Our Calvin Stardust
Cormack ranks Ramsay as one of best in Europe but warns Liverpool and Co Dons don’t need to sell starlet in January
DAVE CORMACK believes Calvin Ramsay is one of the best young right-backs in Europe.
Liverpool, Manchester United, Leicester and Everton are among a string of Premier League clubs keeping a close eye on the Aberdeen defender.
Dons chairman Cormack knows there is growing interest in the teenager and reckons the stats back him up that their young protege is as good as anyone around, especially in terms of assists and attacking play.
Aberdeen made clubrecord sales last season as Scott McKenna and Sam Cosgrove departed for Nottingham Forest and Birmingham respectively. But 18-yearold Ramsay’s
fee is expected to be the biggest banked by the club when he does leave Pittodrie. Cormack said: “He has a nice family and is a lovely kid. He looks after himself and keeps his feet on the ground. “There aren’t many rightbacks at his age like him, doing what he does. Look at the data. All the clubs look at the same scouting systems. He is in the elite upper bracket, right up there, for a young right-back in Europe. “People are seeing that and that’s why we believe there will be a lot of interest – although we’ve not had a call from anybody yet.
“We haven’t had any contact from any clubs for any of our young players, Calvin or otherwise.
“The window is coming up so we’ll see. Calvin has been out injured and it might be another two to three weeks before he’s back, I don’t know.”
Cormack is adamant Aberdeen don’t need to sell anyone next month.
Ryan Hedges is attracting interest from a number of clubs, including Blackburn, and is set to enter the final months of his Pittodrie deal.
Aberdeen remain in talks over an extension but that is looking less and less likely.
Cormack added: “Players will go if it is right for them and the club as well. We don’t need to
sell players in January, I can tell you that right now. “In saying that, if the right price comes along for the right player and we have the ability to replace that player, then it’s something we would look at.
“We certainly don’t need to sell players in January and we won’t be encouraging any lastminute window approaches for the sake of us being unable to replace players.”
A major part of manager Stephen Glass’ remit was to build a successful team around the youth academy.
Ramsay and Jack MacKenzie have been regulars in the first team since the manager took charge in April.
Cormack said: “We looked for a coach who would deliver an attacking and exciting style of play, investing in emerging talent and the academy, players like Jack, etc.
“Without monetising our player development, we would lose money every year.
“Stephen was appointed because we believe he can deliver. And we got Scott Brown too – he would not be here otherwise.
“He brings an intimate knowledge of the Scottish game and is progressing well with his coaching badges.
“Patience is something I struggle with because I want instant results. It’s not just the squad we’ve overhauled but the style of play. We won’t get carried away with three wins but take confidence that this team can compete at the top end of the table.”
Ramsay was rewarded with a new deal in January and it was confirmed at Monday’s agm MacKenzie had signed one until 2025.
Cormack said: “You heard director of football Steven Gunn say he is encouraged by the players coming through.
“We’ve got Jack signed up until 2025 and also other younger players.”
Aberdeen have got a number of their upcoming youngsters on new contracts.
Kieran Ngwenya, Tom Ritchie, Evan Towler and Ryan Duncan have committed their futures and now the Dons are trying to similarly tie down midfielder Connor Barron.
The 19-year-old is making a major impression on loan with League Two leaders Kelty Hearts, alongside Ngwenya.
Barron is out of contract at the end of this season and the Dons have opened talks to extend that agreement.
Calvin is in the elite upper bracket for a young right-back in Europe DAVE CORMACK ON TEEN