Glass was not easy option for chairman
STEPHEN GLASS’S profile was the perfect match for Aberdeen and not an appointment made out of convenience, insists Dave Cormack.
The Aberdeen chairman was addressing supporters at a virtual Q&A last night. In an hourlong event, the Atlanta based businessman answered questions regarding club finances, the much-desired return of fans and where he sees the Pittodrie side in five years’ time.
At the top of the agenda however was the imminent arrival of new manager Glass, who according to Cormack “shares the club’s vision for high energy, attacking, dynamic and pressing play”.
The 44-year-old, who should be out of quarantine and ready to begin work the week following Aberdeen’s match with St Johnstone on April 10, began his career with the Dons. He’s amassed the majority of his coaching experience managing Atlanta United’s second team, the franchise who have a stake in Aberdeen and strategic partnership with the club.
However, Cormack was keen to reiterate that despite Glass’s links to the club and appropriation for the role, it was no certainty he would be given the job upon applying.
“We filtered through a long list of candidates and approached a few ourselves,” Cormack revealed. “We interviewed eight candidates, mostly all of whom were what I would call emerging talent. There were four outstanding candidates and ultimately Stephen was chosen by the board as the coach we wanted to manage Aberdeen.
“So why Stephen? He’s an ab
solute passion for the role, he’s invested in the DNA of the club having grown up as a young boy at the club and having a fantastic career.
“His approach to the game, he shares the club’s vision for high energy, attacking, dynamic and pressing play. He’s invested in youth player development, club partnerships and our identified squad profile for us to build real value in the squad.”
Some fans had voiced concerns at Glass’s managerial record. Throughout their 2020 campaign, Atlanta 2 had just three wins from 20 to show for. But Cormack takes a more contextual view of his new manager’s role.
“The difference is, Stephen’s goal was to develop players, it wasn’t necessarily about winning,” he continued.
“The best example we can give is George Bello. When Stephen took over, he moved George Bello to the Atlanta first team and he is now a US international.
“In Atlanta, when he took over the first team, he demonstrated positive leadership during adversity. They had hardly any designated players available and had some challenges, a mix of Hispanic players and a mix of US and European players.”