The first edition of RedInsider of 2016, RedTV’s magazine programme, is available to view now. The show, hosted by Dave Macdermid and Russell Anderson, includes an interview with Assistant Manager Tony Docherty who gives the very latest news from the club. There is also a special interview with UC Sampdoria coach Fabrizio Piccareta, who explains the reasons for his recent visit to Pittodrie.
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TONY DOCHERTY
“The Hearts result was hugely disappointing. There is no getting away from that. Every campaign you set out to try and do as well as you can in every competition whether it be the League Cup, the Scottish Cup or the league. We put a lot of value in doing well in the cups. Although it was a difficult tie, both cup ties this season were difficult, but we will not hide behind that, the fact we did not get any luck in the draw. We still feel we should be winning that type of game.
“We just need to dust ourselves down and focus on our league campaign. We have 16 games left and still have a real opportunity to do something special this season. We must make sure we channel all our energies from the disappointment of going out of the cup and focus everything on the league campaign. Hopefully that will drive us and motivate us to finishing the season successfully.
“Our fans are magnificent and I must say the support we had on Saturday was fantastic. Coming out for the warm up and seeing that whole stand filled with Aberdeen fans was a wonderful thing to see. It cannot be undervalued how big a part they play. And that was one of the most disappointing things about the result. We feel that we let them down.
“We are very much indebted to the supporters for everything they do. We are professionals so it is ok for us but we know how difficult it is for them to get to Dingwall for a 12.30 kick off on a Sunday. We know that they will be there, that they will be there in numbers and will back us vocally and we totally don’t undervalue that, the commitment they show towards the team. We will continue to show that commitment towards them. They have to realise how important they are.
“The Hearts defeat was the first game we have lost in nine games. Since the defeat against Celtic in Glasgow we have won six and drawn three in the SPFL Premiership. We are still undefeated in the league since that game and we want to continue that run of form we are having in the league at the moment.
“We know how difficult the trip to Dingwall will be. I was up at the game on Tuesday night for their cup tie. They are a difficult opponent who play to their strengths. We are going to have to be at our best to continue our current run of league form. The way we do that is by playing in a certain way, making sure we are aggressive and getting to break of the ball first and force the opposition to defend.
“I cannot speak highly enough of Danny Ward. Not just for his goalkeeping but what he brought to the dressing room. He will have a big big future in the game and we are lucky that we had the chance to work with him on his development, as we have done with previous boys like Michael Hector. We thank Danny for what he did for us but we must also remember that we have a very good goalkeeper backing him up in Scott Brown. Let’s not forget the number of clean sheets Scott had last season in the league campaign. He is a fantastic professional and has been working very hard in the background with Gordon Marshall.
“He is a great pro. I know how frustrating it has been for him this season as there is nothing harder than training all week and not getting a game at the weekend. Scott has been very supportive to Danny and has been very good in training.
“He has bided his time and now another opportunity arises for him. He is a goalkeeper we have a lot of confidence in. So Scott will come back into the team and he is an able replacement. We have no doubts he will come in and perform at the level he did last season.
“The search for another keeper to come into the first team squad is ongoing but the recruitment of new players is something that we are always on the lookout for. Russ Richardson is constantly at potential signings.
“There has been a lot of speculation about various players in various positions coming in but we will not comment on any speculation. The way the manager works, he will only announce anything when deals are done. We can’t affect anything in terms of speculation. The speculation will always be there. People will always speculate about who is coming in and who is going out. But as I say the manager and the club will only announce anything once players have actually signed.”
“There has been a lot of speculation about various players in various positions coming in but we will not comment on any speculation. The way the manager works, he will only announce anything when deals are done. We can’t affect anything in terms of speculation. The speculation will always be there. People will always speculate about who is coming in and who is going out. But as I say the manager and the club will only announce anything once players have actually signed.”
