Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes added a familiar face to his squad ahead of the transfer deadline on Tuesday evening. Left back Greg Leigh joined last summer on loan from Dutch side NAC Breda. The former Manchester Youth Academy graduate made 23 appearances before picking up a long term injury.

However the popular Englishman is back, fit and raring to go as he told RedTV this afternoon just after signing his deal.

“It is nice to get things sorted and get everything over the line.

“It was an uncertain time for myself, but it has been for everybody in terms of their jobs over the last few months. I didn’t know where I would be playing my football, but I just had to keep battling through and had to hope everything worked out in the end.

“You have got to try and stay positive.

“I was around my family a lot during lockdown and I try and lift their spirits and they lift mine; it is good to try and stay positive for your mental health.

“I am fully fit. I have been given the all clear. It is all about getting the lungs going again, getting the ball at my feet and getting going again.

“I haven’t played a match since December which is a long time without football. I am excited to get out on the training pitch again this week and to just be surrounded by the boys. I can’t wait to have the ball out, doing training drills and playing games even in training. Even the thought of that is getting me very excited!

“I have been following the Aberdeen games. I have been watching the games when I can and have been interested to see how they have been doing.”
Aberdeen have deployed a back three for much of the season so far and it is a system that Greg feels will suit his game.

“I spoke to the manager about my role in the side and where he wants me to compete for the places in the team. We also spoke about how the team play and how the formation is set up and how he wants me to slot into that.

“When I was in The Netherlands, we had a manager who wanted to play with a back three, so I have had a lot of training with that. The wing back role suits me with the attacking prowess that I can bring.

“I think there is enough centre midfielders this season, so I don’t have to play there. Not that I did too badly!

“I am happy though to do whatever job is asked of me by the manager. It is all about the team and doing well. One thing that being out for so long has taught me is that I am an incredibly competitive person and I want to go out and compete and win.

“I enjoyed working with the manager and Tony Docherty. It is important in football to appreciate how other people do things and they appreciate how you do things. It is a good platform to progress. I am looking forward to sliding back in and working with them again.

“The challenge for positions brings out the best in people. Each position has multiple people who can do a good job in there. The competition for places is strong and you can see that in training because people want to keep their shirt and I hope I can replicate that.

“It is important to work hard and to do well in training. I know a lot of the guys do that and it breeds a mentality and philosophy that is productive.

“I feel like I have unfinished business here. I have a big point to prove.

“Being out of football makes me realise how much I miss it. I haven’t had many long term injuries but it does allow you the chance to reflect and then when you do come back it allows you to apply what you have learnt.

“The main thing for me is to come back and play games and to be fit and eligible for selection.

“I am delighted to be back and appreciate all the messages of support from the fans that I have had already.”

Greg has been allocated squad number 5.