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Home , Chris Maguire, Darren Mackie, Derek McInnes, Eddie Howe, Eoin Jess, Jamie Langfield

A RED Point of View

GRAEME

SHINNIE

NEW CAPTAIN NEW SEASON... ISSUE 01 JULY 2017 Welcome... cONTRIBUTORS: It is with great pleasure that I welcome Ryan Crombie: you to “A Red Point of View” the unof- @ryan_crombie ficial online Dons magazine. We are an entirely new publication, dedicated to Ally Begg: bringing you content based upon the @ally_begg club we love. As a regular blogger and writer, I have written many pieces on the Scott Baxter: club I have supported from birth, this perhaps less through choice but family @scottscb tradition. I thank my dad for this. As a re- Matthew Findlay: sult of engaging and sharing my personal @matt_findlay19 writing across social media for several years now, I have grown to discover the monumental online Dons support that Tom Mackinnon: exists across all platforms. The aim of @tom_mackinnon this magazine is to provide a focal point for fans online, to access some Martin Stone: of the best writing that the support have @stonefish100 to offer, whilst giving the writers a plat- form to voice anything and everything Finlay Hall: Dons related. In this first issue we have @FinHall a plethora of content ranging from the pre-season thoughts from one of the Red Army’s finest, Ally Begg, to an ex- Mark Gordon: @Mark_SGordon clusive interview with , who opens up about his lengthy time at Pittodrie. Guest writer Scott Baxter, Lewis Michie: the club photographer at Aberdeen tells @lewismichie0 what it’s like to photograph the Dons. Finlay Hall analyses the necessity of Ewan Beattie: fanzines and we get some views from @Ewan_Beattie the terraces as fans send in their pieces. Elsewhere we hear the views of Blogger Martin Stone, the “Burst Baw Podcast’s” Matt Findlay and the Evening telegraph’s A Special Thanks: Tom Mackinnon tackles the issue of colt To Scott Baxter club photographer at Aberdeen teams. I am delighted to have yourself Football Club. Without his kindness in allowing us on board for the first issue of the mag- to use his sublime photos the magazine would be azine and I hope it won’t be the last. a worse, less colourful place without them. Scott’s Stand Free and enjoy! Ryan Crombie. name and website are on all images. Do not hesi- Cover art by Callum Melvin tate to head to his site “scottcameronbaxter.com”. New Captain, New Season.

WORDS / Ryan Crombie IMAGE / Scott Baxter - @scottscb scottcameronbaxter.com new season beckons. With it comes the usual of the punters biting their nails at the back of the South unwavering eagerness of supporters, the re- Stand; leaping for every header, kicking every ball, stretch- juvenated bouts of optimism and the restless ing every sinew as he dives into challenges. He experiences anticipation of finally being able to chalk in the the emotions on the pitch that the supporters are under- Afitba for Saturday afternoon on the calendar. The usual going off of it. As a direct result the Dons fans want to rally close season process is underway; new faces are walk- behind Shinnie, they want to call him their captain. ing the corridors of Pittodrie, season tickets are heading towards a record number of sales while as always the Shinnie, the hallmark of stability has ironically been sur- club shop remains stowed out for the first few games rounded by uncertainty over the course of the summer. As of the season. Football is back and frankly there is no is the transient nature of football, all things, good or bad, better feeling. We are back for a new season and with it must come to an end and there has been vast changes we have a new captain. made to the playing squad since that last game in May. A host of players have moved on but additions to the squad McInnes has decided to put his faith in his stalwart such as Stewart, Mackay-Steven, Maynard and Arnason are Graeme Shinnie to skipper the team for the unequivocally going a long way to filling the gaping holes 2017/18 season. It may not seem like the most impact- left by Hayes and McGinn. The return of Christie from Celt- ful of changes at the club given the fact Shinnie led the ic could prove to be pivotal over the course of the season, side for lengthy periods during the injury of our dearly with exquisite touches and flashy finishing proving to be departed former number 22 but now it is finally placing the norm for young Ryan, he certainly looks like he has the the sole onus on Shinnie as captain of potential to scoop the player of the Aberdeen Football Club. A man that year award when it comes around epitomises what a leader should be, “The Dons next year. Most crucially of all, the Shinnie understands what it means to management staff are here to stay. play for Aberdeen. He plays with te- McInnes and Docherty turned down nacity, his celebrations are passionate faithful want Sunderland and have now signed on in victory while he remains magnani- at Pittodrie until 2020. Whether they mous and honest in the face of defeat. to rally behind see out the length of that contract it It is with these qualities that the fans remains to be seen but what it does have taken to Shinnie like an Aberdo- say for now is that both are fully com- nian takes to the famous rowie. Shinnie, they mitted to the club and believe that they can progress Aberdeen to that What there is no debating, is that Ab- want to call next level. erdeen had been missing a strong au- thoritative leader since captain Russell Aberdeen have experienced that Anderson retired in 2015. Jack took on him their period of change that has threatened the role in a diffident fashion with it for several seasons now but with rumoured the captaincy was a negoti- captain.” the calibre of recruitment during the ation within his contract. Nonetheless, close season you could argue the he was never going to become that domineering voice squad looks to be in a stronger position now, than it did on the pitch simply because he had been passed the last year. There is more than enough reason to be optimis- armband. It wasn’t his nature and often when pro- tic about the coming season especially with the talent that ceedings cruelly turned against the Dons, Jack’s body now litters the Aberdeen dressing room. The ambition for language suggested he was carrying the weight of the McInnes and his side will definitely be to get their hands world on his shoulders and at times shirking blame on some silverware this year especially after the agony of from the situation instead of galvanising his colleagues falling at the final hurdle in both cup competitions during looking for a solution. This may seem overly harsh but the last campaign. The players who remain will be hungry his shortcomings are only accentuated by the quality of to get back to the national stadium to right a few wrongs his successor, Graeme Shinnie. while McInnes is on this path to create a legacy at the club.

In his short time in the role, Shinnie has shown the fans The feel good factor is here to stay at Aberdeen and with what it means to himself to captain the side. His most the club heading for a record season ticket sales total, the desired quality? He cares. It’s the one trait that support- vibrancy from the support is undeniable. The Red Army are ers of a club anywhere in the world want to see. His de- buying into what McInnes continues to build at Pittodrie, sire and the battling determination that Shinnie shows while they are on board with the new captain. Graeme on a consistent basis is why the Pittodrie faithful have Shinnie, one of our own, will lead us into battle for the fallen for their new captain. He plays as if he was one 2017/18 campaign. Darren Mackie: A career dedicated to Aberdeen

IMAGE / Scott Baxter - @scottscb scottcameronbaxter.com arren Mackie was one of the great servants to makes it feel like I’ve been a part of a huge moment Aberdeen football club. Albeit a man who divid- in the recent history of the club. Looking back it was a ed opinion at the best of times, Mackie created massive thing to score and get us through to the group some of the most memorable Dons moments stages. It was an amazing night from start to finish. The Dof the 21st century and none more so than that diving goal going in is just a blur really as it happened so quick- header in the heat of night in Ukraine to secure Aber- ly. There was the throw in out on the left hand side, then deen’s passage to the UEFA Cup group stages. For that, it the quick one-two with Richard Foster and Jamie Smith is what Mackie will be most fondly remembered of and and then Foster ran down the wing and crossed it in and he himself agrees. In this exclusive interview with “A Red I was where I was meant to be, in the six yard box wait- Point of View” Darren Mackie opens up about his career ing for the diving header. The cross couldn’t have been and his fourteen years at the Dons. any more perfect and I just literally had to throw myself at it. I can still remember the ball hitting the back of Mackie’s love affair with the club was one that was in- the net and the noise from the fans, who were quite far stilled in him from an early age as he grew up supporting back behind the goal and then they were going wild. It Aberdeen. His affiliation to the club would become even was something else. Don’t get me wrong it was a tough, stronger as it was in 1996 tough game because we rode that the dreams that every our luck for pretty much the young boy imagines became rest of the game as I remem- tangible. He had the oppor- “I remember ber them hitting the post and tunity to show the club he crossbar several times while followed what he could do. in goal had a the ball hitting few decent saves as well. But “It all started when I was as I say we made it and we got 14. I remember being ap- to the airport afterwards and proached by the net and the there was this bar and you after a local boy’s game. He could not get moved and of asked to go along and train course when we came in [the with the club for the week noise from the team] the place went wild. I over the October holidays. think the place is still rocking I remember being abso- just now.” lutely buzzing. Obviously being a supporter myself fans behind the The goal scored in Dnipropet- I was delighted to get the rovsk ensured that Aberdeen chance. I went in, I trained would be battling it out with and afterwards they told me goal going wild. the best of the best across they wanted me to sign on Europe and is why it is remem- a schoolboy contract which bered so fondly by Dandies. It again I was buzzing about. At It was some- is one of the great nights in the 16 I left school and signed a recent history of the club. Of professional contract.” course fans and players alike thing else.” eagerly anticipated the draw As they say, the rest is his- for the group stage. tory and Mackie went on to play for the club for a stag- gering fourteen seasons. Speaking about his career with “Then the excitement of sitting and waiting to see the Aberdeen Darren spoke at length about the many mem- draw to see who you were going to get in the group ories that still resonate with him. stage and all those nights that followed. Obviously there was disappointment for myself because I never got to “Obviously the European stuff is up there. I remember play in any of them as I had injured my ankle. I missed my first European goal against Nistry Otaci at Pittodrie. all the league games so I was gutted about that. I went The ball got crossed in and I just headed it in. That was a over to Madrid and sat in the stands with the fans. It great memory. I just had great moments all round I mean was great to be a part of it but obviously I would have don’t get me wrong there were moments where I was preferred to have played. The guys did amazing to get us down but they mould you and make you get better. through that group when you look at the quality that we faced in it. “Whenever I speak to any fan obviously it [the goal in “I remember sitting up in one of the lounges waiting for Dnipro] is always mentioned, which is nice because it the draw [for the next round] and then Bayern Munich’s name got pulled out and I don’t think we could ledge above the door so people used to tie a cup on the have got anyone any bigger.” ledge with a bit of string. So there was one time Jimmy Calderwood came in, he was all suited and booted ready Two of Pittodries greatest European games have been to go somewhere. The boys had set the cups up, I think against the great Bayern Munich, albeit 25 years apart. it was probably me actually but, we heard him say from One of the most surreal and unexpected results in Ab- outside there was one last thing he wanted to say be- erdeen’s history that night at Pittdorie redefined what fore he left us. He walked straight in and got absolutely European nights were at Aberdeen Football Club. The soaked. He was absolutely raging. You could tell he was stadium was packed, the atmosphere electric and the trying to laugh it off but deep down he was angry. He visitors of world class quality. It’s what football is about, then had to go and change into a tracksuit for his meet- it’s what fans go the games for, it’s what players live for. ing [laughs]. We used to nail people’s trainers to the floor too all that kind of thing, it was just good fun. Lots “That was a cracking memory, to draw 2-2 with them of memories, lots of fun and many good friends made at home was unbelievable. Pittodrie that night was out of it.” just on fire, absolutely bouncing and I don’t think I had seen it as full ever. It was absolutely rammed and the In thank you for his sheer dedication to the club, some- atmosphere was amaz- thing that appears to be ing. We went and did a dying trait in football, ourselves justice, I think Mackie was rewarded they thought they were “To get the chance with a testimonial against just going to come over Spanish giants Villareal. and roll over the top of us. Not that in dampened the We gave everything and to play for your occasion but the match we were actually disap- ended in defeat for Dar- pointed to draw the game. ren’s Dons with Giusseppe Then we went over there boyhood team was Rossi remarkably getting then you see the other the only goal of the game side of football; the mon- for the “Yellow Subma- ey, the stadium, the fans. incredible. I’m just rine”. They [Bayern Munich] were just on a different “The testimonial, I level that night altogether couldn’t have asked for but you know, we enjoyed hugely proud I got better. Villareal a really the run and the fans still big club came and played speak about it all to this and I was honoured. I’m day which is really nice. to do it for as long delighted a got a team of their calibre to come and “Playing in these Europe- be part of it. I still really an nights is really special. as I got to do it” appreciate all the fans Obviously not everyone who turned out and sup- gets the chance and I know that. I wore my heart on my ported me. That was another excellent memory. I think sleeve because I supported the club. As a boy I didn’t the yellow submarine we got presented from Villareal is get to go to many of the games as I was always playing still in the boardroom, it was in there the last time I was myself, I just wanted to play but I always looked at the in anyway! scores as soon as possible and was crazy about what Aberdeen were doing. To get the chance to play for your “All in all Aberdeen was and is a huge part of my life. I boyhood team was just incredible. I’m just hugely proud left school when I was 16 and was at the club until I was of the fact I got to do it and for as long as I got to do it.” 30. I’ve seen and met a lot of nice people, met a lot of great players and played under some good managers. I Looking back at his time a little less seriously Mackie couldn’t have asked for anything more.” recollects some of the banter that took place in the changing room, with one memory sticking out the most vividly. “The favourite used to be sticking the cups of water above the door, so obviously when someone walked into the dressing room it would fall on them. There was a Interview conducted by Ryan Crombie. Emotional Rollercoaster

WORDS / Ally Begg s long-suffering Aberdeen fans what an aston- a breath of fresh air over the years, a player not afraid ishing last couple of months we have just gone to take on his immediate opponent and get crosses into through: from Cup final despair, the uncertain- the box. I struggle to remember a player in the same ilk ty over the future of manager Derek McInnes, as him willing to run at defenders with such devastat- AJonny Hayes signing for Celtic and now at the time of ing pace, maybe Joe Miller? With Niall also leaving we writing the nail-bitting wait for to put had just lost our main supply of ammunition into the pen-to-paper. box but as is the way with disappointment came hope in the shape of . Personally I would have Let’s start with the Cup Final. As much as the loss and preferred to nail him down to a contract but beggars the manner of it hurt I came away from Hampden with can’t be choosers! I have no doubt he will prove to be a newly found optimism. With a little bit of luck and an excellent acquisition. a more accurate pass from I believe the Cup would have been held high into the Hampden air With Greg Tansey safely tucked up in the dressing room by skipper Graeme Shinnie. It was an incredibly brave more good news was on the way with goalkeeper Joe performance by the boys, one which they should be Lewis extending his contract. I would like to think that very proud of. Celtic, quite this fine chap is the Dons best rightly went into the game keeper since the Jim Leight- as massive favourites but I on/Theo Snelders days. This always had belief that on our “Derek and the Doc was as good as a new signing. day, if we performed to our More good news was on the absolute peak we could have were staying af- way with Greg Stewart arriv- taken them. These games are ing from Birmingham City on on-off occasions and how the a year-long loan. I have no lads handle that said occa- ter all, Jesus wept doubt once Greg finds his feet sion ultimately determines and full match fitness he will the outcome. They handled it test many a Premiership goal- magnificently! talk about elation! keeper this coming season. As far as I was concerned from As I made my way to Germany I have to be honest the depths of despair came to meet up with my family much hope and anticipation. for a well-deserved break the At the time of writing the press was rife with stories I was thrilled. This Shaun Maloney will he won’t about the future of Derek he sign saga has hit a stum- McInnes. At best I believed bling block with an old injury this was just me- was turning into an putting doubts to a potential dia skullduggery but over 2-year deal. I for one hope the coming days the rumors emotional the club and player can get gathered pace. I spoke with this over the line as I believe a couple of agent friends of Shaun still has much to offer mine and one or two closely rollercoaster!” and will be a perfect fit to our connected with the club and club. the general consensus was one of resignation. I like many other dandies was preparing myself for the worst! Personally I can’t wait for the season to begin and see Then came the club statement we were all dreading, the where we can go. I have some hopes: qualification for club had reluctantly given permission for Derek to talk the group stage of the Europa League, to close the gap to Sunderland. I was flattened! somewhat on Celtic at the top of the League and to add some silverware to our illustrious trophy cabinet. We Time for a new chapter, or so we thought! A couple of could be in for a hell of a ride! days later I received a text message from a friend of mine who said he had been told Derek had just turned Stand Free! down Sunderland, I couldn’t believe it! Within minutes the club tweeted their statement that Derek and the Doc were staying after all, Jesus wept talk about elation! I have to be honest I was thrilled. This was turning into an emotional rollercoaster! Then the news broke that wee Jonny was for the off, bloody hell! Jonny had been The Next Cycle

WORDS / Martin Stone IMAGE / Scott Baxter - @scottscb scottcameronbaxter.com edro Caixinha was right. to accept the challenge of guiding Sunderland back to the English Premiership. In a spectacular turn of events, There, I said it. Mark this date in your diary McInnes not only rejected the advances of the Black because it won’t be often this season I’ll admit Cats but went on to reaffirm his commitment to Aber- Pany of the glib sound bites endlessly churned out by the deen by signing an extended contract to keep him at the Ibrox boss contain even a semblance of wisdom. club until 2020.

Pedro the Prophet’s doom-laden prediction that Ab- In the midst of the saga surrounding the manager, the erdeen were in the death throes of the successful transfer that could ultimately shape the whole direction cycle they’d enjoyed during the four seasons of Derek of Aberdeen’s next cycle was quietly taking place behind McInnes’s tenure was met with universal derision from the scenes. Dons’ fans, myself included. While it was obvious that at least some of the out of contract players were likely There had been online murmurings for months that the to move on at the end of last season, the notion that talismanic Jonny Hayes, so often the driving force behind the progress made during the Aberdeen’s brand of football McInnes era was about to be under McInnes, although still wiped out seemed ludicrous. “ under contract was likely to be Few observers, among those leaving Pittodrie. However, in retrospect, Caix- Several English Championship hina has been proven at least clubs were credited with an in- partially correct: at the time of not even Pedro terest but the Irishman finally writing six first team regulars ended up making a £1.3million have exited Pittodrie, most switch to Celtic. significant among them Jonny in his most viv- Hayes and Niall McGinn, who Fans were understandably were absolutely central to the upset at the loss of such an team dynamic and the success id Nostradamus important player to a rival club that followed. In the face of but in the fullness of time that such a high turnover of impor- type of money for a 29 year tant players it’s impossible not meets old, whose game is so heavily to feel that the coming sea- reliant on his lightening pace, son is the beginning of a new could well be viewed as a chapter for the club. Machievellia on good bit of business.

Caixinha had implied in his The unexpected injection of withering assessment of the acid could have capital from the Hayes transfer Dons prospects that a new coupled with the strengthen- cycle incontrovertibly meant ing of McInnes position on the the start of a less successful foreseen what back of his extended contract, period; a depressing down- appears to have given the turn in fortunes following the ” manager the extra leverage relative highs of three suc- happened next. needed to bring in the type of cessive second place finishes replacements who could well and a League Cup trophy. The Portuguese insinuated prove to be better long term options than the players that Aberdeen might struggle to retain the services of they’ve replaced. their manager in the face of advances from clubs south of the border, and he was even more sceptical that the Perhaps somewhat ironically it is two returning players club could replace their departing stars with players of a who have the potential to propel Aberdeen similar calibre. to new heights and make a mockery of Caixinha’s proph- ecy, namely Kari Arnason and Ryan Christie. Few observers, not even Pedro in his most lucid Nostrad- amus meets Machievelli on acid moments, could have Arnason’s previous spell at the club saw him operating in foreseen what happened next. a defensive midfield role as part of a fairly dismal Craig Brown side. Despite the travails of the team, Arnason’s Following weeks of speculation, McInnes seemed to consistently high levels of performance saw him be on the verge of calling time on his spell at Pittodrie become a firm favourite with the fans. Following his departure in 2012 he went on to bolster his creden- award. tials further by earning back to back promotions with Rotherham United, before appearing in the 2015-16 The more I see of Christie, the more I’m convinced he is Champions League groups stages with Swedish outfit a once in a generation talent who is capable of playing Malmö where he pitted himself against the might of at the very highest level; I can barely remember a young Real Madrid, PSG and Shakhtar Donetsk. Arnason was Aberdeen player with as much natural talent in my time also an integral part of the Iceland side that famously as a spectator at Pittodrie. The only regrettable aspect reached the Quarter Finals of Euro 2016, his contribu- is that with every virtuoso performance he puts in, the tion including two assists and a Man of Match perfor- prospect of securing him on a permanent deal looks mance. ever slimmer. If for some bizarre reason Celtic decide he isn’t good enough to a regular starter in their side, they What Aberdeen are getting in the returning Arnason is are likely to be able to sell him for a price beyond Ab- a player who has tested himself at the highest level in erdeen’s means. Fans should certainly enjoy his perfor- his 5 years away from Pittodrie. The experience gained mances for the Dons while they last as I unfortunately from facing off against some can’t conceive of a way he’ll of the Europe’s best players, be playing at Pittodrie next including three encounters season. with , will “ Two recruits in be invaluable when Arnason So, yes Pedro, you were right: presumably slots in next to particular have the Aberdeen are onto a new cy- Mark Reynolds in the heart of cle, but early signs are it’s one the Aberdeen defence. of those souped-up electric potential to jobs while Rangers are still The 34 year old is equally cutting around on a Penny-far- adept at centre half as he is in thing. midfield and should provide propel Aberdeen the perfect foil for the pacey Stand Free. Reynolds. Arnason’s compo- to new heights and sure and positional sense are You can follow Martin on twit- exactly what the sometimes ter @stonefish100 and do not irrational Reynolds has been make a mockery of hesitate to head over to his missing since Russell Ander- blog “www.unmodernman. son’s retirement. The two net”. should be able to form a much Caixinha’s proph- more formidable proposition to opposition strikers than ecy, namely Kari Reynolds and Ash Taylor were ever able to. Arnason and Ryan On the evidence of the three competitive matches played to date, the return of Ryan Chrisite.” Christie on loan from Celtic for a further season is the other piece of business which has the potential to really differentiate this Dons side from those that have gone before under McInnes.

Christie showed during his previous six month loan spell at Pittodrie the types of creative flashes needed to break down the type of packed defence often seen deployed by away teams at Pittodrie these days. I predicted be- fore the start of the season that given an extended run in the team Christie would be capable of 15 goals from midfield, and based on his performances in the Europa League games so far, I’m now pretty confident he’s also going to absolutely run away with the Player of the Year Scott Baxter: Photographing the Dons

WORDS / Scott Baxter IMAGE / Scott Baxter - @scottscb scottcameronbaxter.com hat is it like photographing the dons? yet.” Throughout the years of us photographing togeth- Usually that is the first question I get er, he always joked that I had copied it from his memory asked, secondly, are you a Dons fan? card post match, the image was used a few times by the W club and I’ve been around ever since. Of course I am, I am Dons through and through. I have a To stand out, you need to differentiate yourself from the vivid memory of sitting in the Main Stand with my father rest of the crowd and shoot in a different way. My job is as a wee 5 year old boy, firstly I was fascinated by the to document the game from quite literally a red point of walk down to Pittodrie as it was my first time going to view…No pun intended…Obviously yes, I want to cap- see Aberdeen FC. It’s 1990/1991 and I’m excited to see ture that strike or header going into the net and cele- that my favourite player, , has the ball but is brations, but is that not what everyone else is also there caught and ends up going off injured on a stretcher. The to do? The majority of my best imagery is off the ball, seats we occupied were directly next to Gate Five which the crowd, the manager, wide angles. Fortunately, I have as it turns out is now the photographers entrance I use the flexibility to be creative as I like. I do not doubt for a on matchdays. I jumped up second that other photographers and looked over the brickwork will have some great images, but and looked down at Jess who the images will never see the was being carted off by medics “Personally, I light of day because it doesn’t fit trackside into a waiting ambu- within the boundaries of their lance. I don’t know who was editor, and thankfully that is not more upset, but I’m kind over love seeing my something I have to worry about over it now. here. When I look back at my early work I do often think what I first started contributing back work come to on earth was I thinking! But you in 2005 for the first team and learn from it. reserve teams, since 2014 I’ve been official matchday staff life in The success of the team does meaning I now have various portray in the mood of my duties to perform while I am imagery. My images around the covering the game. This sea- publications Mark McGhee era for example son we have new players com- was like asking for an well fired ing in, so there is a focus for Aitkens Rowie and getting a me to capture images of those ‘buttery’ from ASDA. We have a guys for our designers and and print, you great manager in Derek, more media folks to use on RedTV, fans are showing up, cup finals, afc.co.uk and the RedMatch- silverware, a greater sense of day programme. Personally, I cannot beat direction and consistency and an love seeing my work come to all around electric feeling within life in publications and print, the club. Everyone seems to be you cannot beat that feeling. that feeling.” enjoying it more and the weeks leading to the Final My two biggest inspirations the city proved that. are former AFC photographer Andy Convey, a no non- sense Geordie, who taught me quite literally everything Who knows what is going to happen over the next cou- I needed to know for shooting football - I tip my red hat ple of seasons, but one thing for sure is that I am privi- to you sir - Another, a photographer called Ross Halfin. leged to play my own little part in it. While Halfin’s portfolio is predominantly shooting mu- sicians in studios and on stage, I have taken a lot from Scott’s images are widely available to purchase on his his compositions and have followed his work for years, website “scottcameronbaxter.com”. You can also get a particularly his images of Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister, view of Scott’s work on his twitter page where you can Metallica, and his black and white work. My very first follow him on twitter @scottscb.ronbaxter.com game photographing was against Hearts, the stand out image was of Barry Nicholson tackling Steven Pressley at section Y in an attempt to win a corner. Convey was convinced I never took the photo, as it was “too good for a first timer that hadn’t been shit on by a seagull Fanzines - A relic from the past or a vital fans voice?

WORDS / Finlay Hall or the un-initiated, the advent of fanzines were From such a humble beginning, and now in our, unbe- the late 70’s, early 80’s and the rise of punk ethos lievable 25th season, I find myself a regular and elder and indy music labels, very much a ‘do it yourself ‘ statesman of the written word in it. In the beginning I way of going about things. Brought about because contributed the odd article, quite often of a more serious Fthe big guns in music and fashion were only interested timbre than now. One I recall was a piece on players who in the big bucks. played at the club under Sir, , who went on to become a manager or a coach. There are quite a few. Not much has changed then has it? Try figuring them out for yourself. This article was rep- licated in our 50th issue anniversary book, The Worst of But back then we all thought we could change the world, The Red Final, which may still be available to buy, or not. and to a certain extent we did. Typical fanzine uncertainty there. Such was the non-suc- cess of this tome, that when it came to celebrating our You don’t blink when you see somebody in a strange 100th issue, some of us met up in the Moorings for a few haircut or odd clothes nowadays, and neither you should. beers. But back in 1976, Mark Perry, not the ex-Aberdeen play- er, started a punk culture fanzine that was literally cut It is not always easy to be too current when writing for a and paste. “Sniffin’ Glue was not so much badly written fanzine, as things can change between getting your piece as barely written; grammar finished and in before the was non-existent, layout was deadline, and publication. haphazard, headlines were “The Red Final With the advent of digital usually just written in felt and the fact that our editor tip, swearwords were often which came to life has finally caught up with the used in lieu of a reasoned modern world and social me- argument... all of which gave dia, things are done quicker Sniffin’ Glue its urgency and on the 18 August now. The deadline is usually relevance. the Sunday before the match 1993, at the club’s the next weekend, or in a It only lasted a year, but rush job, like the last issue, its existence gave birth to friendly match delivered from the printers decades of fanzines, and four hours before kick-off. the first Aberdeen football Two relatively recent events fanzine solemnly followed against FC Hamburg, which I would have loved to in the true Sniffing Glue have “discussed’ in my piece, tradition of cut and paste on the occasion of the was the Indy referendum and and using work’s photocop- The last Scottish Governmen- iers before being sold on tal election, but the fact that the street corners around official opening of the the fanzine had to go to press Pittodrie. during the week of these Richard Donald elections and the games that The Northern Light, for that they went on sale was after is what it was called, existed Stand.” the results came out, meant for but a short period, but that this was a no go. it was the forerunner of the longest running fanzine in Scottish Football, The Red Final which came to life on We are usually given plenty of notice when the editor the 18th August 1993, at the club’s friendly match against decides it’s time for another issue, but the issue to com- FC Hamburg, on the occasion of the official opening of memorate the first game against Newco in September last the Richard Donald Stand. I wrote my very first piece, if year, was done with around a 2 week notice. To date it you can call it that, in an issue sometime in 1994. It was a remains one of our favourites. wee joke. And I mean wee. It went something like this. Some years ago after a visit to New York and reading a A Torino fan was stopped by a policeman queueing up free paper called “The Onion”, which had a spoof hor- to get into Pittodrie. The Policeman said, “I’m sorry you oscope, I decided to plagiarise that idea and for quite a can’t come in here with those flares.” while, and it became a horrorscope, where nothing good was predicted for any star sign. I got fed up with it after To which the Italian replied, “Ah, signore, these are the a while and it got very difficult to think up fresh and only trousers I have with me.” gloomy predictions. Sometime later after reading a book by Roddy Doyle I mentioned previously the Wrecked Urinal issue being called Two Pints, I started my current series with Bill and one of our favourites, but it is not the first time we did Stan. Two gentlemen of a certain age, one of whom is special editions. Back in 2003, we put out one to com- in a wheelchair, who have been friends for ages, sit and memorate the club’s centenary. We wrote it as if we were chew the fat about football and our club in particular. doing one back in 1903 and just about to start our first The column started off when they would meet up after a season on senior football. My piece was a review of all game, and was written like a proper short story, but after the teams we were due to play during that inaugural the situation and the characters had been developed, I season. It wasn’t that easy to research, as the internet was believe the readers are fully aware of how it works now. not as it is nowadays. In fact, in chapter 1, I paid homage to the book by having Stan read it, whilst Bill can’t generally get past reading This season we enter our 25th year of pissing people The Red Final. off, and, hopefully, many of us past and present will be meeting up for a wee swally and a bite to eat, but due to I moved it to pre match because one issue was being put work commitments and the location of some of our cor- out on a Sunday lunchtime game, and it seemed more respondents, Germany, Monaco and East Kilbride ( Aye I relevant. know, nealry a weegie) this still remains only a proposal.

The fact I always use song titles We are not the longest running as the chapter name, and in- “So the Red Final fanzine; credit must go to the clude a jukebox, with a second Celtic one, Not The View, it goes song linking the second half, or carries on regard- back to May 1987. But their one second subject in the chapter, looks more professional and indicates one of my other main glossy, and strays more away interests. Music. The fact that I less, with no sign from the Sniffing Glue format like to write in Doric, makes it and more akin to a magazine. a challenge for my Apple spell- of quitting, and as checker, although it is getting Sadly missing from the market, better at recognising words, and for me, well who is The Absolute Game, a prop- doesn’t try to alter them. This er fanzine that covered all of is not a wholly original idea, Scottish football, and football in as one time contributor, Torry knows, I may retire general. Loon, used to regale us with his My first foray into writing came adventures in the local tongue. at the end of the in their pages when I wrote a Mainly Standing is known for piece on the women’s game, af- his use of Doric also. ter watching a match on Chan- season” nel 4. Whenever I can I like to include other Dons related businesses, ventures, podcasts etc. in So the Red Final carries on regardless, with no sign of the story. After all we are the Dons’ Family. quitting, and as for me, well who knows, I may retire at the end of the season, it has been in my thoughts. But Going back to last season, it seemed that the end was for the moment I will leave you with a quote from Andy indeed nigh for The Red Final, as not only were we low Townsend in the online Scotzine from 2010, this sums up on contributors, with editor Merkie having to fill the what fanzines should be . pages with loads of his own writings, but we were low on sellers. Original Northern Light cartoonist, Gordon Reid, “I will leave with a quote from the Northern Light on having to retire from his usual spot on Pittodrie Street the legacy of that particular publication: “TNL’s great- due to ill health. None of us are getting any younger: I est achievement was, in my view, that it gave our fellow gave up my spot on King Street/Merkland Road East, supporters a voice that reinforced in print what many of several years ago. them were thinking – reinforcing their prejudices, if you like and never more so than when it came to the removal But, such is the loyalty of our readers, that volunteers of two managers.” came forward to be vendors and new names are gracing the column inches too. We are forever grateful, as I was thinking of ways to kill off my characters. Or at least one of them. The AFC Academy: Where are they now?

WORDS / Matthew Findlay IMAGE / Scott Baxter - @scottscb scottcameronbaxter.com ver the years the Aberdeen Youth Academy paign, but he returned as a mainstay in Craig Brown’s has produced some exciting prospects that revitalised side. His impressive performances allowed for would later go on to dawn the famous red interest down south and Wigan tabled a £500,000 bid shirt for the first team. Unfortunately, they after he rejected a new deal at Pittodrie. Odon’t make them like Black, Cooper, McLeish and Jess anymore, and a number of the bright talents of recent Few blamed Fyvie for leaving, given the poor standard times have been lured across the border to the riches of of football on offer at Pittodrie and a shot at the Premier the English game. League was surely more appealing. Not for the first time an ex- Don struggled to find regular first team action in England and Fyvie was limited to just one league appear- ance. A couple of short-term loan deals at Yeovil and Once hailed as the “Next Dennis Bergkamp” by Jimmy Shrewsbury came to nothing and Fyvie’s time in England Nichol, Chris Maguire didn’t quite hit the heights of the came to an end when he signed for Hibernian. Playing a great Dutchman, but he was a first-team regular during key role in the second half of the 2014/15 season, Fyvie his Pittodrie years. His impressive debut as a seventeen resigned at and would go on to help Hibs year old in a final day clash against Celtic prompted -my win the Scottish Cup the following May. As I write this self and a large contingent of the Red Army to suggest piece unfortunately for the former Dons man he is not he may be the next big thing. Maguire was a player that attached to a club. His contract at Easter Road was up in showed tremendous technical ability but struggled to the summer and he rejected the option to stay on and find the net on a more regular basis. Dons fans will al- despite changing his mind, the club withdrew the offer ways remember him as “Bebo” due to some choice com- and his future remains up in the air. ments on the social media site about a particular club from Glasgow. Unfortunately for Maguire, he couldn’t break into a starting line-up that consisted of Lee Miller and Darren Mackie. Former boss, Jimmy Calderwood Arguably the best young talent to break out of the Dons came calling and a successful loan to in the Youth Academy in recent years, the winger made an remaining months of the 2009/10 season helped earn a instant impact at Pittodrie. Standing at only 5 ft. 4 inch- move to Derby the following year. es, Fraser was an easy target for his opponents and this prompted Craig Brown to ask for more protection for his His time at Derby was short-lived and despite a goal young asset. During the first half of the 2012/13 season, on his first start for the club, he fell down the pecking Fraser linked up well with new signings Niall McGinn and order at Pride Park with his best moment coming in the Jonny Hayes (remember them) to front an early season Derbyshire Cup, when he netted a hat-trick. Another challenge to Celtic. Interest gathered from down south successful loan spell, this time at Portsmouth, allowed and just like Fraser Fyvie a year before, Fraser rejected a for a move to newly-promoted Sheffield Wednesday, new deal at Pittodrie joined for £400,000. but Maguire once again struggled to maintain a regular The 18-year-old has played a key role in the rise of “The place and another loan move, this time at Coventry, Cherries” from the lower leagues to the English Premier would signal the end of his time at Hillsborough. Aber- League. A season on loan at Ipswich looked an all to deen fans will be pleased to see Maguire has managed familiar sight for a former Aberdeen player, but Fraser to revive his career at Oxford United in the last few has worked at his game and his physique to return as a seasons and even turned out at Wembley in May, but his regular feature in ’s side at Bournemouth. side fell just short in the Football League Final. His fine form has rewarded Fraser call ups to recent Gor- don Strachan squads for the national team and his debut FRASER FYVIE couldn’t have come on a bigger stage. The 2-2 game against England at Hampden may still be difficult to The powerful ginger centre midfielder was another stomach for the majority of us, but “Wee Ryan” played youth academy star that much was expected of. Making his part and if nobody in the current Aberdeen side can his debut at just 16 years old, and in doing so breaking make a Strachan squad we at least have one of our own a club record, Fraser Fyvie showed no fear of compet- representing the city. ing with the physical demands that the SPL brought. He would go on to break the league’s record for youngest I firmly believe Aberdeen Football Club are heading in goal scorer in a famous 3-0 win at Tynecastle and earned the right direction on the field and off it and with the him admirers across Scottish football. A cruciate liga- new training ground and stadium being the priority for ment injury on the artificial surface at Alloa at the start the club it will hopefully allow for the stars of tomorrow of the 2010/11 season ruled Fyvie out of the whole cam- to make a real impact on the football world in the years to come. The Wider Point of View: Colt Teams

Words / Tom Mackinnon ewind to the 2nd of August last year and you’ll the past month. find yourself on the verge of witnessing Scottish football history, the beginning of the new-look Now that the myth that they’re not the two best clubs Irn Bru Challenge Cup. and, thusly, not the two best candidates for any theoret- R ical move into the SPFL, has been debunked it’s time to Not only were sides from Wales and Northern Ireland focus on whether the Scottish game would benefit from participating in the tournament for the first time, his- having a selection of U20s sides in the pyramid. tory in itself, but the inclusion of colt sides from all 12 Premiership clubs caused quite the stir last summer. With the Germans and Spaniards both allowing ‘B’ sides (not exclusively but mostly under 22s comprise these The brain child of SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster, squads) in their highly successful pyramids, this has been the colt teams didn’t fair too well in last season’s compe- inexplicably linked due to the two countries recent suc- tition, with Celtic’s U/20s being the only side to progress cess’ at both club and national level. through to the third round, a round before the entry of the ‘foreign’ outfits. The reasoning behind the linking of the two country’s success and the usage of ‘B’ sides in their respective After the young Celts emphatic elimination (the kids in football pyramids begun under Pep’s all conquering green were soundly beaten 5-1, a score-line that would Barcelona side of 2008-2012. He himself a product of become synonymous with the club throughout the Barca’s B team laced his squad with players he’d previous- coming season, by David ly managed at the Catalan Hopkins’ men) at the hands giant’s second side. The likes of eventual League One “With the Rangers side of , Thiago champions Livingston, the Alcantara and Pedro all Premiership was without a failing to make it past becoming mainstays for his representative. side as they won everything imaginable, and the Span- Whilst you’d think that the the second round, it is ish national side as, yes mediocre, at best, perfor- you guessed it, everything mance of the Premiership not obvious as to why imaginable. dozen would qualm talk of further over-advancement The link between the success of any U/20 sides, it seems Doncaster wants them, of the Barcelona, as well as to have only spurred on the the Spanish national team, goons at the SPFL. and Celtic, to join the and the use of ‘B’ (or Colt) side in the football pyramid It now looks as if the buf- league system. ” was clear to see. However, foons in charge of our game the real connection between see the lack of success shown by the colt sides in the cup all of the success was . Not the fact that the formerly known as Petrofac as reason enough to enter best teams had colt teams in the pyramid. Not through the ‘’ sides into the Scottish football pyramid. the help of the League’s governing body. Not even Lionel With the Rangers side failing to make it past the second Messi. Okay, a little bit Messi, but definitely more Guar- round, after been beaten 3-1 at home to Stenhousemuir, diola. it is not immediately obvious as to why the likes of Don- caster wants them, and Celtic, to join the league system. While it’s all good and well implementing all of these rev- olutionary youth policies: like colt teams; like the revamp For a start, it isn’t clear as to why it would be Celtic and of our youth academies, as long as fools like Doncaster Rangers’ youth sides that should be allowed to make the and run our game then we’ll be forever transition, with neither side finishing in the top two, as in the dark ages, struggling to draws against Lithuania. Celtic ended up in third behind champions Ross County The prehistoric coaching, and running, of the game is the and runners up Hamilton, with Graeme Murty’s Gers problem and until that is addressed then you can have finishing a feeble sixth. Also, the lazy excuse of the two Celtic under 12’s lining up against City in Glasgow teams being the best the country has to offer, a League 2 and we’d still be struggling to qualify for major statement that hasn’t been correct since 2011, has long tournaments and seeing half of our european represent- since been disproven, with Pedro Caixinha’s team being atives knocked out of at the very first stage of qualifying. comfortably worse than Derek McInnes’ Dons not just in It is embarrasing and something has to change. Scotland but in Europe- as the two clubs have proved in IMAGE / Scott Baxter - @scottscb scottcameronbaxter.com

VIEW FROM THE TERACES Great Expectations Words by Mark Gordon - @Mark_SGordon

It’s summer time and like fans all Having announced that he had Where sides would rather finish over the country we look toward turned down a move to Sunder- fourth than lift a cup. Not for me what the new season may bring land in favour of staying on at I’m afraid. as pre-season begins. Balanced Pittodrie, McInnes appeared to against last season it’s difficult to focus on the Europa League. The Personally I would give up league pitch expectations for the new group stage appears to be where position for silverware next sea- campaign. So what are ‘realistic’ the manager believes he can take son. I would love to see us win targets for Aberdeen and what us. Despite some very good results the Scottish Cup again after all would constitute a good season and performances in recent years these years but I would settle for come May 2018? we’ve not really came close to that the League Cup again. Simply elusive group stage. Trying to bed finishing behind Celtic but above Many feel we hit a glass ceiling in in new players in these early qual- Rangers again wouldn’t mean finishing second to a technically ifiers will be an added challenge. much to me. I would rather finish and financially superior Celtic The side was more settled at this 4th or 5th next year and see us in all domestic competitions last stage in previous seasons. The -fi lift a trophy than just repeat last season. In order to break through nancial reward of the group stages season. That’s not knocking how that barrier next season the Dons would be huge while the prospect good the team did last season, it will need to pick up some silver- of some of Europe’s bigger sides was as good an Aberdeen side as ware which begs the question, coming to Pittodrie would be a I’ve seen in a long time. As much how do you define a ‘good season’? mouth-watering prospect too. Per- as I would love to see us challenge A season with a trophy provides haps a run to the group stages is for the League title, a Cup win tangible evidence of a successful where we could better last season, is surely more realistic given the campaign. So can a season without it would certainly provide some financial gulf which exists. It re- a trophy be better than a season memories for the fans travelling mains to be seen if Derek McInnes with a cup success? away. For me though, only a tro- can adequately fill the holes left by phy would be a real improvement our summer departures. The early Our late Hampden heartache on last season. signs certainly seem positive in in May confirmed another tro- that respect. A run to the Eu- phy-less season. To finish second As a fan, there is no better feeling ropa League groups and a trophy in everything to an expensively than seeing the Dons win a tro- would be a fantastic return for the assembled Celtic team, who nego- phy. I’m lucky enough to be of an coming campaign in my opinion. tiated the entire domestic season age that I’ve seen us win a few. As The manager has turned the club without loss, was perhaps as much much as last season was a good around hugely since his arrival. as we could expect. Finishing campaign, the lack of silverware It would be a great shame if he above Rangers provided some sat- will always prevent it being re- were to end his time here, when- isfaction but in terms of success, membered long-term. Just look at ever that may be, with only one that seems quite a hollow victory. the side who finished second to trophy. So if Celtic slip up in any The Aberdeen side of last season Rangers in every competition in domestic competition next season are, in my opinion, much im- the early nineties. They are re- it must be us that takes advantage. proved from the League Cup win- membered sure, but not with the In short, my hope for next season ning 2014 team. But with medals same fondness and in the same is simple, it’s that Graeme Shinnie around their necks it’s the class of way as the Cup Double winning will be at Hampden holding up a 2014 that will be best remembered team of a few years earlier. I would trophy for the Dons, in years to come. So in order to hate us to fall in the trap of sides one-handed style of course. ‘improve’ next season what targets in the English . should Derek McInnes set his Where league position is more sights on. important than winning trophies. The Saga - Kenny McLean Words by Lewis Michie - @LewisMichie0

As what has already proven to be player could result in a far longer Stranger things have happened a pivotal summer for the club con- transition period than is currently though and Mclean could well be tinues on, more Aberdeen players expected. holding out for a bigger offer from continue to be linked with pos- Aberdeen, although one would sible exits from Pittodrie – none Derek McInnes has stated he imagine it could be difficult to more so than the dons number agreed to stay at the club on the offer McLean anything that could seven Kenny McLean, who also basis that no other players would eclipse what both Rangers and happens to be out of contract in be leaving. Generally the manager almost any English Championship the summer of 2018. McLean who is incredibly genuine and honest club could offer. was one of the more impressive with the media and his comments players last season, earning him- have to be reassuring to fans hop- Selling McLean now instead of let- self a lot of praise from fans and ing to see McLean stay. However, ting him walk for free could hand many calls for an international call that doesn’t mean that further more advantages to the club than up for Scotland, has been linked developments in both McLean’s just the financial gain of a transfer with both Rangers and English wishes and offers from other clubs fee. This biggest of course being Championship club Birmingham. won’t sway Derek’s decision. As the fact Aberdeen could have a say This has left many fans and surely Mcinnes noted himself in a recent in what club Mclean ends up at. much of the staff at the club pon- press conference when referring to he recent link of Mclean to Harry dering whether the reds should the departure of Jonny Hayes, he Redknapp’s Birmingham is in- cash in on the midfield player sees very little value in keeping a teresting considering Redknapp’s now, or risk allowing him to leave player who wants to leave. Derek, quick turnaround from suggest- for free next summer. I’m sure just like any manager, ing Aberdeen could not afford a would presumably want to keep loan for Greg Stewart, to Stewart McLean’s importance to the team hold of his best players unless joining the dons a couple weeks was highlighted in the 16/17 sea- the cash offered for them could later. If a relationship between the son with five goals and five assists be put to bettering his squad. It’s two clubs is established it wouldn’t across all competitions, having likely McLean, at this point in his be surprising to see Birmingham played over 50 times, including contract, wouldn’t go for anywhere offered McLean at a reduced price a goal in the League cup semi-fi- near the money the club garnered in comparison to what Rangers nal against Championship side from the transfer of Hayes to could capture the one time Scot- Greenock Morton. The club have Celtic. land cap at. been burned already this sum- mer with players such as Niall All of this discussion could prove At the moment it appears Kenny McGinn, Ash Taylor and Peter to mean very little if McLean in McLean won’t be moving any- Pawlett leaving for free mean- fact wishes to stay at Pittodrie. where this summer. It is of course while Captain Ryan Jack joined Even the most optimistic of Ab- possible that McLean could head Rangers. Some supporters have erdeen fans would look at recent out the Pittodrie exit in January, stated they’d much prefer to lose events and come to the assump- but the most likely leaving date Mclean in a similar fashion to tion that Mclean, like Ryan Jack for the midfielder appears to be Jonny Hayes, for a transfer fee, and other ex-teammates, would summer 2018. While many fans rather than completely free at a have penned a new deal by now will be upset to see McLean leave, later date. However, other dandies if he wanted to stay put. For a should he move to England, or have presented concerns at such a 25 year old player, you can see failing than, anywhere but another deal being done, stating that with why the promise of larger wag- Scottish club (especially one that the club already having already es and furthering his career for plays in blue) he will likely do so lost several key players in the more trophies or opportunities in with the blessing of most dandies. squad this summer, another lost other leagues could be appealing. The rebirth of Miles Storey Words by Ewan Beattie - @Ewan_Beattie

When Miles Storey arrived last ment can be limited. Our other presented with opportunities to summer from Swindon Town after main striking option is Adam run through on goal or if Rooney a successful loan spell with inver- Rooney, a clinical goalscorer. is chosen as his strike partner his ness many dons fans, including There’s not much else to say about ability to run channels could also myself, were looking forward to the Irishman, he scores goals how- be utilised and he could deliver seeing the energetic front man in a ever offers little to the team other balls to the prolific forward to red shirt. However, his first season than this sharing Stockley’s lack finish from a few yards in typical at Pittodrie would be tough with of movement however the job he fashion. playing opportunities limited. does cannot be overlooked and is Miles made just 19 appearances certainly the best forward we have Miles has caused us bother before last season with 17 of those com- had in recent years. With these during his loan spell with Inver- ing from the bench and generally two sharing similar playing styles ness where he forged a strong for short periods of time. The for- this is where Storey comes into partnership with the likes of Ryan wards only goal for the club came things. He isn’t a target man but is Christie and Greg Tansey, who in a 2-1 victory over Partick This- far from the penalty box predator have both been recruited this tle at Pittodrie in August when he that Rooney is. He loves to run the summer, to create chances and latched onto the ball after Graeme channels and try to get in behind goals for the highland club. I feel Shinnie capitalised on a Liam defences using his electric pace it would be foolish to not at least Lindsay error allowing Storey to and power to latch onto through give Storey an opportunity to link slot the ball past Tomas Cerny balls and finish past goalkeepers. up with his former teammates and and into the bottom corner. It This playstyle isn’t something that see if we can’t repeat his form and would be from this point onwards we have typically seen utilised replicate his goal scoring antics where the Englishman would see by Derek McInnes since he took from his time with while his minutes become even further charge in 2013 with players such adding a whole new aspect to our reduced playing just 17 minutes as Calvin Zola, and game. in the following five games, this the afore mentioned Rooney and would become a theme through- Stockley being his preferred choic- With the loss of Hayes and out the season resulting in a few es upfront while players such as McGinn, we may see a different on twitter creating the, “#FreeMi- failed to fit into the style of play with the likes of Greg lesStorey” campaign and even an managers playing style. However Stewart and the afore mentioned account of the same name. Storey one role which has been prevalent Christie the most likely to step would continue to feature irregu- under McInnes’s tenure has been into their shoes however these larly from the bench, if played at wing play with Jonny Hayes and players are much more technically all, with fellow summer signing Niall McGinn key figures in his gifted than the likes of Hayes so Jayden Stockley or Top Goalscorer side. This is another role which we will likely see less balls into the Adam Rooney preferred to the I feel storey could fill with the box and more of our play focussed striker. departures of the Irishmen, using centrally which could allow Miles his pace to burst past full backs Storey to Flourish. This would also So, what can he offer to the team? and deliver balls into the box perhaps save us a fair bit of mon- Well he is a different type of where the centre forward would ey with the rumoured signing of striker to what we currently have be waiting to finish. Storey could Louis Moult for upwards of half a in Stockley and Rooney. Former also be effectively used in a strike million pounds as I see no rea- Bournemouth man Jayden Stock- partnership with one of the other son why storey couldn’t do just as ley is very much built in the target options we have. Stockley’s ability good of a job if not better than the man role which can offer an outlet to win balls in the air could be uti- Motherwell forward. for long balls or set pieces while lised as Storey has the pace to get his technical ability and move- onto flick ons which could see him A Red Point of View