Red alert to crowd pleaser Brown winning over Dons fans

IT is something of an understatement to say that

Scott Brown needed to build a few bridges at Pittodrie when he signed a pre-contract agreement with Aberdeen in March.

The news the Celtic captain would be joining them in the summer was greeted with horror by a disbelieving fan base.

Brown has always positively revelled in the opprobrium that rains down on him from the stands on match day. So the adverse reaction to his arrival in the north-east was never likely to bother him unduly. Still, the way he has won around fans in the past six months has been remarkable. He has gone from being public enemy No.1 in the Granite City to the new Willie Miller. The former Scotland captain has, for all his strengths, has never possessed the class on the ball or football intelligence of Jim Bett, Paul

Lambert, Graeme Souness, Paul McStay, Steven Davis or even Callum McGregor.

When it comes, though, to winding up opponents “Broony” is in a league of his own in the global game.

He was up to all is old tricks once again in the cinch Premiership match against Rangers at Pittodrie on Tuesday night. He got Ryan

Kent – whom he memorably goaded into lashing out at him in an Old Firm derby at Celtic Park back in 2019 – sent off with an excessive reaction to a nothing challenge.

As the Englishman headed for the tunnel he laughed in his rival’s face and applauded – much to the delight of the home supporters.

He was not finished there either. He immediately started mouthing off to James Tavernier as they jostled for position. The visiting skipper eventually shoved him away in disgust. Dons diehards lapped it up.

Chris Strachan, who helps run the Blazing Lambs Supporters Club, had his reservations when Brown moved to Aberdeen in the summer. However, he has been impressed with his performances and enjoyed his antagonistic streak.

“I was a bit dubious when we signed him because of his Celtic connections,” he said. “He was never a player who I liked when he played against us. But I would say he has been one of Aberdeen’s better players this season. He is versatile and will play wherever he is asked.

“I don’t think he will ever win everyone in the Aberdeen support over. One or two of them will still remember his Celtic days. But I would say that 90 per cent are behind him. Once he puts on a red shirt he gives his all for Aberdeen.”