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The pitch tomorrow will be something akin to the Edgbaston wicket that the Anglo and Aussie gladiators are fighting the second Ashes test on, if not something that David Bryant or Peter Ebdon would instantly recognise. The much publicised re-turfing of Pittodrie during the summer has left a beautiful surface to play football on, which may not interest Celtic but will be a boon for Aberdeen's players. It has grown slightly too, giving more space for ball players such as Jamie Smith, Chris Clark, Gary Dempsey and debut goal-scorer Barry Nicholson to stretch their legs. The more astute of you will also have noticed that the 'assistant referees' will now run the line on astroturf rather than the old mud/sand mix, which may encourage them to occasionally make the correct decision. Perhaps.
After the noisy, encouraging welcome they received at Tannadice from the boisterous travelling support, the Dons players will be hoping for a good atmosphere at Pittodrie for the visit of Kilmarnock tomorrow. Of course, it is more difficult for the fans to create an intimidating atmosphere when they are dispersed around the wide open space of Pittodrie, but if there is a decent crowd and the players perform to their expectations, then there's no reason why the attending assembly cannot spur the team on.
Disappointing news is that Darren Mackie and Ritchie Byrne will again be missing from the line-up, and last season's Mr Consistency Michael Hart is a major doubt. Young defender Andrew Considine picked up a knock in training and is also struggling to make the squad. Midfield engine Scott Severin is fit despite travelling to France on Tuesday to see a specialist about his recurring groin problem. The Paris doc wants to see Sev a few more times to help clear the problem, but he did confirm his fitness. The best news is that new signing Steve Lovell should be ready to make his debut and he will join Jamie Smith and Barry Nicholson in playing their first game in front of the home fans.
Debut goal-scorer Barry Nicholson told RedWeb: "This is going to be a big day, to get out in front of the Pittodrie crowd for the first time, all my family will be there, and I'm really looking forward to it. Three points would set us up brilliantly for the season. On a personal level, it was nice to get a goal on my debut, the first time I've ever managed that. The gaffer says he wants me to add goals to the side from the midfield and that early strike has certainly settled me down."
"The gaffer", a.k.a. Jimmy Calderwood, told RedWeb that he will be giving Kilmarnock plenty of respect despite their opening day defeat. "They will be disappointed after losing to Hearts at Rugby Park in their opening fixture. However, that won't make it any easier for us and sometimes I think they are a stronger side away from home. They finished last season strongly and Jim Jeffries and Billy Brown will be expecting big things from their squad this season. They also have some very good players - it's no secret that Kris Boyd is a player I would like to have brought in here and he is a threat to anyone up front."
Final word to the Dons skipper, who despite a couple of lapses early in the United game had an influential match, showing the calmness and strength that typifies a captain. Russell Anderson told RedWeb: "We need to repeat the away form of last season but we have to put the home record right, we have to make this a place that people dread coming to. A lot of teams just sat in here last year and made it difficult for us to break them down which is why the manager has tried to add some creativity and guile to the side. Hopefully we'll start to see the fruits of that right from Saturday afternoon."
Cms1903