Second-force Dons have sights set on No. 1 spot
GREG TANSEY believes Aberdeen are well-equipped to remain Scotland’s second force this season.
Former Inverness star Tansey has only been a Dons player for a matter of weeks, but everything about the club has blown him away.
From the quality of training, to facilities, to the calibre of player in the dressing-room, he reckons the Reds are sitting pretty.
It’s a situation that explains why the tenacious midfielder thought the Dons were a tougher opponent than Rangers last season.
But it also lends context to his assertion that the Pittodrie side can continue to outshine the Gers in the coming campaign by staying on Celtic’s heels.
Asked whether other clubs saw Aberdeen as the legitimate No. 2 outfit in the country these days, Tansey was firm. “I did last season,” he said. “Definitely, because, in my opinion, playing against them, Aberdeen were a very good side.
“Last season the gaffer had them set up very well and they had good players all over the pitch.
“I know Rangers are in a transition period, so to speak, and there has been a bit of unrest, but, as a player outside, looking at the top three, I’d say Aberdeen are No. 2.
“The set- up here is fantastic. Everything is looked after for you.
“Inverness was a much smaller club but it was one I was very fond of. You had to make do with the facilities they had – and they do the best they can with the money they’ve got.
“But when you come here you realise how big a club it is because everything is taken care of. You are really well looked after.
“We’re confident we can continue being the second force. There are some great players here already and I’m sure there’ll be more to come as well. I’ve been very impressed with the standard of the squad. They are all proven players at this level.
“It’s good to come into that because you want to test yourself.”
Tansey’s belief in his new side is not limited to merely staying ahead of Rangers.
The Scouse star believes the Dons should be setting their sights even higher.
“I think we can give Celtic a challenge. As everybody saw they were a very, very good side last season,” he said.
“But it can only go on so long. Every team gets beaten eventually. That’s life.
“We’re just focusing on ourselves and if we’re picking up points regularly in the league, then you see where you are.
“But Aberdeen are a big enough club that we should be challenging Celtic. So we’ll see.”
Before they can think about challenging Celtic, the Dons face a tough Europa League opener against NK Siroki Brijeg.
Derek McInnes had begun his homework on the Bosnian outfit even before they were confirmed as Aberdeen’s opponents.
It’s a task he has relished, and one that has reinforced his decision to knock back Sunderland this summer.
He explained: “There are certain things at Aberdeen we can’t have, but what we do have is the opportunity to get to cup finals and experience European football.
“I love being involved in Europe. I like the pace you have to work at, getting to know the teams you’re facing, and the tactical side of it.
“I love all the different experiences a European campaign can bring you.
“I think it’s important for our club to be involved in that.”