I’m liking what I’m reading and hearing from Aberdeen’s pre-season training camp in Portugal. , only moving forward exercises and a set time to turn defence into shots on goals all points to one thing – attacking, fast-paced football. As a former striker, that’s music to my ears.
Dons boss of the opposition is what every Aberdeen fan wants to here. I’ve watched a lot of teams who are good at keeping the ball but unable to do anything with it, and there’s little point having possession if you are not making it count. Communication is key for the Dons Width and speed will be needed to make this approach a successful one, but also communication.
I know from when I played as soon as my midfield team-mates Arthur Graham or Derek McKay, or full-backs Henning Boel or Jim Hermiston were in possession, it was time get on the move. They knew as soon as they were 10 or 15 yards into the opposition’s half that I wanted them to whip the ball into the box. I was fortunate to score a lot of goals in my career – but it didn’t happen by accident.
It was achieved by working on the training ground with my team-mates and developing that understanding of what was going to happen when, and where I needed to be. I had a terrific partner in Drew Jarvie, too. He did a lot of his work in midfield, but I knew he would make a run into the box every time.
He could make nine runs in a row and not get on the ball, but would still be willing to make that 10th run just in case the ball ca.
