I'll turn Aberdeen into the Arsenal of Scotland, says Noel Whelan
Jun 5 2009 By Ian Orr
NOEL WHELAN is begging the Aberdeen board to give him the chance to turn the Dons into the Arsenal of Scottish football.
But the former Pittodrie player fears Aberdeen bosses will snub his bid to form a managerial dream team with Ron Atkinson.
Whelan, 34, said: Arsenal would be my blueprint for Aberdeen. That is the way I'd make them play.
"That one-touch passing movement can be achieved at Pittodrie. It won't be overnight, it has to come from the youth team and built over a period of years.
"But I would make Aberdeen good to watch and hard to beat. Under me, the players would be more technical and skilful "I've not heard anything after applying to the club last week and sending an email as a follow-up. There is a fear that I will not be approached regarding the job.
"That would be surprising, especially as Ron Atkinson has a superb track record in management and I played for 10 years in the Premiership, which is the toughest league in the world.
"All I ask is for the chance to sit down and explain what I believe we can achieve.
"Finishing fourth in the SPL is great but the bottom line is Aberdeen were still 33 points behind the champions. We would aim to narrow that divide.
"Hopefully Aberdeen will look outside of Scotland for new ideas and we could certainly provide them.
"If we are overlooked it will be disappointing because I believe we can do a great job.
"I realise the budget will be tight but Ron and I have strong contacts. We would bring in loan players from top clubs.
"Aberdeen are in Europe and players we could get in would have the quality to compete at that level.
"We can source young loan players who could do that."