The Aberdeen U18s have strengthened their squad with the arrival of two young players from England.
Reuben Smillie and Christovie Kondolo were both brought to the club during the transfer window but have had to wait to receive international clearance from FIFA. Last month, in the U18s 5-1 victory over St Mirren in Paisley, both new arrivals took a place on the bench. Both will be looking to get some game time between now and the end of the campaign as the U18s under Scott Anderson try and finish as high up the Club Academy Scotland U18 table as possible.
The players were initially spotted at the EPL Exit trials, by Youth Academy Head of Recruitment Jim Fraser. They were then further monitored playing matches which also involved Darren Mowbray’s scouting team. It was also Jim who spotted Mason Hancock via this route a few years back. Youth Academy Director Gavin Levey explains how the moves came about.
“The reason we have recruited these two players is because we had gaps within our succession plan at Youth Academy level. We are really looking forward to working with both players over the next couple of years and watching them develop.
“The club had to go through the FIFA Minor Application process for both players which began in January. The process was the same one they had gone through for Development player Mason Hancock and Northern Ireland youth international Brendan Hamilton.
“The plan for the remainder of the season will be for them both players to be involved within U18 squad, whom they are training with full-time so they can hit the ground running next season.”
We also spoke to Reuben and Christovie to find out how they were settling into life in the North-east of Scotland and to find out more about them.
Reuben Smillie 10/01/2006 Previous Club: Blackpool FC. Position: Goalkeeper
“I grew up in Blackpool and played for them for eight years. When it came to scholarship time, Blackpool sadly folded their Academy team at that age for financial reasons and basically all the players at that age group were released. I went to a EFL Exit Trial and I was aware Aberdeen continued to monitor me afterwards, both Derby County and Bolton Wanderers were interested, however my family and I chose Aberdeen after coming for a visit and seeing the facilities and feeling the buzz around the club and now here I am at Aberdeen.
“I had heard a bit about Aberdeen before signing. Half of my family is from Scotland and I have an uncle and auntie who just live round the corner from the training ground! I knew quite a lot of places in Scotland, but I had never actually been to Aberdeen before.
“I am settling in well. I am in digs; it is very calming and welcoming. I stay with Liam Harvey and Christovie Kondolo who has also just signed.
“It has been a bit frustrating waiting for the international clearance to come through as we were training but unable to play games. But we knew it wasn’t going to be an easy process. It was a great feeling when I got the news I was allowed to play.
“Training is good. At the start of every week, I am with Craig Samson and the first team keepers. It is a way of getting a vision to where I want to be in the next couple of years.
“Training with the first team is very good. You are around experienced people like Joe and Kelle. After a drill Joe will come up to me and tell me what I can do better on and where I am improving. The goalkeeping department is very close. Craig Samson is a very good coach, he is the best I have ever had. Then every day in the afternoons I also train with the U18’s, it is a good environment to be in.
“My aims for the rest of the season are to be the best I can, and to show people what I can do.”
Christovie Kondolo Date of Birth: 04/07/2006 Previous Club: Chesterfield FC. Position: Winger / Wide Midfielder
“I grew up in Rotherham. I played for them, however there was insufficient funds to give me a full time contract and then I played for Chesterfield for a time as I awaited a decision from Aberdeen.
“The move to Aberdeen came about after an EFL Exit Trial. I was nervous going into the game, but I thought that I played well. It is a relief afterwards because you get feedback from other teams.
“It was a couple of weeks after the Exit Trial that Jim Fraser rang my Mum. I was excited because Aberdeen are a big club. I knew I was definitely going to go. I had interest from maybe seven other clubs but I felt Aberdeen were the best club and best suited for me after the trial.
“I have always been a midfielder. When I was at Rotherham I played as a no.10 but here I play more as a box-to-box midfielder.
“It is the first time that I have moved away from home. I think it is more difficult for my Mum! She is always calling me. It is hard for them because they don’t get to see me, but I am used to it now. It helps moving away, it makes you more independent and you have to grow up quickly.
“My impressions of Aberdeen so far are it is a very big club. It is tough, it is very demanding as the standards are very high. The teammates demand a lot from each other which is good because it makes you play better and makes you more focused. The boys don’t let anyone slack off and it brings us all together.
“Training has been tough, there has been a lot of running. Stuart Duff has been good to work under, he is very positive and gives you clear instructions. I have now also been working with Scott Anderson this past couple of weeks, and he is a very good coach.
“Waiting for the international clearance was frustrating because when you sign for a club you want to play as many games as you can to show people what you can do. It is difficult when you are training but knowing you don’t have a game at the weekend to look forward too. Mentally it is hard, but you have to keep going.
“My aims for the rest of the season are to get some minutes with the U18’s, hopefully we can continue to do well. We are in a good position in the league but it is very tight. It is going to be an exciting few months and hopefully I can play my part”
Everyone wishes Reuben and Christovie all the very best during their time at Aberdeen. The U18s are back in action on Friday afternoon at Cormack Park where they face Hamilton Accies.
