Tyler Alexander Interview

One of the abiding memories of the 2014 League Cup final – no, not that Stewart Milne interview – was the AFC Youth Academy players celebrating with the first team players after Adam Rooney had knocked home the winning spot kick to seal Aberdeen’s first trophy win in almost two decades.

It so happened that with the League Cup final being played away from Hampden at Celtic Park that season, someone had forgotten to organise a ball squad. An urgent request was made to both clubs to see if they could help and it was decided that youth players from each side would fill in.

It was an experience they would never forget.

Of the six AFC boys that were pitchside that day, three are still with the club. Left-back Mark McLauchlan is a regular for the U18s whilst midfielders Max Barry and Tyler Alexander (pictured in the main photo) are now both full-time professionals at the club. Unfortunately, Max has been recovering from a long-term injury but hopefully he will be back soon, whilst Tyler has been one of the star performers for Scott Anderson’s U18 side in recent weeks.

It was Tyler who relived that famous afternoon in the East End of Glasgow.

 

 

“I still remember the day very well.

“We got told just before the game what was happening and we were all in shock. We were all so young, so it was a big deal. We were all going to the game anyway, but now we would be right next to the action. We were all so excited.

“The actual game, I don’t remember too much about that, but I’m not sure if too many other Aberdeen fans do either! Then it went to penalties.

“No one had briefed us what to do if it went to spot-kicks, so we all just went and congregated behind the goal, thinking someone would move us, but nobody did! We kept looking about to see if anyone was coming, but they let us stay there.

“We stood there because it we thought it would provide us with the best view of the shoot-out!

“When Adam scored the winner, again we had no idea what to do, so we just decided to join in the celebrations and ran over towards the players. A few of us got lifted up by the first team guys. It was a great moment, an incredible experience. I can say I was there, quite literally, when we won the League Cup!

“Obviously quite a few a lot of players from that day are still here – Shay, Andy, Mark and Niall and Barry Robson is now our coach at U18 level along with Scott Anderson. Graeme Shinnie and Greg Tansey played for Inverness CT that day, so it’s maybe best they don’t read this story! I hope Greg does not think we put him off!

 

   

“As a youngster coming through the Academy, having experienced that, it gave me a massive incentive to go and make it as a full-time professional and hopefully play in a final myself.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club since signing my professional contract in the summer. It has been hard, a lot harder than I expected it to be if I’m being honest. The physical side plus the mentality that is needed to go forward are both very demanding.

“I was part of the SFA Performance School at Hazlehead and that helped prepare me a little bit because I was playing football every day, it helped improve my game, but it is still a big step up.

“In my first year it is all about learning. I was pleased to get my first goal the other night too in the win against Queen’s Park at Lesser Hampden. It was a bit fortunate as the shot deflected off the wall, but I’ll take it! I’m a central midfielder but I do also get put out wide sometimes, so I want to be chipping in with goals from time to time.

“We have a good squad at U18 level. There is a lot of quality in there. We all think we could be doing better, so hopefully we will improve as the season goes on. There are a few games we have drawn that we should have won.

“We play Motherwell in the SFA Youth Cup next Friday. That is a massive game for us as it is a competition we really want to do well in. With it now being a competition for U18 teams, it is a chance for us to showcase our talents. With the U16s winning the Scottish Cup last Sunday, and the Reserves making it through to the semi-finals of their cup competition, not to mention the first team getting to the League Cup final, we want to continue that kind of cup success.

“It will be very tough against Motherwell who are strong at our level. They are a good side. We beat them 1-0 in the first game of the season in the league, so I would imagine it will be another very close game”.

Finally, where will Tyler be watching the League Cup final this year?

“I will be watching in the stand this time. Hopefully celebrating another Aberdeen cup win. It would be such a big deal for everyone connected with the club.”

Let’s hope so, but maybe no more penalties. Or whatever is was the Chairman said post-match!