The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Never say never again
AFC: Ex-Don Grimmer not ruling out return to club so close to his heart
Play-off hero Jack Grimmer would “never say never” to an Aberdeen homecoming.
Grimmer, who won the League One play-off final at Wembley on Monday with Wycombe Wanderers, is a former Dons season ticketholder and started his career with the club.
He became their youngest ever player in 2010 when he made his senior debut under Mark McGhee, making four appearances before moving to Fulham in 2012.
His mother lives in Westhill, close to Aberdeen’s new training ground at Cormack Park, and Grimmer has returned to the Granite City after Wycombe’s remarkable promotion.
The 26-year-old will never close the door on a return to Aberdeen in the future and has watched on with interest how the club has progressed since his departure.
Grimmer said: “I just think never say never.
“It’s where I’m from, I was a season ticket-holder as a kid. From a distance I’ve looked in and it’s such an exciting transition with Dave Cormack coming in, moving to the new stadium and training ground.
“I stayed with my mum during lockdown and the training ground is right on the doorstep. I was running past it every day. It’s such a step forward. When I was there, you were getting the bus to Balgownie or the Army barracks. That first step of the training ground, with hopefully the stadium to follow, will take it on to that next level.
“I’m a fan, I’ve been a fan for the eight years since I left. It’s been a really interesting transition looking in from the outside.”
Prior to joining Wycombe last year, he had contemplated returning to Scotland to boost his international prospects. Grimmer has represented his country at all age-group levels but only received one under-21 cap, in a 2-2 draw with Hungary in March 2014.
Pulling on the navy blue jersey is a firm ambition of his, something he hopes can be realised by playing regularly in the English Championship.
Grimmer added: “It’s always something in the back of my mind, having been very fortunate to play for the under-15s, 16s and 19s. It always is a sore spot for me that I only got one cap for the under-21s. It’s in the back of my mind – every player wants to be in the squad and if you produce the goods for your club, hopefully you do get that chance.
“Players have made their debuts a lot older than 26. Managers are always looking for what can help them next. You hope one day it can come true.
“It was in my thoughts, coming back to Scotland in the summer, for me that would have helped my case as playing in Scotland every week can only help your case for the national side. But playing in the Championship can only do my case some good.”