Graeme Shinnie sat down and spoke with RedTV after completing his permanent move from Wigan Athletic.
“I don’t think it will be the biggest of surprises to people!
“My focus was always on getting back here. There was nothing else in my mind.
“It was a bit trickier than we imagined. It always is in football when there are contracts but for me, I just let the people above deal with it. I wanted to get it done, and get it done so I could be back here for the first day of pre-season and be in amongst the lads.
“I am delighted to be back. It is a club that I love. It feels like I am back home again.
“This club feels like everything to me. It feels like I am back home. It is not just the football side, it is everyone else around the club that I am close to. It just feels normal for me to be here. It is a real privilege to be back here and amongst everyone again. There is a great atmosphere around the place. When I was first here, we were based at Pittodrie and that was brilliant. Now it is Cormack Park, and it is a place that makes me happy.
“On top of all of that, the football is also very good and the fans are brilliant.”
“I am really looking forward to the season ahead. It is going to be tough but we are building a squad that will be ready for it.
“European football and the group stages is something I always wanted the last time. Very exciting times ahead.
“The Thursday – Sunday thing for me is not an issue as I have come from a league where we play Saturday – Tuesday almost every week with a lot of travelling.
“In terms of the demands, the players will get used to it. We have a lot of young boys in the squad who will adjust. When you have that number of games you don’t tend to train as much and as players it is playing in the games that we look forward to. Everybody will be ready for the challenge.
“I always remember the European games at Pittodrie. There was a different type of atmosphere. I have always enjoyed playing in games abroad as well. Different stadiums, teams, climates, going into the unknown is exciting.
“We need to make sure we are ready. I am sure pre-season will be tough under the manager.”
“Under the manager the feel-good factor came back. The training ground was a lot more vibrant, and we had a great end to the season. To finish third from where we were in January is testament to the work done by the manager and testament to that squad of players to turn it around.
“It was great to see Barry doing so well and the way he adapted to the role. Everyone had full respect for him. He demanded a lot out of the players and I think the players gave him their all. The pick up in form was reward for all the hard work the manager and Steve Agnew put in.
“The manager knows how to create a team spirit away from the training pitch and his man management of the players is very good. And when we are there to work, he demands a lot out of the squad. When we are on the training pitch it is all about working hard and putting in maximum effort. If you don’t do that he will make it known whet he expects.
“It is what I expect.
“We are all very privileged to be in this position and to be at this club. It is an amazing club that comes with amazing opportunities so hard work should be a given every time you step onto the pitch or training ground. As a player you will not always play to the level you can every game, you will dip now and again, but you should always be giving 100%.
“I am not going to hide away from the fact that being captain is something that I love and something that I like the responsibility of. I am very honoured.”
“Leighton Clarkson was a massive signing and a real statement of where the club is at just now to attract Leighton back up. He makes my job on the pitch a lot easier – I will just run about and get the ball back for him and then let him do his magic! I am very excited to be playing with him again. He is a top lad and is very level headed for a young player. He knows what he wants. And he knows he is loved here and that he will play football.
“I have heard really good things about Nicky Devlin. My brother was quite close with him at Livingston. Another leader, and that is what you want. But also his performances in recent seasons have been brilliant and that is what has got him noticed. A very good player at right back.”
“The fans have been amazing with me. Even when I left, they were very understanding. The hype when I came back was something that I had missed, I am not going to lie. I had a good relationship with the fans at Derby but the bond I have with the fans here is amazing and to feel that again when I was back on loan was very special.
“To score two goals at the St Mirren game in front of a packed Pittodrie and with the fans singing your name, it an incredible feeling and never gets boring, even although I am going on 32 and getting old!
“There is real excitement with the season ticket sales and the vibe around the place.
“I can’t wait to play at Pittodrie again and have them cheering us on again. It is important that we get ready in pre-season and then come together again as club.”
