Sutton accused us of lying down – but Jimmy would never do that

Dempsey backing for Dons

By Andrew Moir

Published:

DEPARTED DON: Gary Dempsey left Pittodrie for Yeovil Town last summer, but is now with St Patrick’s in Ireland.

FLASHBACK: Rangers’ Ronald de Boer, right, scores his team’s fourth goal of the afternoon as Rangers win the SPL title in 2003.

EVEN now, almost five years on, Chris Sutton’s words still send a shiver down Gary Dempsey’s spine.

The then Celtic striker accused Dunfermline of lying down to Rangers at Ibrox in a day of high drama on the final day of the 2002-2003 season.

The Light Blues romped to a 6-1 victory over the Jimmy Calderwood’s Pars to clinch league glory by a single goal, even though the Hoops crushed Kilmarnock 4-0 at Rugby Park.

Some cynics reckon Aberdeen manager Calderwood will field a weakened team at Pittodrie tomorrow night for the final match showdown with the Gers, while Celtic just need to win at Tannadice to seal their own fate.

Ibrox hitman Jean-Claude Darcheville is even claiming his side are capable of firing six past Dons keeper Jamie Langfield.

Walter Smith’s men need to win by a handsome margin or hope United take points off Celtic if they are to scoop glory.

But former Aberdeen midfielder Dempsey has leapt to the defence of his former boss and insists there’s no chance of any sort of conspiracy theory going on.

“Jimmy might openly admit to being a Rangers man, but he is one of the most professional guys I have ever worked with,” said Dempsey, now with St Patrick’s Athletic in his native Ireland.

“His pride will be hurting that Aberdeen are not a little higher up the league challenging for a UEFA Cup spot like they were last year.

“That’s why he will be determined to end the season on a high by beating Rangers and having some sort of say in the destination of the title.

“I came on as a substitute when Rangers beat us heavily at Ibrox all those years ago.

“And it was a horrible feeling being in the away dressing room after the game.

“But we didn’t let them win, we just couldn’t keep them out in that match.

“Chris was very harsh in his assessment of our performance, but perhaps what he said was in the heat of the moment.

“But make no mistake Jimmy Calderwood will be going all out to win tomorrow night.

“I’m certain it will be extremely tight just like most of the other games between the teams at Pittodrie.”

Dempsey left Pittodrie for Yeovil Town last summer after two years with the Reds.

But he’s kept a constant check on how his former club has been progressing.

Despite a few blips Dempsey believes the Dons have still enjoyed a successful campaign.

He added: “If results go Aberdeen’s way then there’s still a chance they could finish the season in fourth spot.

“They also reached two semi-finals and did well in Europe, so things haven’t been that bad.

“I know a lot of the fans will still be hurting after losing to Queen of the South and it’s going to be hard to forget that one.

“But when you really assess the season as a whole they’ve done well.

“They suffered an indifferent spell at a crucial time, but the lads have done well to finish in the top six.”