Leighton Clarkson talked to RedTV after signing a four-year deal at Pittodrie this morning.

“I am over the moon to be honest to be back here. I loved my time up in Aberdeen and I think everyone at the club knew where I was coming from – I understood them, and they understood me.

“The support I have received, especially since my loan deal finished, has been nothing but positive so to come back here and see it all again, I am very excited.

“The support I have also received from the fans has been magnificent, all the messages I have been sent. Part of the reason I came back was to repay them as well.

“I enjoyed everything about the club, the city, the people.

“Also, what Barry has done since coming in, I think he will make me a better player. He has been brilliant with me and really wanted to get me back.

“For me, it is all about the football. I want to play football. That is why I have chosen to come here. When I was on loan here last season, I got the chance to get minutes and hopefully I will get that chance now I am a permanent player. We will have a lot of games to play, it might be a long season but it a one I am certainly looking forward to.

“We also have European football next season to look forward to which will be a new challenge.

“The European competitions are one of the biggest stages in football. You go to different places, you will see how different teams line up, you will come up against good players. It is a good way to test yourself. European football will be good for the club and also the players as well.

“You learn a lot about the game playing against different styles and tactics and it increases your knowledge on the game and how you can win matches in different ways.

“I have had a two-week break but now I can’t wait to get back to football.”