.
He said: “Part of the agreement I have with Willie and Stewart is that I am not going to have to sell anyone.
“The only way a player will go is if I don’t need him and he won’t be part of my plans.
“If I feel they don’t fit in to what I am trying to do then I will make them available.
“Any player who I think is going to be an important part of my plans won’t be made available.
“Anyone coming in for them will be wasting their time.”
With his first day in charge of Aberdeen FC not coming until July 1, McGhee has yet to meet his squad.
But the former Motherwell manager has already seen enough of wing king Aluko to know he will be a valuable asset.
McGhee said: “In the modern game you need players that can do something different.
“You need someone that can beat a player and get you up the park.
“You need players that can change a game.
“At Motherwell, I brought in Jim O’ Brien in the second half of the season and he did that brilliantly for us.
“Aluko is one who has the potential to do that for Aberdeen FC.
“There are others as well and you need that in your team.”
Rather than sell any players, McGhee insisted he is focusing on improving his squad.
The 52-year-old has already made moves to attract former Motherwell player Stephen Hughes to Pittodrie.
McGhee also admitted an interest in left-sided Plymouth player Jim Paterson and may consider signing a central defender.
He said: “There is no pressure on me to sell anyone.
“What I am trying to do is add to it.
“Not only to add competition for places, which I am entitled to do.
“But I am also trying to add quality to give me a stronger team.
“Aberdeen FC fans don’t need to have any worries whatsoever that we are going to do anything other than strengthen the team.
“That’s the most important thing.”
