NEW TRAINER FOR ABERDEEN

Donald Colman’s Return to Pittodrie.

The following is an extract from the Press & Journal, 20″‘ March 1931

ROMANTIC FIGURE IN GAME.

Donald Colman, the famous old Aberdeen and Scottish international back, has been appointed to succeed the late “Billy” Russell as trainer of the Aberdeen Football Club. Pittodrie’s new trainer in one of the most romantic figures who have adorned Scottish football. He has a record that is unique in the game, and it will go down in history how, after he had been discarded by Motherwell as past his best, he joined up with Aberdeen, and, at the age of thirty-eight, played at right back for Scotland against England, Ireland and Wales all in one season. Donald is a native of Renton. As a junior he became associated with the famous Glasgow combination, Maryhlll/ and, despite many offers to Join one or other of the big League clubs, he remained loyal to his junior team, for which he played for many years.

During that period many junior international honours fell to his lot.

Turned Senior At long last, in 1905, he was persuaded to join Motherwell, and, while he kept his place in the team during the first season as a senior, he made less frequent appearances later, and it was considered he was not good enough for First League football. In the circumstances, Motherwell gave him a free transfer. Just after the opening of season 1907-08 he signed on for Aberdeen.

Honours.

Colman became captain of the Aberdeen club, and, after receiving many minor honours, realised the heightofa Scottish footballer’s ambition in 1911 when he was capped against England, Ireland and Wales. Another honour came his way in 1913, when played against Ireland. His great services to Aberdeen were recognised in 1912, when he was given a benefit. After the war he returned to Pittodrie, but severed his connection with the club In 1920.

In Norway.

Later he accepted a seasonal post as player-coach in Norway, and so much were his services appreciated that he was fixed up on a ten years’ contract, which has now expired. In between, Colman for a number of years acted as manager of Dumbarton without pay.

He is admirably suited for the post to which he has been appointed. A man of quiet, firm, and dominant personality, he brings a wealth of experience to the work, and is a strict disciplinarian. He has been over forty years closely associated with ^ame, and for the past ten years, while in Norway and Dumbarton, his lot has made him familiar with the duties of a trainer. Mr. Colman will commence his duties to-day.

Donald Colman Poem

Meanwhile the following appeared in the Bon-Accord on the 10″‘ March 1910 to celebrate his Scotland selection:

Cher Colman, accept the congrats of your Bon!
Sure, it gives us a bit of a thrill
To learn in the “Anglo-Scot Show, ” that our Don
Is to “star” at the top of the bill.
We’ve long urged the claim of the cool-headed chap
That skippers the Wasps, for a share
Of the spoils; why his head was just made for a cap;
None fitter such honour to wear.

Let’s hope that in Glasgow you’ll put up a show
A will make your selection secure
For the “National” – let all the knowing ones know
That up North we’ve the “real Simon pure.”
I’m certain there’s nought d more welcome be made,
Or give our friend Philip more joy,
Than to know the selectors had laurelled