Zola oot

[mizer]

  DEREK McInnes is convinced Calvin Zola will run amok in the Scottish Premiership after carving up

Kilmarnock on his Dons debut.

The former Burton targetman was thrown into the opening-day clash despite managing just 29 minutes of action in pre-season friendlies due to ankle and hamstring injuries.

Zola was in tears when he limped off in the bounce game against Shelbourne in Dublin last month but McInnes reckons he is exactly the type of striker Aberdeen have been crying out for.

The 28-year-old’s touch might have been rustier than a old garden gate but his power and presence in the box left Killie’s backline in tatters during the 2-1 win.

The towering hitman spun Allan Johnston’s defence in the build-up to Jonny Hayes’s opener and occupied so much attention from markers he allowed others to exploit the space.

McInnes insists it’s a warning to the rest of the division as the giant Zaire hitman will only get better – and he is already gunning for Motherwell this weekend.

He said: “There is a lot more to come from Calvin. He did very well on Saturday, especially when you consider he had hardly played in pre-season.

“He barely managed 20 minutes or so and was a good bit behind the rest of the lads.

“It was a gamble to play him but it was a calculated one and it paid off.

“We just felt he had attributes that could cause Kilmarnock problems.

“That turned out to be the case and Calvin was instrumental in the first goal. He was nowhere near up to speed and ran his race after 50 or 60 minutes.

“But he will get better as his fitness improves. It might be the case he is suitable for some opponents more than others but I’m sure he will be a handful.

“We have other strikers, such as Scott Vernon and Josh Magennis, who can bring us something different whenever the case may require it.

“But I’m sure Aberdeen fans will be pleased to see Calvin posing a threat in the circumstances. They would also have been impressed with his attitude because he was more than willing to jump right in despite the lack of match fitness.

“He would have been a bit stiff and sore on Sunday but he will work all week and be ready for Motherwell on Sunday.”

Zola will give the Dons a focal point but the onus will be on winger Hayes to provide the ammunition.

The former Inverness star was critical of his own displays last term but was unleashed at the weekend after McInnes gave him a free licence.

McInnes said: “Jonny’s performance was terrific. He was brave, always on the move and never stopped running.

“We are all pleased because we know how desperate Jonny is to do well.

“He is very hard on himself at times. So much was expected of him when he came from Inverness last year and it could be he was trying too hard to impress.

“But I can assure Jonny myself and Tony Docherty were delighted he was already on the books when we came to Pittodrie.

“We tried to sign him before because he is an outstanding player.”

[tlg1903]

What i quite liked about that highlight reel was that a lot fo them were not classic target man goals.  Some really nice dinky finishes which implies a good footballing intelligence

[maverick sheep]

I'm quietly confident Zola and Veron will both do well this year with robson and hayes creating a lot of goals for them. Or creating a lot of opportunities for them to cause havoc and open up space for mcginn.

 

 

The only worry is lack of defence and protecting mids. But Flood is such an energiser bunny i wouldn't be surprised if it makes teams a bit cautious in midfield in case they lose the ball and end up being bummed on the counter attack.

 

 

Think we have a great blend this year of positivity tempered with the knowledge we've been underachieving consistently in years we should've done well, so aren't getting our hopes up!

[rocket_scientist]

I thought very early last week that Zola was not, had never been, will never be a footballer. Nothing he did in the Killie game convinced me otherwise. Any feedback about him today?

[glasgow sheep]

I thought very early last week that Zola was not, had never been, will never be a footballer. Nothing he did in the Killie game convinced me otherwise. Any feedback about him today?

 

shite

every touch took the ball 5yds from him.

magennis was better

[BigAl]

I may just be being optimistic, but I still think Zola will come good.

Only had something like forty minutes in pre season and needs to develop understanding with McGinn. I therefore am prepared to reserve judgement upon him for a bit yet.

Interesting that McInnes patently rates Magennis ahead of Vernon, as tow games in, twice Zola withdrawn, Magennis introduced and Vernon remains on the bench.

[Tyrant]

I'm with Al. I'm still confident. He's clearly very rusty but is still a handful that defences up here will struggle to cope with. Just needs game time.

 

Having said that I can't remember seeing a slower player. Makes Vern look like Ricky Foster.

 

[BigAl]

 

Having said that I can't remember seeing a slower player.

 

You have now then.......witness him skinning McManus yesterday

[Stewart]

http://www.afc.co.uk/articles/20140617/calvin-zola-leaves-pittodrie_2212158_3912405

 

[Jute]

:ultras:

 

Great news.

[Madbadteacher]

Best of luck in the Conference Cal!

[tlg1903]

Delighted by this, all reservations about going for Boyd follow Zola out the door

[BigAl]

Well I for one wish him all the best.

On reflection the SPL was probably to big a step up for him.

Referees in Scotland however did him no favours, and for some reason (probably was he was built like a brick shit house) seemed to be under the impression that no one could or would foul him and subsequently everything was given against him.

By all accounts a thoroughly decent guy, so all the best Calvin

[Sandaldinho]

Well I for one wish him all the best.

On reflection the SPL was probably to big a step up for him.

Referees in Scotland however did him no favours, and for some reason (probably was he was built like a brick shit house) seemed to be under the impression that no one could or would foul him and subsequently everything was given against him.

By all accounts a thoroughly decent guy, so all the best Calvin

this

[baggy89]

Should we now expect signing news??

[tlg1903]

I would think so baggy

[Tyrant]

Correct decision. Best for all concerned.

 

Do we think that this means we have a deal for a certain striker tied up?

[Reidzer 1314]

I wish Zola all the best but I agree I think he had to move on.

 

I do hope this means Kris Boyd will be joining us, he would be a great signing.

[Sandaldinho]

I wish Zola all the best but I agree I think he had to move on.

 

I do hope this means Kris Boyd will be joining us, he would be a great signing.

i'm 50/50

Think he can be a great striker and is a natural goal scorer, just always wondered about his work rate.

 

[Tyrant]

i'm 50/50

Think he can be a great striker and is a natural goal scorer, just always wondered about his work rate.

 

 

There's no disputing he's not exactly a grafter but he scored 22 goals for a shite Killie team so he's doing something right! Still no question from me. I'd definitely sign him.

[Stewart]

 

There's no disputing he's not exactly a grafter but he scored 22 goals for a shite Killie team so he's doing something right! Still no question from me. I'd definitely sign him.

 

Looked like he was working a lot harder last season than I've seen him before.

[tlg1903]

He strikes me as someone who had matured greatly as a person after a few years abroad

[Stewart]

http://www.stevenagefc.com/news/article/transfer-calvin-zola-signs-20.6.14-1653657.aspx

[manc_don]

This news pleases me greatly. Best for both parties tbh be honest. Hopefully this allows us to get someone more suited to our game.