Hoops in swoop for kid Strachan
Month’s trial for defender Ryan
Published:
CELTIC today offered freed Dons defender Ryan Strachan an SPL lifeline.
The 17-year-old centre back was one of several youth players allowed to leave Pittodrie this summer.
But now the Scotland youth cap is heading to Parkhead next month for a month-long trial with the league champions as he looks to rebuild his career.
“I'm looking forward to training with Celtic,” said the former St Machar Academy pupil.
“Nothing has been decided yet but it’s a huge boost the team that won the league last season is looking at me.
“Celtic is a huge club and it would be great to get a chance with them but I’ll need to impress during the trial.
“I was disappointed when Aberdeen said they weren’t keeping me but I just have to look to recover from this setback.
“But hopefully I'll have something finalised within the next few weeks.”
Dundee United, Inverness Caley Thistle and Motherwell are also clamouring for Strachan’s signature.
The SPL trio are all ready to offer him a chance if things fail to work out properly with the Hoops.
And Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood would love nothing more than to see the teen defender prove him wrong.
Calderwood said: “Telling young players like Ryan they are leaving is one of the hardest parts of the job.
“But I would be pleased to see him and all the rest of the lads get fixed up with other clubs as soon as they can.”
The decision to release Strachan was certainly a surprise after the youngster won the Clydesdale Bank Premier League U19 rising star for February.
Neil McVitie, David Ross, Jordan Halsman, Martin Skinner and Greg Lamberty where also released along with Strachan.
Peterhead are tracking McVitie following a successful loan spell at Balmoor last season although Raith Rovers and Greenock Morton have also shown an interest.
Blue Toon boss Neale Cooper is also keen on David Ross and Martin Skinner.
Lamberty has joined Highland League side Huntly after leaving Pittodrie.
Meanwhile, Calderwood is still waiting on a decision from Alan Maybury as to whether he’s going to accept Aberdeen’s contract offer.
The full back has been offered the chance to pen a permanent Dons deal but has yet to make up his mind.
Several English clubs are reportedly running the rule over Maybury and he could yet opt to return south of the border.
The Republic of Ireland cap is expected to announce his plans soon.
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Readers' Comments
Why are we still waiting for Maybury? Write him off and get someone who actually wants to play for us.
John Ross
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Another day........and another day with no news on the signing front!! We'll be left scrabbling around for the cast offs that no-one wants! Get the finger out and sign a few players that will improve the team, and boost the fans hopes, and season ticket sales!
Kevin Smith
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Agreed.. Maybury came out and said he would give an answer last week.. In the business world these guys wouldnt get more than a day to mess us around. . and that is what the guy is doing. Come on Alan.. stop thinking about your wallet. its fat enough. your a great player but you need to settle down for a couple of years to prove it. and maybe win a cup.. I've got a feeling this could be our year for a cup! is it too late to resurrect the tenants sixes?>
Paul Crichton
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Another story about an ex-player looking for a club - I want to hear about players who are coming our way!! It's obvious that we are not Maybury's first choice - he's waiting for a better offer to come along - either sign up or ship out, now!!
John (Cove)
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if it was calderwood and nicholl that showed ryan strachan the door, there's a fair chance he's a decent player - i don't get it; he's voted rising player of the month, tracked by numerous clubs, celtic showing an interest, and we've binned him ? but no outrage from anyone - have never seen the guy play, but hope he does'nt come back to haunt us - re Maybury totally agree, he's had his chance; good player or not, withdraw all offers - tango has tried to play hardball several times with 'transfer rebels' and every time they have laughed at his 'deadline', ditto langfield being dropped last summer, even the man's basic management skills are left wanting
Tavish Calgary
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If your not commited to the shirt then beat it. All the best to the youngsters released its a shame that a guy around the 30 year old mark (Maybury) getting paid a heafty sum every week still hasen't commited to the club but these young guys who would probably sweat blood for the shirt are getting released.
Derek O'Hara
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