Kowalski

From June 2005... The Board of Directors of Aberdeen Football Club has denied a recent fan-based nomination to award Dons legend and current Community Coach, Neil Simpson a testimonial. In a letter to Dr. Gregor Reid, a Dons fan for 40 years, and copied to Fan representative Alan Duncan, the Board appeared to base their decision on several things, primarily the fact that every player awarded this honour has been currently playing for the club, while Neil’s career of twelve and a half years, 310 games, goals in “Pittodrie’s Greatest Night” and Super Cup and no sending offs, ended in 1990. The fact that he has served as Community Coach for three and a half years, thereby totaling 16 years with the club, sadly did not count. Normally, testimonials require 10 years service. Dr. Reid commented, “You have to respect the Board’s decision based on existing policies, but it is extremely disappointing.” The fact that Willie Miller, a previous and deserving recipient of a testimonial, was part of the decision, is intriguing as no doubt he applauds the exceptional contributions that Simmy has made, and continues to make, to the club. It was stated that testimonials have tended to be met with “considerable indifference”, and clearly it is not known how many fans would attend a game for Neil. A brief survey came up close to 750 names, suggesting a solid base for the event, especially from the Red Brigade and the Red Ultras. But given the right opposition and the positive feelings about the current team under Jimmy Calderwood, a good crowd could have attended a pre-season match. The decision was also based on a fear of Neil having to cope with possible adverse reactions, presumably from Rangers fans. But Neil was behind the testimonial and told Dr. Reid he would have been “delighted and honoured to receive a testimonial”. As Dr. Reid says, “such decisions should not be based on how a team such as Rangers, who have inducted Graeme Souness known for his cynical tackling and sendings off into their Hall of Fame, might or might not react to such an event.” While the ‘tackle’ was an unfortunate incident, Durrant went on to have a productive and lengthy career that continues to this day, while Neil was penalized financially and faced lengthy, unfair retribution from the Old Firm biased Glasgow media. The rivalry between the Dons and Rangers long predates the ‘tackle’ and sadly continues to this day for reasons that have nothing to do with Simmy. The Board stated a concern that “other former players with similar spells of service might also consider that they would deserve similar treatment”. In fact, only Doug Rougvie (12 years) and John Hewitt (10 years) would qualify, and what Dons fans would deny them a testimonial if people wanted to organize the event? The point is that a lot of fans did want to do this for Simmy, and while the club seems willing to grant the use of the stadium, it is a shame that such an event would not receive club endorsement and official recognition. “This past two years, we have celebrated magnificent historical achievements at the club (1955, 1970, 1983), so I don’t see why we can’t continue this and plan events for Neil, as well as Doug and John if fans are in favour” said Dr. Reid. Given the Bosman ruling and today’s climate of agents and players going for the highest wages, it’s hard to see too many more testimonials ever taking place! The Board’s decision looks like a final one, having previously discussed the issue. The question is would fan backing and support of sponsors be sufficient to reverse the decision? The Red Ultras are certainly behind this proposal, but will members, other supporters clubs, businesses, media and others come to the fore? If not a game, perhaps a dinner or another event? Or are we happy to let history be history and forget about honouring a fantastic legend and current-day coach? The fact that you won’t meet a nicer guy must count for something. Time to decide.

Anyone else having problems trying to use the site? I'm getting time out issues over the last 48 hours.

Sadly it'll never happen. This did the rounds several years ago and we approached the club about it, and it was a non starter.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/9257495.stm

Heading out for our xmas lunch at 4. A freebie for most of the evening!

Well certainly something seems to be holding up the announcement.

How does that work if he's already quit!?

Not that I agree with Stoney, but the point he was trying to make was about us loaning a player to Rangers and then welcoming him back. Jim Bett was not loaned to Rangers by us.

Game's on according to Redweb.

Well said

Sol Bamba

It's fucking cricket!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/9257495.stm

How confident are you?

He's not listed on the Sky listings but I'll tune in anyway. He'll have voted against it.

Another dignified interview from him: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/9274106.stm Beginning to think this shouldn't have been played out in the press like this. It's clear to other candidates that they would not be the first choice now.

Brown at 4/11 with Hills.

But those quotes appear to be from last night?

Can see Leighton coming back, Brown was a big fan.

He can take McNamee with him, we're needing full backs!

I think it's between Stella and James, I don't like any of the others.

A scandalous decision in tonight's Apprentice. I can't believe that cock Stuart is through to the interview stage.

Doesn't sound like a snub to me.

John Hughes is the next Alex Miller according to this poll. Hardly anybody wants him. FFS AFC, do not give him the job!