Derek ready for family affair

Young brothers ready to face each other for first time

By Andrew Moir

Published:

RIVALS: Derek and Darren Young will line up against each other for the first time next month.

SIGNING ON: The Young brothers sign on with then Dunfermline boss Jimmy Calderwood in 2003.

YOUNG DAYS: Darren, top, and Derek as youngsters at Pittodrie.

ABERDEEN’S Derek Young has a very special date in his diary this summer.

The reborn Dons midfielder is counting down the days until Tuesday, July 15.

Jimmy Calderwood’s men will make the short trip south down the A90 to Dundee for their second pre-season friendly.

And that’s when Derek will finally get the chance to go head-to-head with older brother Darren, who recently signed for the Dark Blues.

“When I was at Partick Thistle we were drawn against Darren’s last club Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup a few years ago,” said Derek.

“But Darren was injured so unfortunately missed out on playing in that game.

“So we’ve never actually played against each other in a competitive game.

“I’m looking forward to the match against Dundee, and if I come face-to-face with my brother, I’m sure there will be a few meaty challenges going in.

“It could prove to be an interesting battle between us.”

The Young brothers started their careers together at the Dons before leaving in 2003.

The pair refused to sign reduced contracts when Steve Paterson was at the helm and joined Jimmy Calderwood at Dunfermline.

Darren only recently severed his ties at East End Park, while Derek left the Pars two years ago before his career turned full circle.

Derek enjoyed a summer renaissance last year when Calderwood again landed his signature.

The 28-year-old had been training on his own at public parks in Glasgow before his Pittodrie return.

But he has proved to be a very shrewd signing as he was one of Aberdeen’s most impressive performers last season.

Darren also faced a summer in limbo after leaving Dunfermline before signing for Alex Rae’s side.

Derek knows the comforts of having the security of a contract, and is glad his brother is now fixed up with a new club.

He added: “I’m just pleased he managed to find another club so early in the close season.

“There was talk of a few other clubs in England and maybe even Aberdeen being interested.

“But Darren would have had to wait on different things for those moves to materialise.

“After speaking to Alex Rae he was sold on Dundee, and there’s every chance they’ll be a force next season.

“I spoke to Darren about his situation and explained what it was like for me last year being forced to hang on before joining Aberdeen.

“In hindsight I was lucky as the uncertainty ended up working in my favour.

“Saying that, it’s always much better to get things sorted out much earlier.

“Darren just can’t wait to get started as he missed the majority of last season because of different niggling injuries.”

Derek enjoyed a short summer break before returning to the hard graft of pre-season training.

He’s been busy working on his own to make sure he’s in the best possible shape for when the first team squad returns on Monday.

And the Scotland U21 cap reckons a fully blown training schedule will only help him flourish further.

“I can head into the new season with a proper pre-season under my belt.

“That’ll be the first time that’s ever happened in three years as I have always been left to train on my own.

“I was able to enjoy my summer break as I wasn’t lying on a beach wondering where I was going to be next season.”