Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Aberdeen will have to get used to generating their own atmosphere
ASSISTANT manager Tony Docherty insists it is up to Aberdeen to generate their own atmosphere without a raucous Red Army to roar them on against Rangers.
Aberdeen are gearing up for the Premiership curtain-raiser against the Gers at Pittodrie a week on Saturday.
The coronavirus pandemic means there will be no supporters present and a fixture that’s usually contested in a red-hot atmosphere will be played in near silence.
In preparation for playing behind closed doors the Dons faced St Johnstone in a friendly at Pittodrie on Tuesday and are set to host Hibs on Saturday.
Derek McInnes’ No 2 Docherty believes that will serve as good preparation for Aberdeen ahead of trying to defeat Rangers on the opening day of the campaign.
He said: “Everything is different. Even in the dressing-room you’ve only got the starting 10 and the goalkeeper. In terms of atmosphere that’s another lesson from this game that we need to generate our own atmosphere because we’re not going to get it from the fans.
“Roundabout the place it’s quieter but as players and staff we need to generate that ourselves and what better game to do it than Rangers at the start of the season?
“This game has put us in a better place to make sure we are ready.
“We’re professionals and we need to adapt to that as best we can.
“We know the fans are watching on television so we need to put on a performance for them.
Aberdeen lost 2-1 to the Saints earlier this week.
Scott Tanser’s brace for the Perth club had them two to the good before sub Bruce Anderson came on to pull one back for the Dons.
“There were positives and negatives, but it was all a useful exercise,” said Docherty.