A look at what is in the final RedMatchday Magazine of the season:
Both the manager and captain did special one off interviews for the programme looking back at the 2017/18 campaign.
Derek McInnes “I think by and large, there’s been a real consistency of performance this season. Of course, we learn about the squad and about each other as we go, and there have been disappointments along the way, particularly in games against the Old Firm, but overall, we have kept a good level.
“What we have been pleased with is the togetherness, determination and motivation of the squad to do as well as they can and hopefully we can look back at the end of the season and recognise that while there are areas to improve, a lot of good work has been done as well.”
Graeme Shinnie “The big thing is we don’t want to head off into the summer on a downer. You enjoy it so much more when you’ve done well, so that gives us that bit of extra fight and determination to get second. We’re going all out to try and get that. It’s a case of just throwing everything at it and enjoying your break when it comes.
“These are massive games and ones you want as a player. We need to make sure we’re standing up and being counted. With the crowd behind us on Tuesday night, it should be a good occasion and one that we need to make sure we come out on top”.
The player interview is with Scott McKenna who reflects on his amazing rise to fame during the season.
“It was great to actually get on the park and amazing to do that for Scotland. It is a pretty big pitch! In the first half when I was playing over on the left, you could hear the supporters and feel the atmosphere. I can only imagine playing at a full Hampden would be a very special experience.
“Playing for Scotland was great and being alongside Andy Robertson was a great experience. He really helped me and talked me through the games. To play as well as I did was a big bonus.
“Just joining the squad and maybe getting some game time was my original aim. But after I got a chance on the park from the start, I wanted to stay there and to be selected for the Hungary game too was great. The key thing is for me to stay in the Scotland manager’s thoughts.
“Playing for Alex McLeish is special as an Aberdeen player because he is a legend at the football club and he played in central defence too of course. He was very successful here and someone told me he made his Scotland debut at the same age as me.
“I enjoyed working with him. In between drills, he’ll come over and make a point or say wee things that can help out. Hopefully I can learn a few things off from him.”
We also have a Q&A with our good friend Derek Rae. We find out what the former BT Sport commentator has been up to since returning to the United States last summer.
How has it been, making the transition back to American life after several years in the U.K.?
Well, I lived for almost 20 years in the Boston area before the most recent U.K. spell. As I said earlier, we never sold our house in Massachusetts and so it was truly going home. We live in a beautiful area on the North Shore, as it’s known, and can walk to the beach in 5 minutes. But to live in New England, you have to be prepared for the long, hard winter. It’s much more severe than a Scottish winter, for example. This past winter was particularly harsh and my snow shovelling skills were slightly out of practice! All in all though, I love being back in the Boston area. You truly feel you’re at the heart of the American story given the events of 1776. The area has its own character and accent and I have always felt very much at home.
Do you still keep tabs on what’s happening at Pittodrie?
Of course. Red TV is great for that. Plus just generally it’s a more connected world. When I first moved to Boston in the early 90s, I would rely on newspaper clippings sent through the post. Now it’s all there on your phone when you wake up in the morning! I got a call from Dave Cormack recently, updating me on the new initiatives at the club, especially the AberDNA project. As a proud Aberdonian, I’ll always have a bond with the club.
Also there is the second part of the in depth interview with former manager Alex Smith. He looks back at his time at Pittodrie.
“The day I replaced Ian as manager, I was getting ready to take an Aberdeen side to Switzerland for a youth tournament. Because of Aberdeen’s reputation in Europe, they were invited to all these top tournaments. That morning I was working with the first team at Aberdeen University and then at lunchtime, I got a call to see the Chairman. Ian had resigned. Dick Donald, Ian Donald and Bobby Morrison asked me if I would be interested in creating a management team. I did not have to think about that for any length of time! They wanted me to create a strong management team.”
It is the 35th anniversary of Gothenburg on Friday so Ally Begg recalls that magical night for a fans perspective.
“The day itself, the 11th May 1983 we set off early from Dyce, the airport packed full of expectant Aberdeen fans. The trip over the North Sea was as boisterous as I’ve ever seen, the plane sang its way to Sweden. When we arrived the weather was overcast but not overly threatening. As we headed out and about the heavens opened and the downpour began. Not at any point did this concern the adults in the traveling party which kept the youngsters in good spirits. With kick-off fast approaching the rain was relentless, as we made our way into the vast stadium to find a good vantage point I was by this point cold, wet and slightly miserable as I couldn’t see the pitch! Thankfully dad found a better spot and invested in those garish yellow rain macs which trust me was the best purchase of that entire trip.”
Plus a tribute to Kenny McLean as this will be his final game at Pittodrie as an Aberdeen player, there is an interview with Ryan Christie, Richard Gordon picks his SPFL team of the year, there is a full World Cup preview and wallchart and a Q&A with Michael Devlin.
All this for only £3.00!
Finally, a big thank you to all our contributors who have written for the programme during the 2017/18 season. Thanks to Dolly Digital for his superb artwork. And on behalf of the RedMatchday team, thank you to all of you who continue to make this programme a part of your matchday ritual and to all of our sellers who get your copy into your hands, whatever the weather.
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