Aberdeen FC boss buoyed by Hartley’s arrival
‘People said we couldn’t pull it off, but we have’
Published:
THE toothy smile that lit up Mark McGhee’s face said more than a thousand words.
The Aberdeen FC manager had the look of the cat who’s got the cream.
McGhee needed a captain and a class midfielder to show the fans that Aberdeen FC mean business in the season ahead.
In Paul Hartley he has secured both, without having to release a single penny for a transfer fee.
“I have to admit I’m buoyed by it all,” said McGhee.
“I don’t think many people in Aberdeen, even some of the ones within the football club, thought we would manage to pull this one off.
“Given the budget we’ve had to spend, it’s great we’ve ended up with a signing as high profile as Paul.
“The group of other players we’ve signed in recent weeks aren’t too bad either.
“We have brought in a good mixture of experience and players with great potential, so I think it’s a job well done.
“Once Sone Aluko, Peter Pawlett and Richard Foster are fit again and we are able to add pace in wide areas, we are going to have a really good team.
“We will also have more options on the bench than there was last season, which is crucial for any manager.”
Readers' Comments
You heard it here first folks. A Charlie Allan exclusive. Hartley is the Dons next captain. Did MM actually tell you that Charlie?
Mark Roberts
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I'm not a great fan of Hartley, hope he makes me change my mind though. Don't think he should be made captain, I would much prefer that job to go to a player like Zander who has the letters AFC running through his bones like a stick of Edinburgh rock. Have to say as well, MM has been made to look a bit daft over the Hendrie saga...We should be disappointed this season if we don't finish above Hearts and/or Dundee Utd. I want nothing less than top 4.
Red Andy
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I'm not a great fan of Hartley, hope he makes me change my mind though. Don't think he should be made captain, I would much prefer that job to go to a player like Zander who has the letters AFC running through his bones like a stick of Edinburgh rock. Have to say as well, MM has been made to look a bit daft over the Hendrie saga...We should be disappointed this season if we don't finish above Hearts and/or Dundee Utd. I want nothing less than top 4.
Red Andy
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Think your letting your heart rule your head there Red Andy, Zander's a tic fan through and through so to say he's got AFC running through his bones is a bit daft. Just cause Zander runs about puffing his chest don't make him a good captain, Hartley has experience and skill and from what i hear, a great communicater. Thats what will make a good AFC captain, also he's someone the younger guys will look upto and not mess around which i could see happen with Zander.
Wilson Sharp
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Hartley is a far better signing than Hendrie would be - Hartley played consistently well for Bristol City last season, where as Hendrie has been a journeyman on a downward spiral since leaving Villa 3 years ago. As for Diamond, the boy has heart but a questionable temperament and it's starting to look like he'll never fulfil the promise he showed 2-3 yrs ago. Hartley would certainly be a strong contender for the captaincy.
Tom (Edinburgh)
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Starting to piece together. If we really want to show ambition and improvement on our appalling scoring record, we should still push the boat out for Hendrie too-even if he is messing about a bit. The successful World Cup formula was having two 'holding' midfielders (Folly and Hartley) allowing the third midfielder (Hendrie/Fyvie) and 3 strikers licence to create. For LB looks like straight fight between Williams and Basey with the former first choice-if he chooses to come. Getting new blood not used to failure and prepared to play for MM is vital. Keep them coming, even if it means letting go some more of last season's squad to balance the books. Still a bit concerned about central defence though.
Russell Borthwick
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Well done MM for getting this together. I think Hartley will be an excelent signing and will show the youngsters how to be more professional in everything they do, setting an example on the training field and the pitch and also I should hope off it. Maybe we can add one more player at left back and I would think we as fans should be pleased that MM has used a small budget wisely or at least as best as he could. There's no garauntee all the players will work out, but we can be positive in the fact we at least know he's tried to put together a team to get back into the top 6 and become competitive again this season. Not sure if we really need to sign Hendire now although he'd not be unwelcome (hes a good player) but at least we ought not need worry oursleves. Why did we not slap in a cheeky bid for Raul? OK, just kidding... guti.
Paul McStay
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Well done MM for getting this together. I think Hartley will be an excelent signing and will show the youngsters how to be more professional in everything they do, setting an example on the training field and the pitch and also I should hope off it. Maybe we can add one more player at left back and I would think we as fans should be pleased that MM has used a small budget wisely or at least as best as he could. There's no garauntee all the players will work out, but we can be positive in the fact we at least know he's tried to put together a team to get back into the top 6 and become competitive again this season. Not sure if we really need to sign Hendire now although he'd not be unwelcome (hes a good player) but at least we ought not need worry oursleves. Why did we not slap in a cheeky bid for Raul? OK, just kidding... guti.
Paul McStay
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who's going to play at left back if he doesnt sign Williams then. He's better than Basey and surely can't be that much more expensive?
peter cocker
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Who's going to play at left back then if he doesnt sign Williams? He's better than Basey and looks real solid. Surely cant be that much more expensive? Peter Cocker
peter cocker
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