Friends reunited as Kerr signs on
Pittodrie star Miller seals the deal
Published:
MARK Kerr today revealed old friend Lee Miller convinced him to join the Dons.
The former Dundee United midfielder has agreed a two-year deal with Aberdeen and will complete his move north on Monday.
The Evening Express reported in May that Jimmy Calderwood was in for Kerr.
The 26-year-old turned his back on a move to England to further his Scotland career and he could not be happier.
“I spoke to my old Dundee United pal Lee Miller and he couldn’t speak highly enough of the manager,” he said.
“I wouldn’t say Lee’s words alone convinced me, but they were good to hear.
“It’s a great move. Jimmy Calderwood impressed me with his ambition and I know Aberdeen are a big club.
“I thought it would be best for my career if I headed to England.
“But I began to realise that the SPL’s getting better, and I can still improve playing up here.
“I also want to play for Scotland one day and playing for Jimmy at Aberdeen can help me do that.”
Calderwood has vowed to help his latest recruit Kerr fulfil his international dream.
The former Falkirk man already has one B cap, but wants a place in George Burley’s senior squad.
And Calderwood couldn’t be happier to beat off competition from a host of English clubs to finally land his man.
“Had Mark opted to go down south it would probably have been at a club lower than the Championship,” said Calderwood.
“No disrespect, but that was never going to help his case in terms of breaking into the Scotland set-up.
“I’m convinced if he can perform well for Aberdeen then George Burley will take notice.
“He’s certainly not going to be forgotten about which could have happened had he slipped into the lower leagues.
“Mark was a vital cog in Dundee United’s team and I’m just pleased he’s coming our way.
“He used to allow guys like Willo Flood, Morgaro Gomis and Barry Robson to express themselves, so he should help the likes of Jamie Smith.
“Although he played more as a holding player for Dundee United, he’s still a very good passer.
“He’s also a gem in the dressing room so should fit in well with the rest of the lads.”
Readers' Comments
What a signing!I was really hoping we would get Kerr, and had a sneaking suspicion he would sign on!I think our midfield is starting to look in great shape for next season, and it seems that the promises made are starting to come good. Obviously we need to sign more players but I really think this shows that the club is being sold to quality player!!
Andrew Mitchell
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decent signing, agree with Andrew, midfield is looking reasonably strong, although still dont see any evidence of any quality down the wings, Kerr, McDonald, Severin, they all play through the middle, we could do with at least one class act down one of the wings to add another dimension to our play, oh and another decent striker to feed off good delivery into the box wouldnt go a miss either
Steve Brockie
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Good news - Nice one JC! I agree we now at least need another striker and a winger along with Brakens for us to be in good shape for the beggining of the season.
Gaz Wright
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Credit where its due - well done JC and WM - he's a decent player who should fill Barry Nichs boots. I had my doubts he'd sign but happy to be proven wrong. Come on you Reds!!
Davy Brown
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Good stuff, well done Jimmy and Willie for getting this guy as we all know there was a few clubs after him.
Scott Murray
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Glad to admit that I've been made to eat my words!!! Well done AFC, really pleased with the signing of Kerr. Now looking forward to the forthcoming season with this quality signing.
John (Cove)
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Great signing. Just the type of player our midfield needs. Good to see that money isn't the only reason why players choose clubs.
John Ross
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A good signing. Now all we need is an experienced centre half, a strike partner for Miller and Sone to stay.
Mark Roberts
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Great signing but there's still A LOT of work to be done. The only areas we're comfortable in is in goal and central midfield. We have only three natural centre-backs - Diamond, Considine and Mair. We have NO natural full-backs. We have two recognised wingers - de Visscher and Smith and only two regular forwards to support Miller - Mackie and Maguire. Also, if we're looking for balance, we only have two left-footed players - Langfield, a 'keeper, and Considine. Even if we didn't have a horrendous injury record I'd be worried. Still, it's nice to sign someone that United actually wanted to keep for once!
Chris Scott
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Great signing and at last we seem to be moving forward from last season. The biggest issue to me seems that Aberdeen persist in signing players on two year deals which means we will get a season and a half out of Kerr before we hear about him going down south on a Bosman. We keep on claiming we are bigger and better than Hibs, Hearts etc but with most of their players on 3 year or londer deals they continue to reap in transfers whilst good Aberdeen players always walk away at the end of their deal. Come on Aberdeen show us you are in this for the long haul!!!
Scott Hutcheon
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