Red Matchday Eight | Preview

The Main Interview is with Jon Gallagher

“I was lucky to go to Notre Dame because it has one of the top programmes in the country, it is as professional as it possibly can be and it certainly prepares you for a full time sporting career.

“I was not ready at 17 or 18 to be a footballer and that is why I felt I made the right decision for myself, not just to mature physically, but off the field as well. I learned to take responsibility in my academics and athletics.

With good coaching, I felt as though I really developed into a better person. Notre Dame was great for my development.

“A huge number of players get rejected in this county at 16 or 17.

Every club I was on trial at told me I was too small and too slight.

I was getting pushed off the ball too much. The first couple of years in collage allowed me time to grow into my body a bit more, put on some muscle and that helped with that side of my game. It was a good development phase.

In my final years at Notre Dame, I then felt I was ready to make the jump.

“Some people take a little bit longer to be ready to play the senior game and I was one of those players.

There are boys who are ready at 18 but some who sadly fall through the cracks and don’t make it maybe just because they needed a year or two more.”

The Development Don feature is with Calvin Ramsay who is currently away with the Scotland U17s alongside Tom Ritchie, Kevin Hanratty and Ryan Duncan.

“Things are going well in the Under 18s, so that helps. Six wins out of six is a good start to the season and hopefully we can keep it going.

I’ve also played for the reserves, which is a step up in terms of the tempo from U18s.

The ball gets moved quicker and you are playing against better quality players.

I feel I have adjusted and coped quite well.

“It does help you appreciate the level you need to get to.

It helps playing against a winger who is maybe in his 30s and has had a career in the game, instead of playing against a 16-year-old. It gives me important experience.

“I also think it is important to have a fresh challenge.”

The former player interview is with Joe Harper who will become the 12th person with Pittodrie connections to be inducted into the SFA’s Hall of Fame on Sunday evening.

Former Aberdeen manager Sir Alex Ferguson was amongst the first inductees in 2004.

He was followed by fellow Gothenburg Greats Willie Miller, Jim Leighton, Alex McLeish and Gordon Strachan. Steve Archibald – a member of the Dons title winning squad of season 1979-80 – and Martin Buchan – skipper of our 1970 Scottish Cup winning side – have also been honoured.

Charlie Nicholas, who scored in our 9-8 penalty shoot-out victory over Celtic in the 1990 Scottish Cup final, has also been recognised. Alex Smith, the manager of that 1990 team, Roy Aitken – boss of our 1995 League Cup winning side – and former Aberdeen and Scotland coach Craig Brown, now a director at Pittodrie, complete the roll of honour.

The obvious question to ask at this point was, how did that then unique celebration come about?

“I have to confess it was totally by accident,” replied Joe as his face broke into a broad smile.

“After scoring my first goal for the Dons I ran towards the Beach End but then tripped. “Rather than make myself look stupid I just dropped on to my knees and stuck my hands into the air.

“I then looked towards the Dons fans and saw they were all bowing and thought ‘I might be on to something here.’

“It just carried on from there, it became expected of me.”

Plus: Vak Vyner Q&A, Rachel Corsie column, Joe Lewis, Dean Campbell reflects on the Scotland U19 win over Germany, Michael Develin discusses his first Scotland caps, a feature on the AFC Women’s side and the usual extensive history and stats sections.

Sunday’s Dolly Digital cover is inspired by “Who Me? Why Not” the second studio album cover by Liam Gallagher who is performing in Aberdeen next month.