For the first RedMatchday of the domestic season there is a special captain’s edition as we officially mark Graeme Shinnie being handed the captain’s armband.
Over the past couple of weeks Graeme has sat and complied his programmes notes with the programme editor and given an insight into what it is like to be the captain of Aberdeen FC as well as discussing the role of leadership. The skipper also looks ahead to what should be another enthralling season.
Our new artist-in-residence this season Dolly Digital has done a special wrapround cover with Graeme Shinnie on the front and there are a number of features and interviews with former captains in this week’s magazine:
Graeme Shinnie “It’s fantastic to be leading the team into the season as the skipper which is an honour that I really do understand and appreciate. When you look at the list of names who have captained this club in the past on the captain’s board, there are some incredible names up there.
“The best part of being a captain is driving on your team mates. There is nothing more rewarding than that. An example was when I scored the goal at Ibrox early on which helped drive the team onto a memorable victory against Rangers.
“I like to do my talking on the pitch, with the way I play. I feel confident from times when I was captain at Inverness to when I was given the captain’s armband here when Ryan was out of the side, that I can lead the team and drive the team on through my football rather than having to shout and scream at people. That is not really my style. I don’t like moaning and screaming at players and making them feel intimidated. I like to lead the team by how I play and how I go about my business.
“You also need to set the standards off the field as well. My competitive side always means that I want to win in training. I want to win if we are doing a bleep test. Leadership comes from what I do on a day to day basis. Things like winning the bleep test pushes other players on and pushes them further that what they would have settled for otherwise. That is the way I like to do it, but actions rather than my mouth.”
There are also a number of other in-depth interviews with first team squad members: Nicky Maynard “As a striker you can go three or four games and wonder when your next chance is going to come from. If you look at all strikers, even those playing at the very top level, you can go from scoring every week to suddenly going four or five weeks without scoring. If you let it affect you, then it will have an impact on your game. I do not let it affect me and I ignore negative comments. I have been in the game long enough to know how to deal with that situation when you have not scored for how many games.
“When I was younger I would maybe start hiding and not making the runs that I should have. Now if I go two or three games without scoring, I will make that extra run to make things happen. You cannot go hiding in football.”
Danny Rogers “This is my seventh season as an Aberdeen player so I must be due a testimonial soon! I still have yet to play a competitive game, although I have played some friendlies and have played at Pittodrie on a few occasions. “Normally at this time of the year, I would have been away with the boys at St Andrews anyway and done a pre-season, but after today, when the league games start, it will sink in about being an Aberdeen player fully again. I know Joe is first choice because he has done really well in his time here, so it will be an interesting season for me, but I just need to get my head down and work hard.”
We are pleased to welcome back our usual columnists Richard Gordon, Chris Crighton and Ally Begg. There will also be a number of new people working on the programme during the season – more of that as the campaign unfolds. There is a new look history section with a number of different features and articles.
WIN A COVER PRINT! Want the chance to win an exclusive and signed Graeme Shinnie RedMatchday 'cover-star' print? We have a few to giveaway!
Step 1: Buy a copy of RedMatchday Magazine Step 2: Take selfie with RedMatchday Step 3: Send us your selfie!
You can send us your selfies from the game, or before the game! After the game! Get creative! If you can please tweet your photos to @AberdeenFC or @dollydigital or @CurtisSport or all three if you want!
Winners will be announced on Monday. Good luck!
RedMatchday Issue 03 is available from sellers in and around the ground. Still available for only £3.00 – offering you our readers great value for money. There will be copies available to buy in the club shop plus you can buy all the AFC programmes online here: www.curtis-sport.com
RedMatchday Issue 03 is available from sellers in and around the ground. Still available for only £3.00 – offering you our readers great value for money. There will be copies available to buy in the club shop plus you can buy all the AFC programmes online here: www.curtis-sport.com
