University, Dons In Talks

Last updated : 08 March 2006 By Stand Free Ed

Aberdeen FC are in negotiations with Aberdeen University to become primary tenants of a new training complex to be built near Pittodrie.

The go-ahead has been given to the University and the city council to develop a super facility at the Chris Anderson Stadium by 2008.

Aberdeen legend and Director of Football Willie Miller confirmed talks have begun as the Dons hope to solve their training problems by buying into the new £22.7million state-of-the-art complex.

Miller told the Daily Record: "Hearts agreed a partnership with Heriot-Watt University for the use of their Riccarton complex. We hope to secure a similar agreement with Aberdeen University to use the complex at Linksfield.

"We have a long-standing relationship with the university and hope that allowing us use of the facility will be mutually beneficial."

Jimmy Calderwood, who has taken his players to Raith Rovers' Stark's Park ground this week to prepare for Saturday's game with Dunfermline, welcomed the move.

Only last week the Dons gaffer hit out at the Scottish Executive for failing to invest in training facilities, saying: "Training has been a nightmare for us this week and I think it will be the same for many other teams because Rangers are the only top club with the right standard of facilities."

He told the Daily Record yesterday: "I'm delighted to hear about this because we have excellent coaches and a whole generation of talented youngsters desperate to make their mark. Better facilities are needed to allow this to happen."

The location of the site is of interest: it is close to the University's Old Aberdeen campus but also to Pittodrie, which may signal that the Dons will be remaining at the old ground, or somewhere near it, for the foreseeable future.