Jimmy’s fitness warning for stars
Dons boss eager for action
Published:
ABERDEEN’S stars were today warned they could face the chop if they return out of shape.
The Dons report for pre-season training on Monday ahead of the new campaign.
Jimmy Calderwood, pictured right, axed Bryan Prunty and Leigh Hinds when they came back unfit in 2004.
Calderwood said: “If any player was to report back out of shape or unfit, then they would be found out very quickly.”
Calderwood left his squad with strict instructions of the detailed summer fitness plan they were expected to follow.
And the Dons boss is confident all of his troops will have stuck to his fitness regime.
He added: “All the lads know the benefits of following the programme I left them with.
“It’s a system I have used for the last 15 years and the players always reap the benefits of it come the end of the season.
“I have no doubt the group of players I have now will have taken a very professional approach over the close season.
“So far only Gary McDonald, Sammy Stewart and Bert Bossu won’t know exactly what to expect.
“But players talk to each other so they will know I’m big on fitness and set high standards.”
Calderwood is relishing a return to the training ground after spending the last two months in Spain.
The Dons boss will also step up his search for fresh talent when he returns to work.
He added: “I can’t wait to get back to the hard work on Monday.
“That’s when the excitement of the new season really starts to kick in.
“There’s still a lot of work to do before the big kick-off but we’re now working towards something.
“It’s also a chance for the new lads to meet their team-mates and we’ll look to integrate them quickly into the squad.”
Calderwood is still locked in talks as he aims to add more new recruits to his squad before the campaign kicks-off on August 9 against Inverness Caley at Pittodrie.
The Aberdeen manager is also waiting for an answer from defender Alan Maybury over his contract offer.
The right back has so far failed to commit his future to the Reds and could return to England.
Readers' Comments
'Calderwood is relishing a return to the training ground after spending the last two months in Spain.' Please - someone tell me that CANNOT be true. If it is then it's nice to see JC taking a hands-on approach to signing talks etc etc. UNREAL.
chris elder
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Chris Elder - I think he left Willie Miller in charge while he was away... I keep repeating this, but why would we want to keep Maybury when we are clearly not his first, second or third choice. Lets move on and sign someone who wants to play for the club.
Davy Brown
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Two MONTHS in Spain?!?!?! Is it any wonder we are not getting these signings made. Some of the fans that go to the games week in week out only get 4 weeks a year and Jimmy takes 2 months all at once! I know you like a good tan to show your devotion to the reds Jimmy but a standard Pittodrie issued tie would do like eh! By the way Jimmy you have 5 days to sign the 5 players you promised us...tick tock tick tock tick tock......
Steve Brockie
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How many times do I have to say it? Maybury is making a fool of everyone at AFC - show him the door, NOW!! I'm still waiting for the promised players - I kept my side of the bargain and renewed season ticket. I just want to see something positive happening and can't accept that our signings amount to a 17 year old reserve team player, second choice keeper and Gary "who" McDonald!
John (Cove)
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John(Cove)-Gary'who'Mcdonald??It surprises me that you dont know who he is?But he is a very good player and is an excellent(albeit our ONLY) signing, and will do very well at Aberdeen. As for Maybury, enough is enough and we have been strung along far too long, although ill be happy if he stays, a decision is needed now!
Andrew Mitchell
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Don't see how JC could have been in Spain for 2 months as it is less than 6 weeks since we played Rangers in the last game of the season.
John Ross
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Andrew - I just can't remember him playing for Killie and will happily accept that he may a good player. On Maybury front; I would like him to sign up but think he is now stringing us along and making a fool of us and, as a result, we should simply withdraw the offer.
John (Cove)
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"But players talk to each other so they will know I'm big on fitness" - Its a shame that you're not big on players having ability, Jimmy!! In all seriousness though, I totally agree with the Maybury situation. The guy is extracting urine with AFC and we really do look like a joke now, so tell him to get stuffed and stay in England. I don't even want Maybury back at Aberdeen next season
Kevin Rae
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#1 - Yes jimmy you are correct you do need some fitness programme you lookm out of shape. #2- You are correct again Bossu, Mcdonald, Stewart , wont know what to expect. Bossu will be in midfield mcdonald will be in goal and stewart will be head boot boy. But we know what to expect. NO STAR SIGNINGS AND NO SIGNINGS TILL JANUARY. Just read in a reputible newspaper that Aax wee intrested in calderwood. To promote their detergent.
mike fyfe
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