The Scottish Sun

Ando can Don the armband

ANDREW CONSIDINE has been Aberdeen captain for less than a week — but can't wait to hand the armband to Russell Anderson.

The Dons defender took over the role for last weekend's draw with Kilmarnock after Richard Foster's departure for Bristol City earlier this month.

However, he will be delighted if it proves to be a short reign now that Anderson is back at Pittodrie after four and a half years in England. He said: "I always thought Russell would be made captain when he signed for us again.

"I have no problem with that — he is a born leader. Russell is an outstanding player who was a fantastic captain to play under at Aberdeen.

"Signing him is absolutely massive for us. I learned so much from him during his first stint here.I am sure he will do the same for the young players now."

Grimmer's fairytale

JACK GRIMMER idolised Russell Anderson.

Dreamed of the day when he would line up alongside him for Aberdeen.

That golden chance arrived on Tuesday when Anderson walked through the Pittodrie main entrance to sign on again for the Dons.

Problem was hugely promising starlet Grimmer was at the same time heading out the EXIT.

In a sickening blow for the Reds the out-of-contract 17-year-old local boy was bound for Premier League Fulham in a deal which will net them £200,000, with more promised on first-team games.

Not even the amazing opportunity to play alongside hero Anderson, nor the pleas of boss Craig Brown, was enough to make the former Aberdeen season-ticket holder perform a career U-turn.

The Scotsman

Jack Grimmer move bad for Scottish game says Aberdeen chief

ABERDEEN chief executive Duncan Fraser believes Jack Grimmer's decision to quit Pittodrie for Fulham is bad news for Scottish football as a whole.

The Barclays Premier League club have confirmed the 17-year-old midfielder will join their development squad for the remainder of the season, having signed a deal until 2015.

The Dons had hoped to retain the youngster's services and claim his departure is another worrying example of young talent being lured south of the Border by wealthy English clubs. Fraser told his club's website: "There is a bigger issue here for the SPL and Scottish football in that we are beginning to see young Scottish talent moving south before they have fully developed with the teams they signed for as youngsters.

"The economic climate means nurturing home talent is the only way forward for all clubs in this country. However, if, after investing huge sums bringing youngsters through the ranks, top-flight English clubs can simply sign players for relatively small training compensation levels given the television income in England, and before the players have even had the opportunity to make an impact at top team level, then we have real challenges ahead of us.

"It is an issue we will seek to raise with the SPL and the SFA to see what further steps can be taken to safeguard our clubs' interests."

Teenage prospect Jack Grimmer quits Aberdeen to join Fulham

Aberdeen today confirmed that Jack Grimmer has left Pittodrie for Fulham, a move which the club's chief executive Duncan Fraser sees as symptomatic of Scottish football's current plight.

The Barclays Premier League club have confirmed the 17-year-old midfielder will join their development squad for the remainder of the season, having signed a deal until 2015.

The Dons had hoped to retain the youngster's services and claim his departure is another worrying example of young talent being lured south of the border by wealthy English clubs.

The Press and Journal

Talent drain is grim news for Dons and SPL's future

Aberdeen chief executive Duncan Fraser believes Jack Grimmer's decision to quit Pittodrie for Fulham is bad news for Scottish football.

The English Premier League club has completed the £200,000 signing of the 17-year-old midfielder, who will join its development squad for the remainder of the season, having signed a contract until 2015.

The Dons wanted to keep the Westhill player and believe his departure is another worrying example of young talent being lured south of the border by wealthy English clubs.

Brown banks on spending some of Dons £1m cash

Aberdeen manager Craig Brown has banked more than £1million for his club since last summer and is hoping some of the money can be used to land a marquee signing before the end of the month.

The departure of midfielder Jack Grimmer to Fulham has swelled the Dons coffers by another £200,000, with more to come if the player reaches the English Premier League side's first team or is sold on.