Training hots up for Aberdeen FC

McGhee takes charge in sunshine

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IN CHARGE: New Dons manager Mark McGhee at his desk ahead of training today.

ABERDEEN FC made a red-hot start to pre-season training today under new manager Mark McGhee.

The former Aberdeen FC striker took charge of the players for the first time after they returned to Pittodrie from holiday.

The Aberdeen FC manager relished the chance to lead training in blazing sunshine at Balgownie playing fields.

He said: “I couldn’t wait to start my first day at the club.

“It is fantastic weather and the perfect conditions for pre-season training.”

Meanwhile, striker Chris Maguire reckons McGhee can help him find the goal trail this season.

Maguire, 20, is determined to make his mark playing under one of Aberdeen’s greatest ever strikers.

Maguire said: “I can only get better working under the gaffer as he was a great striker and can give me advice.

“I am sure it will be beneficial working with the new gaffer.”

PICTURE GALLERY: Aberdeen FC players back in training

“He will take the strikers for one-on-ones in training and he has already shown at Motherwell that his influence can get the strikers scoring regularly.

“Hopefully he can bring that to Pittodrie.”

McGhee put the squad through a gruelling opening training session today.

And Maguire, who scored six goals last season, is focused on sealing a starting berth for the Europa League third round qualifier on July 30.

“I aim to make an impact in pre-season to show just what I can do,” he said.

“This is the chance for me to go out and make a real impression. Every player will have a great opportunity to impress and push for the first team.

“I aim to make the most of that and make sure I am in the mix for the Europa League game.

“My confidence was high at the end of last season as I started a lot of games and was scoring, so hopefully I can keep that going.”

McGhee and assistant Scott Leitch will rigorously assess every player’s fitness over the opening days of pre-season.

Every player was given a training schedule for the summer, and Maguire insists he is ready.

“I am fighting fit and ready to make an impact,” he said.

“I followed my training programme which started off slowly and built up.

“I also did extra training, such as gym work, to make sure I looked after myself.

“All the boys will be in good shape.”