Neil Simpson and Cammy Smith on RedTV
The Dons season ticket campaign for season 2013/14 was officially launched today.
With it being the 30th anniversary of Gothenburg this week, plus with the U20 side capping off a superb season by finishing the campaign in second spot on Monday, we got one of our past legends, Neil Simpson and a youngster with a great future ahead of him, Cammy Smith together for the official press launch.
Neil Simpson |
“You have to be optimistic about the future of the club especially with the performance of the U20s this season. It proves that we have some quality young players in our system.
“The main aim of the Youth Academy is to produce players for the first team. You could have a really good team and win trophies at U20 level but have no players who are going to make the step up. What is so promising, what is so great for everyone that is involved in the AFC youth development programme, you have got a good team but you have also got some very good individual players throughout the whole Academy – from U16 level through to the U20s. We are delighted with the work that is being done and Derek McInnes giving Craig Storie a debut at such a young age has given everyone a big lift.
“You have to be optimistic about the season ahead.
“The club really needs the people of the North East to come and get behind the team. There has been hard times for a number of years in terms of not getting to a cup final and promising so much particularly this season and not delivering but I think if we can keep players clear of injury and with the introduction of some more young players to freshen things up and to introduce some enthusiasm – similar to what we got last season with Ryan Fraser – then I think the supporters will come back.”
Cammy Smith |
“To get the crowds back to Pittodrie would be really good. I know from my experience playing in the first team this season, when you get a big crowd backing you, it makes such a difference. The support has again been brilliant this season and we all know that if we were to do better in the league we would get an even better support. Hopefully next season we can put on more entertainment and have a higher league position.
“The new management team have come in and set their stall out very quickly. He has made it clear the high standards he expects. I have been really impressed with the things he has tried to get across to us. All the boys including myself are enjoying working with him.
“We have a lot of very good young players at the club and it is an exciting time. Many of the fans got a chance to see Nicky Low for the first time on Sunday. He is a player with so much ability. Nicky has been waiting all season for his chance since returning from being on loan. He got that chance on Sunday and certainly took it. I have played with Craig Storie in the U20s and in the Scotland set-up and he is a very good player with a big future at the club. I enjoy playing with him as we link up well together. I was not surprised that the manager just threw him in. He is one who will play for the first team in years to come.
“Myself and the rest of the young boys have to keep trying to impress the manager in training and if we get a chance we have to take it.
“Yesterday capped off what has been a very good season for the U20s. It just proves how many good young boys we have at the club. A few of us are not quite there yet. It is a massive step up playing for the first team but if we all keep working hard, listen to what the coaches have to tell us, do the right things off the park, then we will get there.”
“With the new management team, there will be new signings and with the young boys coming through, there is much to look forward to next season.”
RedTV | Neil Simpson Interview please click here
RedTV | Cammy Smith Interview please click here
RedWeb | season ticket info please click here
