Hartley signs for Aberdeen FC

McGhee snaps up Bristol City midfielder

By Charlie Allan with Aberdeen FC in England

Published: 28/07/2010

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PAUL Hartley today completed his move to Aberdeen FC on a free transfer.

Aberdeen FC boss Mark McGhee claimed the capture of the Scotland international will be one of his best ever signings.

Hartley wanted a return north of the border and English club Bristol City agreed to release the 33-year-old for no fee.

Hearts were also keen on signing the player but dropped out of the running earlier this week, leaving Aberdeen in pole position.

McGhee said: “I’m pleased we have pulled off what I see as one of the best signings I’m likely to make as a manager.

“The negotiations with Paul have been positive from the very beginning.

“I’ve known for a good while now that he was very, very keen to come to Aberdeen.”

Reader's Comments

Great signing hope he keeps fit. Why did Hearts pull out?
Colin Walker
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FAO Brian Henderson. Re yesterdays comments. MM DID say Hendrie would definately be signing and there was nothing to worry about. He said it on a radio interview. Have spoken to several other people who also heard it. Paul McStay was pesumably refering to the same interview in his comment also. Heard it from the horses mouth! MM needs to be careful about what he says in the media. An excellent signing in Hartley though. Well done!
Mark Roberts
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I think Harley will be a great player for us. Colin- apparently Hearts wanted Hartley to disassociate himself with the 'Riccarton 3' comments he and Pressley/Gordon made about the club, and he refused. Mark- seriously, if you want to continue a handbags fight with Paul, do it elsewhere and not on here!
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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Still waiting for this top goalscorer Mark said he was after.But things could be better this season,it needs to be.
Colin Walker
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McGhee is the bookies fav to be sacked first.
Colin Walker
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Tom (Edinburgh) Just making a point to BRIAN about his comments yesterday. If you are not happy about people commenting on a comments board then I suggest YOU go elsewhere. Regards Mark (Aberdeen).
Mark Roberts
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Mark - fine with people commenting - but on the actual article and news of the day please, not continuing a previous day's disagreement!
Tom (Edinburgh)
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Tom-who made you moderator of this site? By the time I logged back on yesterday I didn't get the chance to respond to Brian. Todays comment from myself was just to clarify to Brian where I heard the comments from MM. Forgive me for carrying on a debate over two days. I'm certainly not the first to do this! Just heard MM admit on Northsound that it is now highly unlikely Hendrie and Williams will be signing due to the signing of Hartley. Come on SM and WM back MM just a bit more. What have you got to lose?
Mark Roberts
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Mark, we were both right, but lets not split hairs here today and instead seeing as we are fans just enjoy the fact we never got Hendire, but the player we would have all chosen first, Paul hartley. Great signing, said on the previous article today what I thought overall of it. Kudos to McGhee. As for a top striker, Raul was available!? TAXI....
Paul McStay
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