Aberdeen U20s | Huntly V Aberdeen Preview

meet the new boys

Aberdeen U20s begin their pre-season campaign tomorrow at Huntly tomorrow afternoon at Christie Park. It will be the first time Paul Sheerin takes charge of the U20 side.

Paul started his professional career in 1991 when he signed for Alloa Athletic from junior side Whitehill Welfare, although he had been on the books of Celtic as a schoolboy. The left footed midfielder then signed for Southampton in October 1992 and while at The Dell he played under several managers including Graeme Souness. During his time at Southampton he earned international recognition after playing for Scotland Under-21 in a 1-0 win over San Marino in November 1995. He left the English side in 1997 and after a summer playing in Sweden with ?stersunds FK, he had a brief period back at his former club Alloa before joining Inverness Caledonian Thistle in January 1998. His stint at Caley Thistle lasted to the end of the 2000-01 season, in which period he made 136 appearances, scoring a very impressive 45 goals. He then had spells at Ayr United and Aberdeen, where he finished as the top scorer in the 2002-03 season. Although the Dons struggled for much of the season, Paul was a stand-out player and became a favourite with the Red Army. After leaving the Dons, Sheerin joined St. Johnstone on the eve of the 2004-05 season on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract. In 2007-08 he helped them win the First Division title and the management of Derek McInnes and Tony Docherty. Paul stayed with the Perth side until 2010 and he also helped coach the Saints U17 side. On 27 May 2010, Sheerin was confirmed as the new player/manager of Arbroath FC and guided them to the Third Division championship in his first season in charge, the club’s first national trophy win in their 133-year history. This summer he left Arbroath and returned to Pittodrie, taking charge of the Aberdeen under-20 team.

As well as the new coach, it is very much a new look side with a number of the new faces in this years squad. We asked Neil Simpson, Head of AFC Youth Academy, to give us the low down on his latest graduates:

Lewis Dunbar 10/08/97 (16) Defender

“Lewis has been with the Youth Academy from 8 years of age. Plays Centre back or midfield. Good reader of the game, very determined player never gives up and his a great engine.”

Daniel Harvie 14/07/98 (15) Defender

“Daniel has been in the system from 10 years or age, a graduate from the Glasgow centre. Plays left back good in the air, good distribution and likes to get forward. Was part of the Scotland squad which won the victory shield last season.”

Jamie Henry 17/02/97 (17) Midfielder

“A product of the Afc Youth Academy centre in Glasgow, under Peter Weir’s guidance Jamie has made great progress since joining the club at u14 level. Dynamic box to box midfield player, covers every blade of grass”

Aaron Norris 04/02/98 (16) Striker

“Aaron from Peterhead has come right through the AFC Youth Academy starting at 9 years of age. Very quick skilful and tricky winger but can play through the middle. Part of the Scotland squad which won the Sky Sports Victory Shield last season.”

Sam Robertson 04/07/98 (16) Defender

“Sam from Aberdeen joined the club at u15 level and has made great progress very season. The modern day full back – dynamic, loves getting forward and delivering crosses.”

Frank Ross 18/02/98 (16) Midfielder

“A local boy from Ellon, midfield player has been at the club from 8 years of age. Good creative technical player. Part of the Scotland squad which won the victory shield last season.”

Cem Felek 12/05/96 (18) Attacking Midfielder

The Dons other recruit this summer is Cem Felek from Germany. Cem came over to Aberdeen towards the end of last season and impressed everyone. The 18-year-old was on trial at Pittodrie and scored in the 5-5 friendly draw with Cove Rangers. He was born in Buchen in Germany and played for VfL Bochum U19s. He also had a spell at Eintracht Frankfurt where he played for their U17 side.

U20 Pre-season friendlies |

05/07/14

Huntly v Aberdeen U20s

Christie Park

3pm KO

Mark Gray Testimonial

Admission Prices: Adults £10 Concessions £5

Leonardo da Vinci Project – Portugal | Tournament

28/07/14

Buckie Thistle v Aberdeen U20s

New Victoria Park

7.30pm KO